Etonogestrel
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Nexplanon
- Brand Names
- Nexplanon
- Dosage Form
- POWDER
- Product Type
- BULK INGREDIENT
⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)
WARNING: RISK OF COMPLICATIONS DUE TO IMPROPER INSERTION and REMOVAL Improper insertion of NEXPLANON increases the risk of complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Proper training prior to first use of NEXPLANON can minimize the risk of improper NEXPLANON insertion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Because of the risk of complications due to improper insertion and removal NEXPLANON is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the NEXPLANON REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . WARNING: RISK OF COMPLICATIONS DUE TO IMPROPER INSERTION and REMOVAL Improper insertion of NEXPLANON increases the risk of complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Proper training prior to first use of NEXPLANON can minimize the risk of improper NEXPLANON insertion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . NEXPLANON is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the NEXPLANON REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .
Description
11 DESCRIPTION NEXPLANON is a radiopaque, progestin-only, soft, flexible implant preloaded in a sterile, disposable applicator for subdermal use. The implant is white/off-white, non-biodegradable and 4 cm in length with a diameter of 2 mm (see Figure 19 ). Each implant consists of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer (28% vinyl acetate, 43 mg) core, containing 68 mg of the synthetic progestin etonogestrel, barium sulfate ((15 mg), radiopaque ingredient), and magnesium stearate (0.1 mg), surrounded by an EVA copolymer skin. Once inserted subdermally, the release rate is 60-75 mcg/day in week 5-6 and decreases to approximately 40-50 mcg/day at the end of the first year, and then to approximately 15-20 mcg/day at the end of the fifth year. NEXPLANON is a progestin-only contraceptive and does not contain estrogen. NEXPLANON is not made with natural rubber latex. Figure 19 (Not to scale) Etonogestrel [13-Ethyl-17-hydroxy-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one], structurally derived from 19-nortestosterone, is the synthetic biologically active metabolite of the synthetic progestin desogestrel. It has a molecular weight of 324.46 and the following structural formula ( Figure 20 ). Figure 20 Figure 19 Figure 20
What Is Etonogestrel Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NEXPLANON ® is indicated for prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive potential for up to 5 years. NEXPLANON is a progestin indicated for prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive potential for up to 5 years. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The efficacy of NEXPLANON does not depend on daily, weekly, or monthly administration. All healthcare professionals should receive instruction and training prior to performing insertion and/or removal of NEXPLANON. A single NEXPLANON implant is inserted subdermally just under the skin at the inner side of the non-dominant upper arm. The insertion site is overlying the triceps muscle about 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and 3-5 cm (1.25-2 inches) posterior to (below) the sulcus (groove) between the biceps and triceps muscles. This location is intended to avoid the large blood vessels and nerves lying within and surrounding the sulcus (see Figures 2a , 2b and 2c ). Inserting an implant more deeply than subdermally (a deep insertion) may preclude palpation and localization, making removal difficult or impossible [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . NEXPLANON must be inserted by the expiration date stated on the packaging. NEXPLANON is a long-acting (up to 5 years), reversible, hormonal contraceptive method. The implant must be removed by the end of the fifth year and may be replaced by a new implant at the time of removal, if continued contraceptive protection is desired. Insert one NEXPLANON subdermally just under the skin at the inner side of the non-dominant upper arm. NEXPLANON must be removed no later than by the end of the fifth year. ( 2 ) 2.1 Initiating Contraception with NEXPLANON IMPORTANT: Rule out pregnancy before inserting the implant. Timing of insertion depends on the woman's recent contraceptive history, as follows:
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions reported with the use of hormonal contraception are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Changes in Menstrual Bleeding Patterns [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Ectopic Pregnancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Thrombotic and Other Vascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Liver Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Most common (≥10%) adverse reactions reported in clinical trials were change in menstrual bleeding pattern, headache, vaginitis, weight increase, acne, breast pain, abdominal pain, and pharyngitis. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Organon USA LLC, a subsidiary of Organon & Co., at 1-844-674-3200 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice, because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions. In clinical trials of three years duration involving 942 women who were evaluated for safety, change in menstrual bleeding patterns (irregular menses) was the most common adverse reaction causing discontinuation of use of the non-radiopaque etonogestrel implant (IMPLANON) (11.1% of women). Adverse reactions that resulted in a rate of discontinuation of ≥1% are shown in Table 3 . Table 3: Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation of Treatment in 1% or More of Subjects in 3-Year Clinical Trials of the Non-Radiopaque Etonogestrel Implant (IMPLANON) Adverse Reactions All Studies N = 942 Bleeding Irregularities Includes "frequent", "heavy", "prolonged", "spotting", and other patterns of bleeding irregularity. 11.1% Emotional Lability Among US subjects (N=330), 6.1% experienced emotional lability that led to discontinuation. 2.3% Weight Increase 2.3% Headache 1.6% Acne 1.3% Depression Among US subjects (N=330), 2.4% experienced depression that led to discontinuation. 