Nexplanon
Nexplanon Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Nexplanon is a brand name. Its generic name is Etonogestrel.
Nexplanon
Nexplanon is a progestin hormone, which is a type of medication used in birth control and hormone therapy. It is also used in menopausal hormone therapy, to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Nexplanon is the active ingredient in the hormonal contraception implant, Nexplanon.
Introduction
Nexplanon is a progestogen that belongs to the chemical class of synthetic steroids. It has actions similar to the hormone progesterone and is used in hormonal contraception and menopausal hormone therapy.
Uses for
Nexplanon is used for contraception and for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding caused by hormone imbalance in women who are not pregnant. It is also used to treat certain symptoms of menopause.
Mechanism of Action
Nexplanon works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) and suppressing the secretion of luteinizing hormone, a hormone needed for ovulation. The hormone also thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Nexplanon starts working right away. It begins to prevent pregnancy as soon as it is inserted in the arm and can last for up to three years.
Absorption
Nexplanon is rapidly and completely absorbed following subcutaneous administration in the arm. It is rapidly metabolized and excreted in the urine and feces.
Route of Elimination
Nexplanon is eliminated primarily through the urine (95%) with very little excretion of unchanged drug found in the feces (5%).
Dosage
The usual dosage for etonogestrel is one implant inserted subcutaneously in the arm. The implant can last up to three years.
Administration
Nexplanon should be inserted subcutaneously in the arm by a health care provider. After insertion, the patient should follow up with their health care provider after three weeks to ensure it is in the correct position.
Side Effect
Common side effects of etonogestrel include headache, breast tenderness, acne, and nausea. Other more serious side effects include depression, pelvic pain, and decreased libido.
Toxicity
Nexplanon is generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated. Overdose or incorrect insertion of the implant may lead to an increased risk of infection and other side effects.
Precautions
Befoer beginning treatment with etonogestrel, patients should discuss all medications they are taking with their doctor to ensure there are no interactions. Patients should also let their doctor know if they have any medical conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, or if they have a history of depression. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not take etonogestrel.
Interactions
Nexplanon may interact with other medications, including antibiotics, seizure medication, blood thinners, and certain HIV medications. Patients should discuss all medications with their doctor before beginning treatment with etonogestrel.
Disease Interaction
Nexplanon may interact with certain medical conditions, including liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure, depression, uterine or breast cancer, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Patients should discuss any medical condition with their doctor before beginning treatment with etonogestrel.
Drug Interactions
Nexplanon may interact with other medications, including antibiotics, seizure medication, blood thinners, and certain HIV medications. Patients should discuss all medications with their doctor before beginning treatment with etonogestrel.
Food Interactions
Nexplanon does not interact with food. Patients should still follow a balanced and healthy diet when taking etonogestrel.
Pregnancy Use
Nexplanon should not be used by pregnant women. Women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant should not take etonogestrel.
Lactation Use
Nexplanon should not be used by breastfeeding women. Women who are breastfeeding should not take etonogestrel. However, etonogestrel passes into breast milk in very small amounts and is not expected to cause harm to a nursing baby.
Acute Overdose
Nexplanon has a low potential for overdose. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness.
Contraindication
The use of etonogestrel is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, women with severe liver disease, and women with undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
Use Direction
Nexplanon should be inserted subcutaneously in the arm by a health care provider. After insertion, the patient should follow up with their health care provider after three weeks to ensure it is in the correct position.
Storage Condition
Nexplanon should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution for etonogestrel is 18 L (Litres).
Half Life
The half-life for etonogestrel is approximately 24 hours.
Clearance
The Clearance for etonogestrel is 0.32 L/hr (L)/hr.
Here you find in details version of Nexplanon