Etonogestrel

Information about Etonogestrel

Etonogestrel uses

Etonogestrel is used for contraception. It is used to prevent pregnancy in combination with another medicine.

How etonogestrel works

Etonogestrel is a progestin (female hormones). It works to prevent pregnancy by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary or preventing fertilization of the egg by sperm (male reproductive cells). It also may work by changing the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent the development of a pregnancy.

Common side effects of etonogestrel

Edema (swelling), Bloating, Anxiety, Irritation, Depression, Muscle pain

Available Medicine for Etonogestrel

    Expert advice for Etonogestrel

    • Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, fits, and gall bladder disorders or if you are overweight or have a history of depression, blood clotting related conditions or dark-coloured skin patches on the face (chloasma).
    • Tell your doctor if you have had breast cancer and contact your doctor if you notice a lump in your breast while on etonogestrel therapy.
    • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unusually heavy vaginal bleeding, severe stomach ache or symptoms of jaundice, pain and swelling in your legs, pain in chest, breathlessness or if your cough out blood.
    • Inform your doctor well in advance if you are going to be immobilized or confined to bed due to surgery etc.
    • You should get etonogestrel implants replaced (if contraception is to be continued) or removed after a maximum of 3 years after insertion.
    • Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
    • Do not take if allergic to etonogestrel or any of its ingredients.
    • Do not take if suffering from  clotting disorders or have history for the same.
    • Do not take if suffering from liver cancers or severe liver disorders.
    • Do not take if suffering from unexplained vaginal bleeding.
    • Do not take if suffering from or suspected to have breast cancer or any other cancer sensitive to sex hormones.
    • DO not take if pregnant.

    Frequently asked questions for Etonogestrel

    Etonogestrel

    Q. What is Etonogestrel and what it is used for?
    Etonogestrel is a type of progesterone (a female sex hormone). It is used as a contraceptive (to prevent pregnancy), in combination with another medicine (an estrogen).

    Content on this page was last updated on 18 February, 2020, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)