The most popular long-term contraceptive among American women is now available in a new form — and it’s the first new oral contraceptive (OC) to be approved in over 40 years.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the drug, called Nexplanon, to be used for 5 years. It’s the first hormone therapy (HT) option specifically designed for adults, and it’s indicated for women who want to avoid pregnancy for at least 3 years. The most common side effect is vaginal bleeding, which can be light or deep. While light bleeding is common among all oral contraception (OC) users, deep bleeding is more common in women taking estrogen-containing hormones (such as Nexplanon).
Why is this medication so popular?
For one thing, it’s highly effective at preventing pregnancy. A 1-year study published in the journal Contraception found that women using Nexplanon had an 86% chance of becoming pregnant, while women using a placebo had a 27% chance of getting pregnant. Even better, a 12-month study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AJOG) found that women using Nexplanon had an 11% pregnancy rate, which is about the same as for women using injectable contraception (such as the Depo-Provera shot).
What’s more, oral contraceptives are a great option for women who want to avoid some of the side effects of other forms of contraception. For instance, women who use Nexplanon don’t have to worry about headaches or indigestion that can be side effects of oral contraceptives or the IUD. One of the safest forms of contraception available, according to the FDA, is Nexplanon. This medication doesn’t contain any of the hormones that can cause liver problems in some people. Finally, due to the long-lasting nature of the device (the plastic portion of the implant is meant to last 3 years), women who use Nexplanon don’t have to worry about remembering to take a pill every day. If anything goes wrong, they can just go back and have it replaced, without having to worry about an adverse reaction to the medication. In fact, studies have shown this medication to be so safe that the FDA approved it for use in adolescents as young as 11 years old.
What makes this pill special?
Well, for one thing, it’s the first OC to be approved in 40 years. The last drug to be approved was called RU486, and it was designed to be taken just once a year. This isn’t to say that there aren’t other hormonal contraceptives available, but it’s the first of its kind in a long time, and it’s likely that consumers will go crazy for it. The chances of a drug being approved for a longer use are pretty low, considering how many drugs are approved for only a single use these days. Many patients are happy to put up with a few side effects in order to have a contraceptive that they can use for 3 years. It’s amazing how many patients would be willing to try out an experimental drug just so they can avoid using a traditional pill, which is why this medication is likely to see such great success.
How does this medication work?
As mentioned above, the most common side effect of this medication is bleeding, which can be heavy or light. This is usually a sign that the ovaries are preparing to release an egg. While this type of bleeding is common among all types of contraceptive users, it’s more prominent in women taking estrogen-containing hormones (such as Nexplanon). Estrogen is a natural hormone that encourages cell reproduction, which is why women experience more bleeding when taking estrogen-containing hormones. In addition to causing headaches and indigestion, estrogen has also been known to cause blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes in some people. So, while estrogen is an indispensable hormone in women, it’s not a good idea to overexpose yourself to it by taking more pills than is needed. Just take Nexplanon as directed by your doctor and avoid exposure to estrogen-containing medications, if you want to stay healthy.
Are there any contraindications to this medication?
An important issue to consider when taking any form of hormonal contraception is the presence of contraindications, situations where you shouldn’t take the medication due to the presence of other health problems.
It’s always good practice to be mindful of any medications or supplements you’re taking, as this can sometimes interact with each other or intensify their effects. For instance, let’s say you’re taking an antibiotic and you have a history of blood clots, or you’re allergic to aspirin. In these situations, it would be best to avoid taking pills that contain estrogen or progesterone, as your body’s natural reaction could be to try and synthesize more of these hormones than are already present. Your body’s natural production of these hormones is stimulated when you take aspirin, which could lead to further clots and heart problems. As for the antibiotic, let’s say it’s a tetracycline. These antibiotics have been known to increase the risk of clots by 50%, and they also lower your body’s immune system, which makes you more susceptible to infections. So, in these cases, it would be best to avoid taking any antibiotics, especially tetracycline products. Your doctor can help you figure out which type of hormonal contraception is right for you.
What’s the best way to take this medication?
As mentioned above, the medication is available in a form called an implant, which is placed under the skin of the arm. It’s always best to follow the instructions provided by your doctor when it comes to medication and treatment. However, in cases where you’re not sure how to properly take this medication or how it should be used in conjunction with other medications or supplements, it’s always good to ask your doctor for help. Sometimes, even after having your implant placed, you need to have it rotated or removed and replaced with a new one. This is what happens after 3 years, when the plastic portion of the implant starts to show signs of wear.
The Verdict
So, is it safe to say that you can lose weight on Nexplanon? Well, if you’re taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor and you’re not experiencing any issues, then there’s no reason to change anything. While this medication is extremely safe and effective, as mentioned above, it’s not for everybody. If you’re not sure whether or not you should try this medication, then it wouldn’t hurt to ask your doctor. However, if you’re experiencing any issues whatsoever, then it’s best to look for other options. Remember, this is a long-term solution, so even if you try it and it works perfectly for you, you’ll eventually have to switch medications, since the plastic portion of the implant is meant to last only 3 years.