Scottish Medicines Consortium Approves Use Of 'Nexplanon'(R) (Etonogestrel Implant 68mg) As A Long-Acting Contraceptive Implant

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals;  Fertility
Article Date: 14 Dec 2010 - 1:00 PDT


'Nexplanon' ® (etonogestrel implant 68mg) has been accepted by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for use in NHS Scotland as a long acting reversible contraceptive (LARC). ¹

The subdermal implant is inserted just under the skin of a woman's upper arm. ² It contains 68mg of etonogestrel, ² a synthetic form of the naturally occurring female sex hormone, progestogen, and also 15mg of barium sulphate, ² which enables localisation of the implant by X-ray and CT scan. ²

Around half of UK pregnancies are unplanned ³ despite almost three-quarters of women under the age of 50 using some form of contraception. ⁴ Launched in 2009 by NHS Scotland, the 'Giving You More Choice' campaign was focused on increasing the awareness of LARCs, particularly the most effective LARCs such as the implant.⁵ Although LARCs are already used by 1 in 25 women in Scotland, NHS Scotland has engaged with patients to increase awareness and uptake.⁶

Notes

For full prescribing information, please refer to the Nexplanon® Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

SMC Advice1

ADVICE: following an abbreviated submission

etonogestrel implant 68mg (Nexplanon®) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland.

Indication under review: contraception.

In patients for whom a long-acting etonogestrel implant is an appropriate choice of contraception.

This formulation of etonogestrel implant is X-ray opaque, allowing verification of presence and location of implant.

To view the full SMC recommendation, please go here.

References

1. Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC). Etonogestrel implant 68mg (Nexplanon®). 13 December 2010. Available here.

2. Nexplanon SPC. Available here. [Last accessed 29 November 2010]

3. Kishen M et al. Contraception in crisis. J Family Plan Reprod Health Care. 2006;32(4):211- 212

4. Ladar D. NOS. Contraception and Sexual Health omnibus survey. 2007/08. Available here. [Last accessed: 30 November 2010]

5. NHS Health Scotland. Giving you more choice campaign. Available here. [Last accessed: 02 December 2010]

6. It's here! Contraception that lasts for years. NHS Health Scotland. 2009/10. Available here. [Last accessed: 01 December 2010]

Source:
MSD

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