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.
How to insert the implant
Don’t forget contraindications: Bleeding, babies, clots, cancer
Known or suspected pregnancy
Current/past history of thrombosis/thromboembolic disorders
Liver tumours (benign/malignant) or active liver disease
Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
Known/suspected breast cancer, personal history
References
https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/n/nexplanon/nexplanon_pi.pdf
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
Dr. B.N.
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