Has anyone gotten pregnant with expired Implanon?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
No, studies do not show any woman getting pregnant with expired Implanon, but it doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Implanon usually has an expiry date after 3 years of its implantation (1).
However, studies have shown it can act as an effective contraceptive for 5 years, instead of 3. The thing with Implanon expiry is that you can’t tell when the drug starts to go bad. The process can take years and it can also take just a few weeks.
It depends on the batch and the conditions as well. However, there is no study available that can go past 5 years of Implanon use so no one knows what happens after that. Make sure you talk to your doctor when the expiry date comes near.
Risks and complications associated with the use of expired Implanon
Using expired Implanon can pose certain risks and complications. When Implanon reaches its expiration date, it means that the manufacturer can no longer guarantee its effectiveness (2).
Expired Implanon is associated with the following risks:
Decreased effectiveness
Expired Implanon may have a reduced ability to prevent pregnancy. The hormones in the implant might become less potent over time, which can lead to a higher chance of contraceptive failure.
Unreliable protection
Using expired Implanon means relying on a contraceptive method that may not work as intended. If the implant is past its expiration date, it may not provide the reliable protection against pregnancy that it typically offers.
Potential irregular bleeding
Expired Implanon can sometimes cause changes in menstrual patterns. It may lead to irregular bleeding or alterations in the frequency and duration of menstrual periods. This can be bothersome and may affect your overall experience.
Increased risk of complications
Expired Implanon could potentially pose an increased risk of complications compared to using a non-expired implant. While the risks are generally low, there is a possibility of discomfort, infection, or other issues arising from the use of an expired implant.
It’s important to note that these risks and complications are generally associated with expired Implanon. To ensure optimal effectiveness and safety, it is recommended to have the implant replaced before its expiration date.
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help in monitoring the status of your Implanon and guide you on when it needs to be replaced.
If you have concerns about using expired Implanon or if you are unsure about the status of your implant, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
What to do if you suspect that your Implanon has expired?
If you suspect that your Implanon has expired, it’s important to take appropriate steps to ensure your continued contraceptive protection. Expired Implanon should not remain in your arm, as it can cause side effects. So, it is important to know when your Implanon is supposed to expire.
Start by checking the packaging or the information provided with your Implanon to find the expiration date. The expiration date is typically printed on the packaging or on a label attached to the implant itself.
If you have any doubts or concerns about the expiration status of your Implanon, it is best to consult your healthcare provider. Schedule an appointment with them to discuss your situation. Your doctor will be able to assess your specific case and guide you accordingly.
If it is confirmed that your Implanon has expired, your healthcare provider will discuss replacement options with you. They may recommend removing the expired implant and replacing it with a new one to ensure continuous contraceptive protection.
While awaiting a replacement or confirmation from your healthcare provider, it is important to consider using backup contraception to ensure continued protection against pregnancy.
Remember, it is crucial to follow the advice and guidance provided by your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
National Library of Medicine. Birth control – slow release methods: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2022. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007555.htm
2.-
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Don’t Be Tempted to Use Expired Medicines [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): U.S. Food and Drug Administration; 2021. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines.
