Implanon (etonogestrel implant) sounds like a great solution for women who want birth control without having to take a daily pill. It is inserted in a quick and easy procedure, does its job for three to four years, and then you have it removed in another simple procedure. But it is not always that simple. One of the problems with Implanon is that it can migrate away from the insertion site and get lost in your body.
Locating and Removing Implanon
Implanon will not show up on an X-Ray, so you’ll need another type of imaging test to look for the implant. Surgery to remove Implanon that has migrated can be dangerous. If the implant has migrated within the arm, there is the potential for damage to the neural or vascular structures in the arm. Even more dangerous is surgery to remove an Implanon implant from the lung.
Of course, you must see a surgeon who has experience operating on the part of the body where the implant is located. The doctor who implanted the device may not be qualified to perform the surgery.
Lost Implanon
Sometimes, Implanon that has migrated cannot be found. If it cannot be located and removed, the effects may continue. Implanon is said to be effective for three years, but contraceptive effects may last as long as four years. Women who want to become pregnant can have the implant removed and, according to the manufacturer, can become pregnant as soon as one week after removal. However, if the implant cannot be found and removed, it could be years before the effects wear off.
The inability to remove the implant also creates dangers for women who are experiencing side effects or who are at high risk for side effects.
If you have suffered Implanon migration, please talk to an experienced defective medical device attorney right away to learn more about your rights and potential compensation.
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