An Unusual Side Effect of Etonogestrel Implant: Facial Paralysis

Abstract

Etonogestrel single rod subdermal implant provides an effective contraceptive protection for up to 3 years with no reported pregnancies in clinical trials Unfortunately, similar to other long-term progestinonly contraceptives, Implanon® leads to irregular uterine bleeding in the majority of users. Bleeding disturbances
are the main reason for discontinuation of therapy. Other reported nonmenstrual adverse effects of Implanon® include headache, acne, weight gain, and mastalgia. In this paper we do report a case of facial paralysis during the use of Implanon®.
A 35-year-old woman with an Implanon® contraceptive device in situ presented with amenore. The implant had been inserted 4 years previously which was changed one year before the removal. Because of the patient being amenorrhoeic for one year, the Implanon® was removed in January 2010. A few months later after the removal of the implant she reported an improvement of the facial paralysis that had started 4 months after the second insertion of Implanon®.