Drug Name Description More Info
Norplant Norplant is a form of progesterone, which is a female hormone involved in conception. Lenor - 72 is used as an emergency contraceptive (EC) to prevent pregnancy after contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse.
FDA Approval Date: 1990 Description: Six matchstick-sized rubber rods that are surgically implanted under the skin of the upper arm, where they steadily release the contraceptive steroid levonorgestrel. Failure Rate (number of pregnancies expected per 100 women per year): less than 1 Some Risks: Irregular bleeding, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches, difficulty in removal Protection from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): None Convenience: Implanted and removed by health-care provider in minor outpatient surgical procedure; effective for up to five years. Availability: Prescription. In July 2002, Norplant's manufacturer announced that it will no longer distribute the Norplant system. Women using the system should contact their doctors about what their contraceptive options will be after the five-year expiration date of their Norplant systems. Norplant is a new method of contraception recently approved for use in the United States. It consists of six flexible capsules filled with Levonorgetrel [progesterone] that are inserted just beneath the skin of the non-dominant upper arm. Once inserted, the Norplant is slightly, or not at all visible,and it does not interfere with one's ability to exercise or to carry out daily activities. The levonorgestrel is released on a daily basis in minute quantities, and the Nrplant device is effective for up to five years. At the end of the five year period, or at any time before that, the Norplant device can be removed in a manner similar to that of the insertion procedure. One of the newest birth control options for women is literally at arm's reach. The Norplant contraceptive, approved by the Food and Drug Administration and marketed since 1992, is implanted just under the skin of the inner arm, right above the elbow. Developed by the Population Council of New York, this birth control alternative is distinctly different from methods previously available. Norplant consists of a familiar ingredient in a new package. Six silicone rubber capsules about the size of matchsticks contain a synthetic progestin hormone long used in birth control pills. The flexible tubes are inserted in a fan-like arrangement and can be felt but not easily seen. Once in place, they steadily release a low dose of hormone into the bloodstream. Effective within 24 hours after insertion, Norplant can continue to prevent pregnancy for up to five years. The hormone usually inhibits ovulation so that eggs are not produced regularly, and causes the mucus of the cervix to thicken, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Other ways that Norplant may provide contraceptive effects have been proposed but not proven.


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