Norplant

Generic name: Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel implant capsules

What are levonorgestrel implant capsules?

LEVONORGESTREL (Norplant®) is a contraceptive (birth control) device that is surgically implanted under the skin. The device releases the hormone levonorgestrel, a progestin, in the body to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. Once the implant capsules are removed, fertility quickly returns to normal. NOTE: Norplant® is discontinued in the US as of mid-2002.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood vessel disease, or blood clotting disorder
• breast cancer
• diabetes
• disturbed eyesight
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• tobacco smoker
• vaginal bleeding
• an unusual or allergic reaction to levonorgestrel, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Levonorgestrel implant capsules are surgically implanted under the skin by a health-care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with levonorgestrel?

• aprepitant, a medicine used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• bosentan
• carbamazepine
• griseofulvin
• modafinil
• oxcarbazepine
• phenytoin
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• rifapentine
• ritonavir
• St. John's wort
• topiramate
• troglitazone or pioglitazone

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using levonorgestrel?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• dizziness or fainting spells
• leg, arm or groin pain
• severe headache
• sudden shortness of breath
• swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain
• vision or speech problems

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• acne
• breakthrough bleeding, spotting, irregular menstrual cycle, or no menstruation
• breast discharge
• facial hair growth
• fluid retention and swelling
• loss of appetite or increase in appetite
• mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts
• nausea, vomiting
• pain or itching at the place where the implant was inserted
• skin rash
• stomach discomfort
• vaginal yeast infection (irritation and white discharge)

What should I watch for while taking levonorgestrel?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You should have a complete check-up every 6 to 12 months.

Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are using levonorgestrel, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye prescriber or health care professional.

Levonorgestrel skin implants do not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply.