Anvisa extends Implanon contraceptive implant use to five years

Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has approved an extension for the contraceptive efficacy of the Implanon NXT hormonal implant, increasing its continuous use period from three to five years. The decision, published in the Official Gazette, follows clinical studies demonstrating maintained efficacy and a favorable safety profile during the fourth and fifth years of use, with no pregnancies recorded during the extended period in primary studies.

Additionally, Anvisa authorized the immediate insertion of the implant following childbirth or abortion, including first and second-trimester procedures. This measure aims to expand access to long-acting reversible contraception and reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies that can occur when patients lose medical follow-up after hospital discharge.

The etonogestrel-based implant is a subdermael device that inhibits ovulation and thickens cervical mucus. It is available through Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS), which incorporated the method to support reproductive planning for women and adolescents. This regulatory update aligns Brazil with other international authorities, including those in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which have already extended the approved duration for this method.