If you’re looking at birth control options, your doctor may recommend Nexplanon.

The medication that is used to prevent pregnancies is contained in the implant. It can be used in females of any age who are pregnant.

It is possible that NEXplanon is also called a birth control implant. It is an implant that is placed under the skin of your arm by a healthcare professional.

etonogestrel is an active ingredient inNexplanon. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

One Nexplanon implant can be used for up to 3 years. For more information about Nexplanon, see this in-depth article on the drug.

TheNexplanon implant can cause mild to serious side effects. Continue reading to learn more.

* 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.

Some people may experience side effects during their treatment. Some of the reported side effects ofNexplanon include:

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

Some people may experience mild side effects from NEXplanon. Mild side effects have been reported.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.
† To learn more, see the “Does Nexplanon cause weight gain?” section below.

The implant being inserted or removed is one of the side effects ofNexplanon. The side effects of NEXplanon are shown in the section.

These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Nexplanon may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Nexplanon prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Nexplanon, visit MedWatch.

It is possible to have serious side effects withNexplanon. There have been serious side effects reported withNexplanon.

The implant being inserted or removed is one of the side effects ofNexplanon. The side effects of NEXplanon are shown in the section.

If you develop serious side effects, you should call your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call the emergency number.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

It’s possible for Nexplanon to cause weight gain. In fact, weight gain was a common side effect reported in studies of Nexplanon.

People withNexplanon gained an average of 3.8 pounds in 2 years. It is not known how much of the weight gain was due to the drug. Some people in studies had the implant removed due to weight gain.

If you gain weight withNexplanon, you may lose it all once the implant is removed.

If you are concerned about weight gain fromNexplanon, talk to your doctor. They may be able to help you with your weight management.

The NEXplanon is placed under the skin of the arm. You may experience side effects after your doctor removes a implant.

There are possible side effects from havingNexplanon removed or inserted.

  • It is scarring.
  • There is pain or itching at the site where the drug is inserted.
  • The person has cramps.
  • There is numbness.
  • bleeding or It was bruised. where Nexplanon is inserted
  • It is an infectious disease
  • The implant is inserted into your skin.
  • abscess (swollen bump containing pus)

In studies of Nexplanon, side effects after the implant was inserted or removed weren’t common. But if you have any side effects after getting Nexplanon inserted or removed, talk with your doctor. They can determine the best ways to treat these side effects.

The implant may move from the site it was inserted. The implant can cause serious symptoms when it moves deeper into your arm.

It is possible for the implant to enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, such as the chest or lungs. This can cause serious symptoms.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor or the hospital.

Get answers to questions about the side effects ofNexplanon.

Is it possible to have spotting or other side effects 1 to 2 years after Nexplanon is inserted?

It is possible thatNexplanon may cause long-term changes in your period bleeding. It is possible to have side effects ofNexplanon after a couple of years.

In studies, during the first 2 years of having Nexplanon, some people had more frequent or longer periods, while others had their periods stop completely.

In most cases, the changes to period bleeding will occur in the first 3 months after the procedure. As long as you have the implant, these changes may continue.

Talk to your doctor about what you should expect. If you have any strange changes in your period during treatment withNexplanon, talk to them.

The “Side effects explained” section explains more about spotting or other changes in bleeding.

Will I have It was bruised. or It is itchy. when Nexplanon is inserted or removed?

It’s possible that you may experience It was bruised. or itching when your Nexplanon implant is inserted or removed. Although they weren’t common, these side effects were reported in people who had Nexplanon inserted or removed in studies.

TheNexplanon can cause redness or It is itchy..

The side effects ofNexplanon can be found in the section titled “Side effects ofNexplanon insertion and removal”.

Does Nexplanon cause brown spotting?

Yes, Nexplanon can cause spotting, which may include brown spotting. (With spotting, you have light bleeding that happens outside of your regular period.) Nexplanon can change your period bleeding patterns. In some people, this may cause heavier periods, There was irregular bleeding., or spotting.

Spotting is a common side effect ofNexplanon, but you should still tell your doctor if you experience it. In rare cases, spotting may be a sign of a condition such as cancer. Your doctor can check to see if the spotting you areExperiencing is fromNexplanon.

Does Nexplanon cause low libido (low sex drive)?

It’s possible that Nexplanon may cause low libido. This wasn’t a side effect reported in studies of Nexplanon. But after Nexplanon became available for use, some people who got the implant reported having low libido.

