A multicentre efficacy and safety study of the single contraceptive implant Implanon

Abstract

An open, multicentre study was performed to assess efficacy, safety and acceptability of the single-rod contraceptive implant Implanon. The study involved 635 young healthy women, who were sexually active and of childbearing potential. The women were followed up every 3 months over the entire study period. Originally the study was designed for 2 years, but was extended to 3 years in a group of 147 women from two centres. Altogether, 21 centres in nine different countries participated. The average age of the women was 29 years (range 18-42 years), of whom 83.5% had been pregnant in the past. No pregnancy occurred during treatment with Implanon, resulting in a Pearl Index of 0 (95% confidence interval: 0.0-0.2). In the first 2 years, 31% had discontinued the treatment. Of the 147 women in the study extension, nine discontinued (6%) treatment. Bleeding irregularities was the main reason for discontinuation during the first 2 years of use (17.2%) and adverse experiences in the third year (3.4%). Implant insertion and removal were fast and uncomplicated in the vast majority (97%) of cases. Return of fertility was prompt. In conclusion, Implanon has excellent contraceptive action during its lifetime of 3 years. The safety profile is acceptable and not essentially different from progestogens in general.

Continuation of the etonogestrel implant in women undergoing immediate postabortion placement

“…Our observed continuation rate of 83.0% overall is similar to the other published 12-month continuation rates of the etonogestrel implant. (13,14) Few studies have specifically evaluated continuation of the implant after immediate postabortion insertion. Women undergoing immediate postabortion placement may have had less time to consider their contraceptive decision and may be more likely to regret their choice, leading to higher discontinuation rates.…”

A Study of Efficacy and Safety Profile With Sub Dermal Single Rod Contraceptive Implant Implanon

“…of cases having amenorrhea infrequent bleeding. Similarly Haracio and Craxatto et al (1999) (10) showed that maximum no. (17.2%) of cases were having bleeding irregularities same cases were having amenorrhea in reference period.…”

“…11(10%) of cases discontinued implant due to no fix pattern of bleeding 7(6.63%) due to prolonged bleeding, 7(6.63%) due to heavy bleeding, One case (0.90%) discontinued for next conception. Croxatto et al (1999) reported maximum reasons (17.2%) were discontinuation bleeding irregularities. Buckshee et al (1993) (11) noted in their study maximum no.…”

Ultrasound-guided removal of Implanon™ devices

“…An initial history and examination is performed to verify that an Implanon™ was inserted and to locate the insertion site. There have been a number of documented cases in which Implanon™ devices were not in fact inserted, but left within the introducer [6,7]. It is therefore important to try and verify that an Implanon™ device has been placed.…”