Levonorgestrel plasma levels during continuous administration with different models of subdermal implants

Plasma concentrations of levonorgestrel were determined in women using subdermal levonorgestrel implants. One group had 6 Silastic capsules (NORPLANT), one group had 4 and one group had 6 covered Silastic rods for variable lengths of time. Levonorgestrel concentrations remained constant around 0.4 ng/ml up until 6 years of use in the Norplant group. The observation period was shorter for the covered rods; plasma concentrations were, however, constant around 0.55 ng/ml and 0.70 ng/ml for 3.5 years with the 4 rods and 6 covered rods, respectively. The difference in mean levonorgestrel concentrations between the three groups were statistically significant (p less than 0.0005). Plasma levels of levonorgestrel were twice to three times higher in blood obtained from the arm with the implants compared to the levels found in the other arm. The application of a tourniquet for variable periods before blood sampling did not influence the plasma concentrations of levonorgestrel.