ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
It's more than 99% effective and can be removed anytime.
What it's used for
- Preventing pregnancy
How to take it
- Placed and removed by a trained clinician with numbing medicine.
- You should be able to feel it under the skin.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Irregular or unpredictable bleeding
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Acne
Call 911Chest pain or signs of a stroke
Call your provider todayCan't feel the implant
Call your provider todaySevere lower belly pain
Warnings
- It doesn't protect against STIs.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Some seizure medicines, rifampin, St. John's wort, and HIV medicines make it less effective.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Remove if pregnant.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Not applicable: it works continuously. Mark the replacement date.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Etonogestrel implant (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.