If you’re looking at birth control options, you may want to learn more about Nexplanon (etonogestrel). Nexplanon is a prescription drug that’s used to prevent pregnancy in females* who can become pregnant.

A implant is inserted into your arm. It is a form of birth control.

You can read about how to save money on prescriptions and how to find cheaper ones.

Note: To learn more about Nexplanon, see this in-depth article.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

The price you pay for Nexplanon can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan and your insurance coverage (if you have it). It will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor to have Nexplanon inserted.

Talk to your doctor or insurance provider to find out how much you will pay forNexplanon.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Nexplanon. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Nexplanon in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether Nexplanon is covered by your insurance plan. If Nexplanon requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Ask your insurance company ifNexplanon requires prior authorization.

There are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What’s the cost of Nexplanon without insurance vs. with insurance?

The cost ofNexplanon will vary depending on a number of factors. If you have an insurance plan that coversNexplanon, your cost may depend on how much your doctor charges for an appointment.

The cost of the drug without insurance is likely to be more than the cost of the drug with insurance. Talk to your doctor or insurance provider about what you will pay. They can tell you the cost of the project.

How much does it cost to have Nexplanon removed?

The removal cost forNexplanon is dependent on a number of factors. If you have an insurance plan, this may include the amount that your doctor charges for the removal of theNexplanon. The removal cost without insurance is likely to be more than the cost with insurance.

“You can have a new device inserted at the same time that you have the old implant removed. You wouldn’t have to pay for two separate visits to have the same thing done.”

Before havingNexplanon removed, you should talk to your doctor or insurance provider to find out what the cost is.

The drug is a brand name. It is not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug is a copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generic drugs are cheaper than brand-name drugs.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

“Years of research and testing are needed to make sure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. The drugs can be expensive if they are tested. The manufacturer of a drug can sell it for 20 years. Generic versions can be created by other drug makers. The market can lead to lower prices for generics. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, so they don’t need to be studied again. This can lead to lower costs.”

If you need help understanding your insurance, check out these websites.

You can find information on insurance, drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards on these sites.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. The cost ofNexplanon may be covered by theAffordable Care Act. Talk to your doctor or insurance provider about the cost ofNexplanon.

If you still have questions about the cost of the drug, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you will pay. If you have health insurance, you will need to talk to your insurer to find out the actual cost forNexplanon.

You can ask your doctor or insurance provider questions.

  • Is there a way to use lower-cost contraceptives?
  • What’s the difference in cost between Nexplanon and an intrauterine device (IUD)?
  • “What are my options if I can’t afford it?”

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.