Etonogestrel: Uses, indications and cautions when using

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Etonogestrel is similar to a natural hormone made in the body, which works by preventing the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle. Etonogestrel also thickens vaginal fluid to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg and changes the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching.

1. Uses of Etonogestrel

What does Etonogestrel do? In fact, Etonogestrel is a product in the form of a thin, small plastic rod that is implanted under the skin and works to prevent pregnancy. The stick slowly releases etonogestrel into the body over a 3-year period. Etonogestrel is similar to a natural hormone made in the body, it works mainly by preventing the release of an egg, which is ovulated during the menstrual cycle. In addition, Etonogestrel also thickens vaginal fluid to prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization) and changes the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching.
Etonogestrel does not contain any estrogen. Etonogestrel may not work as well in women who are overweight, obese, or who use certain medications that cause interactions. Using Etonogestrel does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia,...

2. How to use Etonogestrel

Before using Etonogestrel, you should carefully read the instructions for use in the leaflet provided by the pharmacist before inserting the implant. In addition, you will also receive a dosing slip that records the date and location on your body where the implants were inserted to help keep track of when the implants need to be removed. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Consult with your doctor about the best time to schedule an appointment for implantation. Your doctor may first check your chances of becoming pregnant. Etonogestrel usually activates immediately when the stick is implanted into the skin from day 1 to day 5, from the start of a regular menstrual cycle. If it's not during your period, you may need to use another form of non-hormonal birth control (for example, a condom, diaphragm, or spermicide). for the first 7 days after the Etonogestrel implant is placed. Talk to your doctor about using other forms of backup birth control.
The stick will be implanted in the skin of your upper arm. Make sure that, right after placing the implant, you can feel it under your skin. In addition, you will have a bandage covering the area where the implant was placed. Keep the bandage on for 24 hours and keep it small for 3-5 days or as directed by your doctor. In addition, you also need to pay attention, always keep the bandage clean and dry to avoid infection. Etonogestrel sticks must be discarded after 3 years and can be replaced if birth control is to continue. Trained health care professionals can remove the strip at any time if you no longer want birth control or an unwanted effect occurs.
SEE ALSO: Does placing a contraceptive implant have any effect?

3. Undesirable effects of the drug Etonogestrel

Unwanted effects of Etonogestrel include:
Nausea Abdominal pain, bloating Dizziness, headache Chest tightness Acne Hair loss Weight gain Irritation, vaginal discharge Placement of rod: Pain, bruising, numbness, infection or scarring Menstrual cycle changes: menstruation comes early or late, menstrual days may be longer or shorter. If bleeding persists for more than 8 days or more, contact your doctor. Pregnancy: if you miss your period twice in a row, contact your doctor for a pregnancy test. High blood pressure Serious side effects: mood swings (eg, depression), breast lump, excessive facial hair, stomach pain, pelvic pain, unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellow eyes, coughing up blood,... Formation of blood clots: eg deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, stroke,... However, this complication rarely occurs. The implant cannot be removed: the implant must be removed after 3 years and this is a simple procedure that can be performed in the clinic. However, some cases were placed too deep or could not be palpated and had to be surgically removed. When your doctor prescribes Etonogestrel, you should always evaluate and weigh the potential benefits above the risk of side effects. However, in some cases, unwanted effects may still occur. So, if unusual symptoms persist or a serious allergic reaction occurs such as rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, throat, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing,... get medical help right away. medical facility for prompt treatment.
SEE ALSO: Contraceptive implant: What you need to know

4. Notes when taking Etonogestrel

Before using Etonogestrel, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to other progestins such as norethindrone, desogestrel,... or any anesthetics, antiseptics that may be used. use during the procedure, or any other allergic condition. In addition, you also need to provide medical history, especially conditions such as blood clots, blood clotting disorders (protein C or protein S deficiency), high blood pressure, breast abnormalities or cancer. (such as breast or cervical cancer), acute high cholesterol or triglycerides, depression, diabetes, etc. Or heart problems (such as heart valve disease, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, etc.) .), a history of yellowing of the eyes or skin during pregnancy or while using hormonal contraceptives (such as pills, patches, etc.), kidney disease, liver disease, stroke, swelling, unexplained vaginal bleeding,...
Do not use Etonogestrel if you smoke and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and high blood pressure from hormonal birth control (eg, pill, implant, patch, ring). The risk of these serious problems increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. Also, Etonogestrel may make you dizzy. Therefore, do not use alcohol, marijuana or other stimulants during the placement of the rod.
Etonogestrel can cause dark areas on the face and skin. Sunlight can make this condition worse. So, apply sunscreen regularly, limit direct exposure to the sun. If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may have vision problems or have trouble wearing contact lenses. Contact your ophthalmologist if these problems occur.
Etonogestrel should not be used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Because some serious problems can be caused if Etonogestrel is used during pregnancy such as ectopic pregnancy,...

5. Etonogestrel drug interactions

Drug interactions can change the way a drug works or increase the risk of unwanted effects. Some medicines can make birth control with Etonogestrel less effective by reducing the amount of birth control hormones in the body, which can lead to an unwanted pregnancy. Therefore, before using the drug, inform your doctor about the drugs you are taking, do not stop or change the dosage of any other medicine without the consent of the doctor. Some drugs that interact with Etonogestrel include:
Griseofulvin Modafinil Rifamycins: rifampin, rifabutin,... Medicines for epilepsy: felbamate, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, primidone, topiramate,... HIV drugs: nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir,... Etonogestrel can cause reactions and falsify test results eg gender, hormone binding globulin, thyroid gland,... So make sure that All lab technicians and doctors know that you are using Etonogestrel .

6. How to store Etonogestrel

Store Etonogestrel at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Do not store in a humid place or in the freezer. Each medicine will have different storage methods, so read the Etonogestrel storage instructions carefully on the package, or ask your pharmacist. Keep Etonogestrel out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of medicine properly when it is past its expiration date or cannot be used. Do not throw Etonogestrel into a plumbing or toilet unless told to do so. Consult your local waste disposal company or pharmacist on how to safely dispose of etonogestrel.
In a nutshell, Etonogestrel pills are similar to a naturally occurring hormone made in the body, which works by preventing the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle. Etonogestrel also thickens vaginal fluid to help prevent sperm from reaching an egg and changes the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching. However, Etonogestrel can cause some unwanted effects. Therefore, before using, please inform your doctor about allergy history, medical history so that the doctor can give a suitable and highly effective treatment regimen.

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Reference source: webmd.com