Implantable depot preparations that slowly release a hormone over time offer convenience for patients, However, problems can arise that may reduce effectiveness or result in early removal.
Types of long-term hormonal implants:
(1) progestins for contraception
(2) testosterone
Usual site of insertion: inside of upper arm
Risk for complications at the time of insertion:
(1) inexperience or poor training of the inserter
(2) fibrosis at the insertion site
(3) infection at the infection site
(4) improper selection of a insertion site
Complications after the insertion:
(1) swelling
(2) irritation
(3) bruising
(4) infection
(5) nerve or vascular injury
(6) fibrosis
Problems from subtherapeutic dosing may occur if not removed as directed.
Difficulty for removal:
(1) migration
(2) deep insertion (not into subcutaneous tissue)
(3) fibrosis
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