Nexplanon, a radiopaque etonogestrel implant in combination with a next-generation applicator: 3-year results of a noncomparative multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy, safety, removal characteristics, and x-ray visibility of Nexplanon, a radiopaque etonogestrel contraceptive implant combined with a next-generation applicator.

STUDY DESIGN: A 3-year, nocomparative, multicenter study in women aged 18-40 years at 23 clinical sites.

RESULTS: Of 301 women who had an implant inserted, none became pregnant while the implant was in situ. Serious adverse events were reported in 16 of 301 (5.3%) women; none were judged as drug related. Fibrosis around the implant was the most common removal complication (4.4%). The implant was visible on X-ray and palpable before removal with a mean removal time of 2 minutes.

CONCLUSION: Nexplanon showed high contraceptive efficacy, palpability before removal, short removal times, and few removal complications. Nexplanon provides clinicians with a long-term hormonal contraceptive method with a safety and efficacy profile comparable to Implanon, radiopacity, and a new applicator.