If you are concerned about low libido during your treatment, talk to your doctor. They may be able to suggest ways to manage this side effect, or they may suggest a different birth control option.

Are The person has cramps. a side effect of Nexplanon?

Yes, Nexplanon can cause The person has cramps. or There is There is belly pain... In studies, There is There is belly pain.. was one of the most common side effects that people with Nexplanon reported.

If you experience mild The person has cramps. or There is There is belly pain.. while you have Nexplanon, talk with your doctor. They can determine what may be causing your The person has cramps.. In some cases, they may recommend using a medication such as acetaminophen/caffeine/pyrilamine (Midol) to treat your The person has cramps..

If you experience There is There is belly pain.. or cramping that’s severe, tell your doctor right away or go to the nearest hospital. In some cases, serious There is There is belly pain.. or cramping can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. (With an ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg attaches to an area other than the uterus, such as the fallopian tube.)

ectopic pregnancies can cause serious problems if not treated. If you think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor.

There are some side effects ofNexplanon.

Spotting or other changes in period bleeding

Nexplanon may cause changes in your period bleeding, including spotting (light bleeding that happens outside of your regular period). In fact, changes in bleeding were a common side effect that people with Nexplanon reported in studies. This was also the most common reason that people had their Nexplanon implant removed early.

It may cause:

  • More or less frequent bleeding during your period.
  • breakthrough bleeding or spotting
  • Changes in the amount of bleeding.
  • How long your period lasts changes.
  • There was irregular bleeding.

You may not have a period during treatment withNexplanon.

In most cases, the changes to period bleeding will occur in the first 3 months after the procedure. As long as you haveNexplanon, these changes may continue.

What might help

Talk to your doctor about what changes in bleeding you may experience before you have your implant inserted.

Spotting and other changes in bleeding are common withNexplanon, but you should still tell your doctor if you experience these side effects. They may be a sign of a different condition, such as cancer. Your doctor can check to see if the side effects you are experiencing are fromNexplanon.

If you notice any changes in bleeding or spotting fromNexplanon, your doctor may recommend a different birth control option.

Changes in mood (“mood swings”)

It’s possible to have changes in mood with Nexplanon. Nexplanon is hormonal birth control, so it changes your hormone levels to help prevent pregnancy. These hormone changes may cause changes in mood (sometimes called “mood swings”). This may include depression. Symptoms of mood changes or depression may include:

  • I feel sad or powerless.
  • feeling irritable
  • Sleeping less often is also a thing.
  • Weight loss or gain.
  • “You used to enjoy things, but now you don’t.”

What might help

If you experience depression or other changes in mood with Nexplanon, tell your doctor. In some cases, they may be able to prescribe other medications, such as antidepressants, to manage your mood changes. But if you have severe mood changes or depression, your doctor may recommend having your Nexplanon implant removed and trying a different birth control option.

Breast pain

Nexplanon may cause breast pain in some people. Breast pain was a common side effect that people with Nexplanon reported in studies.

It is possible for the drug to cause other breast-related side effects. People who gotNexplanon after it was approved for use have reported the side effects. People with the drug reported other breast-related side effects.

  • breast discharge
  • Breast growth.

What might help

If you have breast pain, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend using other medications, such as acetaminophen, to help ease the pain.

If you have any breast-related side effects, tell your doctor. They can determine if the best way to treat your side effects is withNexplanon.

Nausea

Nexplanon may cause nausea, but this wasn’t a common side effect reported in studies of the drug.

What might help

If you experience nausea withNexplanon, talk to your doctor. They can determine if the cause is related toNexplanon. They can suggest ways to treat nausea.

Allergic reaction

Some people can have an allergic reaction toNexplanon.

Mild to serious symptoms can be present.

  • There is a skin rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, discoloration, or deepening of skin color)
  • “It’s usually under your skin, but it can be anywhere.”
  • It can be hard to breathe if you have swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat.

What might help

If you have a mild rash, call your doctor. They may suggest a treatment to help you. Examples include:

  • an over-the-counter antihistamine that you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • A cream that you apply to your skin.

If your doctor confirms that you have an allergic reaction toNexplanon, they will decide if you should continue your treatment.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you have an allergic reaction toNexplanon, they may want you to switch to another treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

Take notes on the side effects ofNexplanon. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Side effect notes can include things.

