[Etonorgestrel (Implanon) subcutaneous implant].
Etonorgestrel is provided in an subcutaneous implant to assure a contraception of long duration. This progestogen derived from desogestrel already used in several combined oral contraceptives acts by inhibiting ovulation and modifying the viscosity of the endocervical mucus. The contraceptive effect is rapidly obtained after insertion. After removal of the implant, the serum concentration of etonorgestrel rapidly drops down so that most patients ovulate after 3 weeks. The most important side effect of this contraceptive device is the bleeding irregularity encountered in a minority of patients (frequent or prolonged bleedings).
Simon
P
P
Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Erasme.
Sternon
J
J
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D017135:Desogestrel; D004343:Drug Implants; D006801:Humans; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D018579:Patient Selection; D013997:Time Factors; D014753:Vinyl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants; D014753:Vinyl Compounds; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel