What to know if Nexplanon is coming out of your arm

Nexplanon is a small etonogestrel implant placed under the skin of the upper arm. A rod that is visible, partly outside the skin, newly painful, or no longer easy to feel needs assessment. The skin opening may allow irritation or infection, and the implant may not be positioned as intended. Do not pull, cut, tape down, or attempt to reinsert it yourself. Until a clinician confirms that the implant is correctly positioned and providing contraception, use a backup method if pregnancy prevention matters to you.

Wash your hands, avoid touching the exposed part, and place a clean dressing over the site. Arrange prompt review with the clinician or service that inserted it, taking any insertion information with you. Tell them when you first noticed the change, whether the rod has moved, and whether you have bleeding, pain, swelling, or fever. Ask whether you need testing for pregnancy or another contraceptive method while the implant is assessed. Information about the implant material is available under Etonogestrel Implant Rod.

Seek urgent medical care if bleeding will not stop with gentle pressure, the wound is rapidly worsening, the arm becomes very swollen or numb, or you develop fever, spreading redness, pus, severe pain, chest pain, or trouble breathing. These symptoms need assessment for bleeding, infection, or another urgent problem. If the implant has fully come out, keep it in a clean container and bring it to the appointment; do not rely on it for contraception until a clinician advises you.

Ask: Is the implant still present and correctly positioned? Do I need removal, wound care, or replacement? When should I start backup contraception, and when can I rely on a new method? What symptoms should prompt another review?