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.