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Skin damage associated with the Norplant contraceptive
T J Zuber1, D E DeWitt, D D Patton
1Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4354.
The Journal of Family Practice
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Localized skin reactions occurred in three patients within a month of Norplant contraceptive implantation. These reactions led to implant removal in two patients, highlighting a potential complication.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Contraception
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Norplant (levonorgestrel implants) is a long-acting reversible contraceptive method.
- Implantation involves subdermal placement of rods containing progestin.
Observation:
- Three cases of localized skin reactions were observed within one month post-Norplant implantation.
- These reactions occurred despite the absence of clinical signs of infection.
- Lidocaine with epinephrine was used as a local anesthetic in all reported cases.
Findings:
- Two patients required implant removal due to the severity of the skin reactions.
- One patient experienced partial implant expulsion and subsequent removal.
- The exact cause of these localized skin reactions remains undetermined.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for significant cutaneous adverse events following Norplant insertion.
- Further investigation may be warranted to elucidate the etiology of these reactions.
- Patient counseling should include information regarding possible skin complications associated with contraceptive implants.