Contraceptive Implant Placement Medication

Updated: Jul 27, 2021
  • Author: Megan Brady Shannon, MD; Chief Editor: Michel E Rivlin, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to suppress ovulation and to prevent pregnancy.

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Progestins

Class Summary

Agents in this class prevent pregnancies.

Etonogestrel (Implanon, Nexplanon)

Etonogestrel is the active metabolite of desogestrel that suppresses ovulation, inhibits endometrial proliferation, and increases viscosity of cervical mucus.

 

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Local Anesthetics, Amides

Class Summary

Local anesthetics block the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.

Lidocaine (Xylocaine)

Lidocaine inhibits depolarization of type C sensory neurons by blocking sodium channels. After cleaning the insertion site with antiseptic, sterile gloves should be worn by the practitioner. In preparation for local anesthesia, 1-2 mL of 1% lidocaine with or without epinephrine should be drawn into a syringe with an 18-gauge needle. Then, a smaller 25-gauge needle should be applied to the syringe. The lidocaine should be injected along the planned subdermal insertion site of the implant to both hydrodistend and anesthetize the space where the implant is to be inserted.

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