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Writer's pictureDr. Simon Moore

Just Announced - New & as Effective as the IUD?! New Birth Control Method!




What are the different options for long acting reversible contraception (LARC) in Canada?


Though it’s been used internationally for years, there’s a new option just approved by Health Canada yesterday. Nexplanon is a 68mg ETONOGESTREL subcutaneous & radiopaque implant (4cm long) that is inserted subdermally at the inner side of your patient's non-dominant upper arm.


What to tell your patients

  • Lasts for up to a maximum of 3 YEARS and then must be removed.

  • Not known if it as effective in very overweight women (the clinical studies didn’t include this population)

  • Availability in Canada is expected Fall 2020 - the price hasn’t been announced yet.

  • Summary video for patients from the NHS


How to insert the implant


Don’t forget contraindications: Bleeding, babies, clots, cancer


  1. Known or suspected pregnancy

  2. Current/past history of thrombosis/thromboembolic disorders

  3. Liver tumours (benign/malignant) or active liver disease

  4. Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding

  5. Known/suspected breast cancer, personal history





References

  1. https://www.nexplanon.com/what-is-nexplanon/

  2. https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/n/nexplanon/nexplanon_pi.pdf

  3. Reference to specific commercial products, manufacturers, companies, or trademarks does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government, Department of Health and Human Services, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is available free of charge at https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/larc/images/infographic-B_570px.jpg

  4. Dr. B.N.

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