
birthcontrolfairy
Nexplanon finally got FDA approval for 5 years! No changes to the implant, just longer studies completed, so the extension applies to any Nexplanon in use, not just new ones.R&D is expensive and drug makers are motivated to launch medications so they can start earning back the costs. A three year lifespan was deemed good enough, so they stopped the studies and went for FDA approval. Since then, longer studies have been conducted showing continued effectiveness through year 5 and they were able to extend official guidance. This is common with LARCs; Mirena was originally approved for 5 and was extended to 8!