Letter to the Editor: Subdermal contraceptive implant-related neuropathy of the upper limb: A time for change

According to the World Health Organisation, the subdermal contraceptive implant (SCI) is one of the most commonly prescribed contraceptives worldwide. The Nexplanon device, containing 68 mg etonogestrel, is listed as one of the most effective contraceptives, with a reported Pearl Index of 0.00 (95% CI, 0.00–0.14). 1 Nexplanon is the current licensed SCI within the UK and Ireland, replacing its predecessor the Implanon. Although serious adverse events are rare, significant morbidity has been identified in clinical practice (1.7% incidence) occurring at the time of Implanon device insertion (deep plane insertion and migration) and removal (injury to neurovascular structures - Median nerve, Medial Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve, Ulnar nerve, and Brachial Artery2 ). Sequelae for the affected young female cohort include upper limb neuropathic pain, sensorimotor deficits3 and psychosocial dysfunction negatively impacting upon their quality of life.</p

Letter to the Editor: Subdermal contraceptive implant-related neuropathy of the upper limb: A time for change

According to the World Health Organisation, the subdermal contraceptive implant (SCI) is one of the most commonly prescribed contraceptives worldwide. The Nexplanon device, containing 68 mg etonogestrel, is listed as one of the most effective contraceptives, with a reported Pearl Index of 0.00 (95% CI, 0.00–0.14). 1 Nexplanon is the current licensed SCI within the UK and Ireland, replacing its predecessor the Implanon. Although serious adverse events are rare, significant morbidity has been identified in clinical practice (1.7% incidence) occurring at the time of Implanon device insertion (deep plane insertion and migration) and removal (injury to neurovascular structures - Median nerve, Medial Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve, Ulnar nerve, and Brachial Artery2 ). Sequelae for the affected young female cohort include upper limb neuropathic pain, sensorimotor deficits3 and psychosocial dysfunction negatively impacting upon their quality of life.</p