From the Guidelines
If you're experiencing pain where your Nexplanon implant was inserted, try taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg or acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg every 6-8 hours as needed, as recommended for pain management in various clinical scenarios 1. When managing pain after the insertion of Nexplanon, it's essential to consider the most effective and safest options.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen are generally considered first-line treatments for pain, unless contraindicated, as noted in discussions on pain management during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods 1.
- Applying a cold compress to the area for 15-20 minutes several times daily for the first 48 hours can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Keeping the insertion site clean and dry, and avoiding touching or pressing on it, is crucial for preventing infection. Some key points to consider when experiencing pain after Nexplanon insertion include:
- Mild pain, bruising, and swelling are normal for the first few days after insertion.
- Severe pain that doesn't improve with medication, increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever, the implant appearing to be coming out, or if pain persists beyond a week, could indicate infection or improper placement, and you should contact your healthcare provider.
- Most insertion site pain is temporary and resolves within a few days as your body adjusts to the foreign object under your skin. It's also important to note that while the provided study 1 focuses on substance use disorders in pregnancy, the general principles of pain management can be applied to various clinical scenarios, including the management of pain after Nexplanon insertion.
From the Research
Pain after Nexplanon Insertion
Pain after Nexplanon insertion is a common complaint, but the provided studies do not directly address this issue. However, we can look at some general information about pain management and infection treatment that might be relevant.
Pain Management
- Ibuprofen has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in various conditions, such as urinary tract infections 2 and experimental pneumococcal acute otitis media 3.
- In the study on uncomplicated urinary tract infections, ibuprofen was used as an initial treatment to reduce the need for antibiotics 2.
- Another study found that ibuprofen combined with antibiotics improved the outcome of experimental pneumococcal acute otitis media 3.
Infection Treatment
- The study on common bacterial and viral infections in pregnancy discusses the use of various antibiotics, including β-lactams, macrolides, and vancomycin, to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and gonococcal infections 4.
- Another study found that levofloxacin or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment decreased intrauterine microbial colonization in human endometriosis 5.
- Intrapartum antibiotic exposure has been associated with an increased risk of immune-related diseases in childhood, highlighting the importance of careful consideration when using antibiotics 6.
Nexplanon-Related Pain
While the provided studies do not specifically address pain after Nexplanon insertion, they suggest that pain management and infection treatment are crucial aspects of patient care. If you are experiencing pain after Nexplanon insertion, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. They can assess your individual situation and provide guidance on pain management and infection prevention.