etonogestrel 68 MG Drug Implant [Nexplanon]

INDICATIONS AND USAGE NEXPLANON ® is indicated for prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive potential for up to 5 years. NEXPLANON is a progestin indicated for prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive potential for up to 5 years. ( 1 )

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The efficacy of NEXPLANON does not depend on daily, weekly, or monthly administration. All healthcare professionals should receive instruction and training prior to performing insertion and/or removal of NEXPLANON. A single NEXPLANON implant is inserted subdermally just under the skin at the inner side of the non-dominant upper arm. The insertion site is overlying the triceps muscle about 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and 3-5 cm (1.25-2 inches) posterior to (below) the sulcus (groove) between the biceps and triceps muscles. This location is intended to avoid the large blood vessels and nerves lying within and surrounding the sulcus (see Figures 2a , 2b and 2c ). Inserting an implant more deeply than subdermally (a deep insertion) may preclude palpation and localization, making removal difficult or impossible [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . NEXPLANON must be inserted by the expiration date stated on the packaging. NEXPLANON is a long-acting (up to 5 years), reversible, hormonal contraceptive method. The implant must be removed by the end of the fifth year and may be replaced by a new implant at the time of removal, if continued contraceptive protection is desired. Insert one NEXPLANON subdermally just under the skin at the inner side of the non-dominant upper arm. NEXPLANON must be removed no later than by the end of the fifth year. ( 2 ) 2.1 Initiating Contraception with NEXPLANON IMPORTANT: Rule out pregnancy before inserting the implant. Timing of insertion depends on the woman's recent contraceptive history, as follows: • No preceding hormonal contraceptive use in the past month NEXPLANON should be inserted between Day 1 (first day of menstrual bleeding) and Day 5 of the menstrual cycle, even if the woman is still bleeding. If inserted as recommended, back-up contraception is not necessary. If deviating from the recommended timing of insertion, the woman should be advised to use a barrier method until 7 days after insertion. If intercourse has already occurred, pregnancy should be excluded. • Switching contraceptive method to NEXPLANON Combination hormonal contraceptives: NEXPLANON should preferably be inserted on the day after the last active tablet of the previous combined oral contraceptive or on the day of removal of the vaginal ring or transdermal patch. At the latest, NEXPLANON should be inserted on the day following the usual tablet-free, ring-free, patch-free or placebo tablet interval of the previous combined hormonal contraceptive. If inserted as recommended, back-up contraception is not necessary. If deviating from the recommended timing of insertion, the woman should be advised to use a barrier method until 7 days after insertion. If intercourse has already occurred, pregnancy should be excluded. Progestin-only contraceptives: There are several types of progestin-only methods. NEXPLANON should be inserted as follows: Injectable Contraceptives: Insert NEXPLANON on the day the next injection is due. Minipill: A woman may switch to NEXPLANON on any day of the month. NEXPLANON should be inserted within 24 hours after taking the last tablet. Contraceptive implant or intrauterine system (IUS): Insert NEXPLANON on the same day the previous contraceptive implant or IUS is removed. If inserted as recommended, back-up contraception is not necessary. If deviating from the recommended timing of insertion, the woman should be advised to use a barrier method until 7 days after insertion. If intercourse has already occurred, pregnancy should be excluded. • Following abortion or miscarriage First Trimester: NEXPLANON should be inserted within 5 days following a first trimester abortion or miscarriage. Second Trimester: Insert NEXPLANON between 21 to 28 days following second trimester abortion or miscarriage. If inserted as recommended, back-up contraception is not necessary. If deviating from the recommended timing of insertion, the woman should be advised to use a barrier method until 7 days after insertion. If intercourse has already occurred, pregnancy should be excluded. • Postpartum Not Breastfeeding: NEXPLANON should be inserted between 21 to 28 days postpartum. If inserted as recommended, back-up contraception is not necessary. If deviating from the recommended timing of insertion, the woman should be advised to use a barrier method until 7 days after insertion. If intercourse has already occurred, pregnancy should be excluded. Breastfeeding: NEXPLANON should not be inserted until after the fourth postpartum week. The woman should be advised to use a barrier method until 7 days after insertion. If intercourse has already occurred, pregnancy should be excluded. 2.2 Insertion of NEXPLANON The basis for successful use and subsequent removal of NEXPLANON is a correct and carefully performed subdermal insertion of the single, rod-shaped implant in accordance with the instructions . Both the healthcare professional and the woman should be able to feel the implant under the skin after placement. All healthcare professionals performing insertions and/or removals of NEXPLANON must receive instructions and training prior to inserting or removing the implant. Preparation Before inserting NEXPLANON, complete training which includes carefully reading the instructions for insertion as well as the full prescribing information [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . If you are unsure of the necessary steps to safely insert and/or remove NEXPLANON, do not attempt the procedure. Call the Organon Service Center at 1-844-674-3200 if you have any questions. Videos demonstrating insertion and removal are available online for trained healthcare professionals ( www.NEXPLANONREMS.com ). Before insertion of NEXPLANON, the healthcare professional should confirm that: The woman is not pregnant and has no other contraindication for the use of NEXPLANON [see Contraindications (4) ] . The woman has had a medical history and physical examination, including a gynecologic examination, performed. The woman understands the benefits and risks of NEXPLANON. The woman has received a copy of the Patient Labeling included in packaging. The woman does not have allergies to the antiseptic and anesthetic to be used during insertion. Insert NEXPLANON under aseptic conditions. The following equipment is needed for the implant insertion: An examination table for the woman to lie on Sterile surgical drapes, sterile gloves, antiseptic solution, surgical marker Local anesthetic, needles, and syringe Sterile gauze, adhesive bandage, pressure bandage Insertion Procedure To help make sure the implant is inserted just under the skin, the healthcare professionals should be positioned to see the advancement of the needle by viewing the applicator from the side and not from above the arm. From the side view, the insertion site and the movement of the needle just under the skin can be clearly visualized. For illustrative purposes, Figures depict the left inner arm. Step 1. Have the woman lie on her back on the examination table with her non-dominant arm flexed at the elbow and externally rotated so that her hand is underneath her head (or as close as possible) ( Figure 1 ). Figure 1 Step 2. Identify the insertion site, which is at the inner side of the non-dominant upper arm. The insertion site is overlying the triceps muscle about 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) from the medial epicondyle of the humerus and 3-5 cm (1.25-2 inches) posterior to (below) the sulcus (groove) between the biceps and triceps muscles (Figures 2a, 2b and 2c). This location is intended to avoid the large blood vessels and nerves lying within and surrounding the sulcus. If it is not possible to insert the implant in this location (e.g., in women with thin arms), it should be inserted as far posterior from the sulcus as possible. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) .] Step 3. Make two marks with a surgical marker: first, mark the spot wh

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS The following information is based on experience with the etonogestrel implants (IMPLANON and/or NEXPLANON), other progestin-only contraceptives, or experience with combination (estrogen plus progestin) oral contraceptives. Insertion and removal complications: Pain, paresthesia, bleeding, hematoma, scarring, infection, or migration to vasculature, including pulmonary vessels, may occur. Symptoms associated with implants in pulmonary vessels include chest pain, dyspnea, cough, or hemoptysis. Surgical interventions may be necessary to remove implants. ( 5.1 ) Menstrual bleeding pattern: Counsel women regarding changes in bleeding frequency, intensity, or duration. ( 5.3 ) Ectopic pregnancies: Be alert to the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy in women using NEXPLANON who become pregnant or complain of lower abdominal pain. ( 5.4 ) Thrombotic and other vascular events: The NEXPLANON implant should be removed in the event of a thrombosis. ( 5.5 ) Liver disease: Remove the NEXPLANON implant if jaundice occurs. ( 5.8 ) Elevated blood pressure: The NEXPLANON implant should be removed if blood pressure rises significantly and becomes uncontrolled. ( 5.10 ) Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects: Monitor prediabetic and diabetic women using NEXPLANON. ( 5.12 ) 5.1 Risk of Complications Due to Improper Insertion and Removal Complications of Insertion and Removal NEXPLANON should be inserted subdermally so that it will be palpable after insertion, and this should be confirmed by palpation immediately after insertion. Failure to insert NEXPLANON properly may go unnoticed unless it is palpated immediately after insertion. Undetected failure to insert the implant may lead to an unintended pregnancy. Complications related to insertion and removal procedures may occur, e.g., pain, paresthesia, bleeding, hematoma, scarring, or infection. If NEXPLANON is inserted deeply (intramuscular or intrafascial), neural or vascular injury may occur. To help reduce the risk of neural or vascular injury, NEXPLANON should be inserted subdermally just under the skin at the inner side of the non-dominant upper arm overlying the triceps muscle, about 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) from the medial epicondyle of the humerus, and 3-5 cm (1.25-2 inches) posterior to (below) the sulcus (groove) between the biceps and triceps muscles. This location is intended to avoid the large nerves and blood vessels lying within and surrounding the sulcus. Deep insertions of NEXPLANON have been associated with paresthesia (due to neural injury), migration of the implant (due to intramuscular or fascial insertion), and intravascular insertion. If infection develops at the insertion site, start suitable treatment. If the infection persists, the implant should be removed. Incomplete insertions or infections may lead to expulsion. Reports of implant migration within the arm may have been related to deep insertion. Postmarketing reports of implants located within the vessels of the arm and the pulmonary artery also may have been related to deep insertions or intravascular insertions. Some cases of implants found within the pulmonary artery were associated with chest pain and/or respiratory disorders (such as dyspnea, cough, or hemoptysis); others were asymptomatic. In cases where the implant has migrated to the pulmonary artery, endovascular or surgical procedures may be needed for removal. Implant removal may be difficult or impossible if the implant is not inserted correctly, is inserted too deeply, not palpable, encased in fibrous tissue, or has migrated. If at any time the implant cannot be palpated, it should be localized, and removal is recommended. When an implant is removed, it is important to remove it in its entirety [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Exploratory surgery without knowledge of the exact location of the implant is strongly discouraged. Removal of deeply inserted implants should be conducted with caution in order to prevent injury to deeper neural or vascular structures in the arm and be performed by healthcare professionals familiar with the anatomy of the arm. If the implant is located in the chest, healthcare professionals familiar with the anatomy of the chest should be consulted. Failure to remove the implant may result in continued effects of etonogestrel, such as compromised fertility, ectopic pregnancy, or persistence or occurrence of a drug-related adverse event. Broken or Bent Implants Cases of breakage or bending of implants while inserted within a patient’s arm have been reported. Cases of migration of a broken implant fragment within the arm have also occurred. These cases may be related to external forces, e.g., manipulation of the implant or contact sports. The release rate of etonogestrel may be slightly increased in a broken or bent implant, based on in vitro data. As noted previously, when an implant is removed, it is important to remove it in its entirety [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . NEXPLANON is available only through a restricted program under a REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. 5.2 NEXPLANON REMS NEXPLANON is only available through a restricted program under a REMS called NEXPLANON REMS because of the risk of complications due to improper insertion and removal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Notable requirements of the NEXPLANON REMS include the following: Healthcare providers must be certified with the program by enrolling and completing training on the proper insertion and removal of NEXPLANON prior to first use. Pharmacies must be certified with the program and must only dispense NEXPLANON to certified healthcare providers who dispense NEXPLANON for insertion. Wholesalers and distributors must be registered with the program and must only distribute to certified pharmacies and certified healthcare providers. Further information is available at www.NEXPLANONREMS.com and 1-833-697-7367. 5.3 Changes in Menstrual Bleeding Patterns After starting NEXPLANON, women are likely to have a change from their normal menstrual bleeding pattern. These may include changes in bleeding frequency (absent, less, more frequent or continuous), intensity (reduced or increased) or duration. In clinical trials of the non-radiopaque etonogestrel implant (IMPLANON), bleeding patterns ranged from amenorrhea (1 in 5 women) to frequent and/or prolonged bleeding (1 in 5 women). The bleeding pattern experienced during the first three months of NEXPLANON use is broadly predictive of the future bleeding pattern for many women. Women should be counseled regarding the bleeding pattern changes they may experience so that they know what to expect. Abnormal bleeding should be evaluated as needed to exclude pathologic conditions or pregnancy. In clinical studies of the non-radiopaque etonogestrel implant, reports of changes in bleeding pattern were the most common reason for stopping treatment (11.1%). Irregular bleeding (10.8%) was the single most common reason women stopped treatment, while amenorrhea (0.3%) was cited less frequently. In these studies, women had an average of 17.7 days of bleeding or spotting every 90 days (based on 3,315 intervals of 90 days recorded by 780 patients). The percentages of patients having 0, 1-7, 8-21, or >21 days of spotting or bleeding over a 90-day interval while using the non-radiopaque etonogestrel implant are shown in Table 1 . Table 1: Bleeding or Spotting: Incidence and Duration Over a 90-Day Interval While Using the Non-Radiopaque Etonogestrel Implant (IMPLANON) Total Days of Bleeding or Spotting Percentage of Patients Treatment Days 91-180 (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% Bleeding patterns observed with use of the non-radiopaque etonogestrel implant for up to 2 years, and the proportion of 90-day intervals with these bleeding patterns, are summarized in Table 2 . Table 2: Bleedin

CONTRAINDICATIONS NEXPLANON should not be used in women who have Known or suspected pregnancy Current or past history of thrombosis or thromboembolic disorders Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or active liver disease Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding Known or suspected breast cancer, personal history of breast cancer, or other progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past Allergic reaction to any of the components of NEXPLANON [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] Known or suspected pregnancy. ( 4 ) Current or past history of thrombosis or thromboembolic disorders. ( 4 , 5.5 ) Liver tumors, benign or malignant, or active liver disease. ( 4 , 5.8 ) Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding. ( 4 , 5.3 ) Known or suspected breast cancer, personal history of breast cancer, or other progestin-sensitive cancer, now or in the past. ( 4 , 5.7 ) Allergic reaction to any of the components of NEXPLANON. ( 4 , 6 )

Mechanism of Action The contraceptive effect of NEXPLANON is achieved by suppression of ovulation, increased viscosity of the cervical mucus, and alterations in the endometrium.