  • How soon did you experience the side effect after getting the implant?
  • What are your symptoms?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how the drug affects you. If needed, they can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

If you have certain medical conditions, NEXplanon may not be right for you. These are drug-condition interactions. Other factors may affect whether or not you should useNexplanon.

Before you getNexplanon, talk to your doctor about your health history. The list has factors to consider.

Diabetes or prediabetes. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, tell your doctor before getting Nexplanon. This drug may increase your blood sugar. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your body may already have trouble regulating your blood sugar. So Nexplanon may make your condition worse. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood sugar more often during your Nexplanon treatment. In some cases, they may recommend a different birth control option for you.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Nexplanon or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Nexplanon. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Blood clots. If you have There are blood clot. or have had a blood clot in the past, your doctor will likely recommend a different kind of birth control for you. This is because Nexplanon can raise your risk of a blood clot occurring again. Talk with your doctor to determine which kind of contraceptive is best for you.

Liver problems. If you have liver problems, including liver tumors or liver disease, talk with your doctor before getting Nexplanon. Hormonal birth control such as Nexplanon can cause your There are problems with the bile duct. to get worse. If you have certain kinds of There are problems with the bile duct., your doctor will likely recommend a different contraceptive option for you.

Breast cancer or other hormone-related cancer. If you’ve had breast cancer or other hormone-related cancer before, Nexplanon may raise your risk of it coming back. Your doctor will recommend a different kind of birth control for you.

Unusual genital bleeding. If you have unusual genital bleeding, tell your doctor before getting Nexplanon. In rare cases, genital bleeding may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as cancer. Your doctor will want to determine what’s causing your genital bleeding before you get Nexplanon.

Kidney problems. If you have any kidney problems, tell your doctor before getting Nexplanon. Your doctor may recommend a kind of nonhormonal birth control if you have kidney problems.

Gallbladder disease. Hormonal birth control increases the risk of gallbladder disease. Nexplanon is a hormonal birth control, but it’s not known whether it can cause gallbladder disease. If you already have gallbladder disease, this medication may make your condition worse. Your doctor will determine whether Nexplanon is safe for you to get.

Depression. Hormonal birth control such as Nexplanon may cause mood changes, including depression. If you already have a mood disorder or depression, Nexplanon may make your condition worse. If you have one of these conditions, talk with your doctor before getting Nexplanon. They may monitor your mood more closely during your Nexplanon treatment. In some cases, they may recommend a different birth control option for you.

High blood pressure. Nexplanon may raise your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure., getting Nexplanon may make your condition worse. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood pressure more often during your Nexplanon treatment. In some cases, they may recommend a different birth control option for you.

High triglycerides or cholesterol. Nexplanon may raise your triglyceride or cholesterol levels. If your levels are already high, Nexplanon may make your condition worse. Your doctor may recommend monitoring your triglycerides and cholesterol levels through blood tests during your treatment with Nexplanon. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe treatment for your high triglycerides or cholesterol levels.

Pregnancy. You should not get Nexplanon during pregnancy. To learn more, see the “Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Nexplanon” section below.

Alcohol and Nexplanon

It should be safe to drink alcohol during your Nexplanon treatment. But alcohol may make certain side effects of Nexplanon worse. For example, both Nexplanon and alcohol can cause There is a throbbing head., nausea, and There are problems with the bile duct.. So drinking alcohol while you have Nexplanon may make these side effects worse.

If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about how much you can drink during treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Nexplanon

“During pregnancy, NEXplanon should not be used. If you are already pregnant, it shouldn’t be inserted.”

But like other kinds of birth control, Nexplanon is not 100% effective. So it’s still possible (although unlikely) to become pregnant during treatment with Nexplanon. In studies, Nexplanon was more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

If you become pregnant during your treatment, you should tell your doctor. They will likely remove the implant.

If you are breastfeeding, it is likely safe to have the drug inserted. The drug inNexplanon has been shown to pass into breast milk. There have been no reported side effects in children who were exposed to etonogestrel through breast milk.

It is important to note that breastfeeding may be more difficult if the production of milk is decreased.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, you should talk with your doctor before you getNexplanon.

Some people may experience side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the side effects. You may want to ask a few questions.

  • How will you treat the side effects ofNexplanon?
  • I am experiencing side effects with my dose ofNexplanon.
  • What should I do if I get pregnant during treatment?

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.