Clinical Data
Women should be counseled regarding the bleeding pattern changes they may experience while on NEXPLANON so they know what to expect.
Bleeding and spotting episodes
Based on data from clinical trials of the non-radiopaque etonogestrel implant (IMPLANON®):
- Women who use NEXPLANON are likely to have changes in their vaginal bleeding patterns. These may include changes in bleeding frequency, intensity, duration, or amenorrhea.
- The bleeding pattern experienced during the first 3 months using NEXPLANON is broadly predictive of the future bleeding pattern for many women.

Bleeding and spotting prevalence
Based on data from clinical trials of the non-radiopaque etonogestrel implant (IMPLANON®):
- In clinical trials
- Women had an average of 17.7 days of bleeding or spotting every 90 days (N=780)
- 11.1% of women discontinued due to changes in bleeding pattern (N=942)
- Abnormal bleeding should be evaluated as needed to exclude pathologic conditions or pregnancy
Percentages of patients with 0, 1–7, 8–21, or >21 days of spotting or bleeding over a 90-day interval while using the non-radiopaque etonogestrel implant (IMPLANON®)
Total days of spotting or bleeding | Percentage of women | ||
---|---|---|---|
Treatment days 91–190 (N=745) | Treatment days 271–360 (N=657) | Treatment days 631–720 (N=547) | |
0 days | 19% | 24% | 17% |
1–7 days | 15% | 13% | 12% |
8–21 days | 30% | 30% | 37% |
>21 days | 35% | 33% | 35% |