July 24, 2006 -- FDA Approves New Implantable Contraceptive

The federal Food and Drug Administration July 17 approved an implantable contraceptive described as "about the size of a matchstick," which is inserted just under the skin of a woman's upper arm, where it releases a low but steady dose of progestogen (etonogestrel) for a period of up to three years. Removal can occur at any time at the woman’s request, after which her fertility returns to pre-existing levels. The contraceptive, called Implanon, has been used by some 2.5 million women in more than 30 countries, according to the manufacturer, the pharmaceutical company Organon, which has offices in New Jersey and the Netherlands. Organon says it will now launch a nationwide training program in the U.S. to train healthcare professionals in insertion and removal procedures, and only professionals who have completed the training will be able to prescribe implantation for their patients. The manufacturer can be contacted at http://www.organon.com.