Norplant neuropathy: peripheral neurologic symptoms associated with subdermal contraceptive implants

Seventy to 80% of women using subdermal contraceptive implants (Norplant) have reported side effects, such as uterine bleeding, headache, mastalgia, and local pain at the site of insertion. This is a report of two patients who presented with peripheral neuropathy associated with the implants. One patient responded to removal of the device. The second patient, whose symptoms were thought to be related to trauma, was successfully treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.