Norplant is a good substitute for birth control pills and is claiming to be more effective than the other available options. It is composed of 6 flexible capsules made of silicone rubber tubing, which contains about 36mg of the main ingredient progestin levonogestrel all packed in an insertion kit.
The 2.4mm capsule is then inserted beneath the skin of the upper arm where it is left for sometime until the body absorbs it. It is positioned like a fan and does not require any stitches at all. It is expected to work and give protection 24hours after implant provided that it is during the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle. It promises 99% effectiveness in pregnancy prevention.

•    Fertility can be restored within 5-14 days after removing the implants.
•    Does not protect the user against AIDS and other Sexually transmitted diseases.
•    May fail to work on women who are over weight.
•    A physical exam must be done first before undergoing implantation, including breast exam, pelvic exam and pap smear.

Before taking Norplant, check with your doctor especially if you previously have or is currently suffering from the following:
•    Obesity issues
•    Liver diseases
•    Diabetes
•    Seizure
•    Kidney disease
•    Heart trouble
•    Eye disorders
•    Asthma
•    Depression
•    Migraines
•    Blood clots
•    Miscarriages
•    Breast cancer
Do not take Norplant if you are allergic to Levonorgestrel or any of its ingredients.

The inside part of the arm above the elbow is cleaned with antiseptic solution.
Local anesthesia is then applied to the area to make it numb.
A small superficial incision is then made and the six implants are placed side by side in a fan-like manner.
There is no stitching required to close the incision, instead a bandage is used to cover and protect the area for several days.
It must be taken out and replaced every 5 years or if you decide to be pregnant.

Important notice: Always consult a doctor before starting treatment with Norplant. Check the leaflet inside for instructions.

The drug is effective as long as the implants remain in the arm. There is no need to take them out for as long as five years.

During unexpected and emergency situations, Call for help right away and notify your physician for such matter. You may contact a poison control center or have you taken to the nearest hospital for abrupt treatment; if the person is passed out and not breathing, call 911 or your local emergency response team.

•    Always avoid strong impacts on the incision site as it could damage the capsules.
•    Avoid using contact lenses when using the implants.

•    irregular menstrual cycle
•    lack of menstruation
•    spotting
•    stomach upset
•    headache
•    stomach cramps
•    nausea
•    acne
•    change in appetite
•    sweating weight gain irritation at the insertion site
Contact your doctor right away if you feel the following symptoms:
•    pain
•    redness or warmth on the insertion site
•    depression
•    vision problems
•    swelling on the feet and ankle
•    jaundice
•    dark urine
•    pale stool

Drug interactions have the tendency to change the effectiveness of either medicine.
•    Phenytoin
•    Carbamazepine
•    Rifampin
•    Hepatic enzyme inducers