1.0% Other adverse reactions that were reported by at least 5% of subjects in the non-radiopaque etonogestrel implant clinical trials are listed in Table 4 . Table 4: Common Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥5% of Subjects in 3-Year Clinical Trials with the Non-Radiopaque Etonogestrel Implant (IMPLANON) Adverse Reactions All Studies N = 942 Headache 24.9% Vaginitis 14.5% Weight increase 13.7% Acne 13.5% Breast pain 12.8% Abdominal pain 10.9% Pharyngitis 10.5% Leukorrhea 9.6% Influenza-like symptoms 7.6% Dizziness 7.2% Dysmenorrhea 7.2% Back pain 6.8% Emotional lability 6.5% Nausea 6.4% Pain 5.6% Nervousness 5.6% Depression 5.5% Hypersensitivity 5.4% Insertion site pain 5.2% In a clinical trial of NEXPLANON, in which investigators were asked to examine the implant site after insertion, implant site reactions were reported in 8.6% of women. Erythema was the most frequent implant site complication, reported during or shortly after insertion, occurring in 3.3% of subjects. Additionally, hematoma (3.0%), bruising (2.0%), pain (1.0%), and swelling (0.7%) were reported. In a separate clinical trial to assess contraceptive efficacy and safety of NEXPLANON beyond 3 years, up to 5 years, where a total of 498 women were evaluated for safety, a similar adverse reaction profile was observed as in Years 1 through 3.The most frequently reported adverse reaction >5% related to NEXPLANON was intermenstrual bleeding (5.4%), Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns were the most frequently reported adverse reaction leading to discontinuation occurring in 4.0% of participants. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Adverse Reactions and Events from Postmarketing Study Nexplanon Observational Risk Assessment Study (NORA) A postmarketing prospective active surveillance study was conducted among 7,364 patients in the United States to characterize the frequency of insertion-, localization-, and removal-related events. Implant Insertion Insertion difficulty...
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Consult the labeling of concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations. Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, such as CYP3A4, may decrease the effectiveness of progestin hormonal contraceptives or increase breakthrough bleeding. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Hormonal Contraceptives Substances decreasing the plasma concentrations of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) and potentially diminishing the efficacy of HCs: Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), may decrease the plasma concentrations of HCs and potentially diminish the effectiveness of HCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Some drugs or herbal products that may decrease the effectiveness of HCs include efavirenz, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, rifampicin, topiramate, rifabutin, rufinamide, aprepitant, and products containing St. John's wort. Interactions between HCs and other drugs may lead to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure. Counsel women to use an alternative non-hormonal method of contraception or a back-up method when enzyme inducers are used with HCs, and to continue back-up non-hormonal contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability. Substances increasing the plasma concentrations of HCs: Co-administration of certain HCs and strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, or ketoconazole may increase the serum concentrations of progestins, including etonogestrel. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Significant changes (increase or decrease) in the plasma concentrations of progestin have been noted in cases of co-administration with HIV protease inhibitors (decrease [e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir] or increase [e.g., indinavir and atazanavir/ritonavir])/HCV protease inhibitors (decrease [e.g., boceprevir and telaprevir]) or with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (decrease [e.g., nevirapine, efavirenz] or increase [e.g., etravirine]). These changes may be clinically relevant in some cases. Consult the prescribing information of anti-viral and anti-retroviral concomitant medications to identify potential interactions. 7.2 Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives on Other Drugs Hormonal contraceptives may affect the metabolism of other drugs. Consequently, plasma concentrations may either increase (for example, cyclosporine) or decrease (for example, lamotrigine). Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme...
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS NEXPLANON should not be used in women who have Known or suspected pregnancy Current or past history of thrombosis or thromboembolic disorders Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or active liver disease Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding Known or suspected breast cancer, personal history of breast cancer, or other progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past Allergic reaction to any of the components of NEXPLANON [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] Known or suspected pregnancy. ( 4 ) Current or past history of thrombosis or thromboembolic disorders. ( 4 , 5.5 ) Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or active liver disease. ( 4 , 5.8 ) Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding. ( 4 , 5.3 ) Known or suspected breast cancer, personal history of breast cancer, or other progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past. ( 4 , 5.7 ) Allergic reaction to any of the components of NEXPLANON. ( 4 , 6 )
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary NEXPLANON is contraindicated during pregnancy because there is no need for pregnancy prevention in a woman who is already pregnant [see Contraindications (4) ] . Epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not shown an increased risk of genital or non-genital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following maternal exposure to low dose CHCs prior to conception or during early pregnancy. No adverse development outcomes were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits with the administration of etonogestrel during organogenesis at doses of 315 or 781 times the anticipated human dose (60 µg/day) (see Data ). NEXPLANON should be removed if maintaining a pregnancy. Data Animal Data Teratology studies have been performed in rats and rabbits using oral administration up to 315 and 781 times the human etonogestrel dose (based upon body surface) and revealed no evidence of fetal harm due to etonogestrel exposure.
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage may result if more than one implant is inserted. In case of suspected overdose, the implant should be removed.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied NEXPLANON is supplied as follows: NDC 78206-145-01 One NEXPLANON package consists of a single implant containing 68 mg etonogestrel, 15 mg of barium sulfate and 0.1 mg of magnesium stearate that is 4 cm in length and 2 mm in diameter, which is pre-loaded in the needle of a disposable applicator. The sterile applicator containing the implant is packed in a blister pack. 16.2 Storage and Handling Store NEXPLANON at 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF); excursions permitted between 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Avoid storing NEXPLANON at temperatures above 30ºC (86ºF).
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.