Norplant, a form of birth control, was taken off the market in the United States in 2002. Norplant, still available in many parts of the world, prevents pregnancy by slow release of synthetic progesterone under the skin. Six small matchstick sizes implants are inserted under the skin in the upper arm and prevent pregnancy for five years before needing to be replaced. Norplant works by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. Norplant's side effects range from mild to severe.
Menstrual Irregularities
The most common side effect of Norplant, occurring in 10 percent of women according to Drugs.com, is irregular vaginal bleeding that sometimes continues for the first month after insertion and may recur as bleeding between periods. Menstrual periods may also be heavier than usual. Menstrual irregularity often stabilizes after the first few months after insertion, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point reports. Some women have no menses at all for a year or more after insertion.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Norplant include weight gain, fatigue, mood changes including anxiety and depression, hair loss, loss of libido, breast pain, headaches and acne. Gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain are also common. Ovarian cysts may occur, but usually cause no symptoms except pain if they become large enough, according to Medic8.com.
Neurotoxicity
Symptoms of neurotoxicity reported by some Norplant users include dizziness, numbness in arms and legs and cognitive difficulties, according to an article published in Science News in November 1995, which reported the finding of neurologist Alan Hirsch of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago.
Implantation Side Effects
Side effects at the implantation site include infection, pain and itching. Removal difficulties occur in approximately 6 percent of women and include pain and deep implantation, which sometimes result in the need for multiple incisions or lengthy removal procedures.
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