Australia. Since August 2001, the Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (ADRAC) has received 130 reports of adverse reactions associated with the sub-dermal etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon). Thirty-seven of the reports described prolonged vaginal bleeding of 2-26 weeks duration (median 8 weeks) which generally started soon after insertion, but in some cases after up to 16 weeks. Thirty-three of the 37 cases required removal of the implant; one patient was hospitalised and required 4 units of packed RBCs. The Committee notes that, in a published 3-year study of sub-dermal etonogestrel implant (Implanon), heavy or prolonged bleeding was experienced by 2.8% of patients.

Reports in WHO-file:

Vaginal haemorrhage 65

Reference:

Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin 22: 11-12, Jun 2003.