Is brown discharge on Nexplanon after 2 years normal?
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/
Is brown discharge on Nexplanon after 2 years normal?
Brown discharge after a year or two of Nexplanon implantation is considered normal, especially if it’s your first-ever hormonal birth control implant.
The medication can cause a number of side effects and it can affect your menstrual cycle for a long time. If you’re having a brown-coloured discharge, a missed period, or too much/too less menstrual bleeding after a year or two of Nexplanon implantation, it is considered normal. (1)
Although it is a common side effect, women do respond differently. Some may bleed irregularly or experience brown discharge only during the first year of their implant.
Some women, on the other hand, continue to experience these side effects for 2-3 years. Sooner or later, these side effects eventually start to go away and your menstrual cycle returns back to normal (2,3).
If your brown discharge is extremely heavy or you are in immense pain, immediately report to your healthcare provider. Nexplanon may not suit everyone and can cause significant side effects. If your body is not adjusting to Nexplanon, it’s best to have it removed.
What is the incidence of brown discharge on Nexplanon?
The incidence of brown discharge while using Nexplanon can vary among individuals. Research suggests that some users may experience brown discharge or spotting as a side effect of the contraceptive implant.
The exact mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the hormonal changes caused by Nexplanon. The hormonal components in the implant can affect the lining of the uterus, leading to changes in the menstrual cycle and occasional brown discharge.
It’s important to note that while brown discharge is generally considered a normal side effect of Nexplanon if you have concerns or experience any other unusual symptoms, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.
Brown discharge is also common with other contraceptive methods, like contraceptive injection (Depo-Provera), NuvaRing, etc.
What to do about brown discharge after using Nexplanon for 2 years?
If you’re experiencing brown discharge after using Nexplanon for two years, it’s important to remember that it can be a normal side effect of the contraceptive. However, if the brown discharge is bothersome or persistent, it’s recommended to consult with your healthcare provider.
They can evaluate your specific situation and provide guidance tailored to your needs. Your doctor may suggest continuing with Nexplanon if it’s otherwise effective for contraception or may discuss alternative contraceptive options with you.
They can also assess if there are any underlying causes contributing to the brown discharge and address them accordingly. It’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive appropriate advice and support.
Alternative contraceptive methods to Nexplanon
Alternative contraceptive methods to Nexplanon include:
- Birth control pills
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- Contraceptive patches
- Vaginal rings
- Contraceptive injections
- Barrier methods (e.g., condoms, diaphragms)
Remember, selecting a contraceptive method is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional. They can provide you with the necessary information and guidance to help you make an appropriate choice.
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References
1.-
Palomba S, Falbo A, Di Cello A, Materazzo C, Zullo F. Nexplanon: the new implant for long-term contraception. A comprehensive descriptive review. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012 Sep;28(9):710-21. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2011.652247. Epub 2012 Feb 17. PMID: 22339096. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22339096/
2.-
Gezginc K, Balci O, Karatayli R, Colakoglu MC. Contraceptive efficacy and side effects of Implanon. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2007 Dec;12(4):362-5. doi: 10.1080/13625180701548040. PMID: 17853166. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17853166/
3.-
Gilbert BG. Contraceptive Implant Insertion and Removal. Prim Care. 2021 Dec;48(4):545-554. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2021.07.002. Epub 2021 Oct 7. PMID: 34752268. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34752268/
