Pain Related to Local Anesthetic Administration for Nexplanon Placement

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · May 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether using a special form of lidocaine, called buffered lidocaine, can help reduce pain when receiving local anesthesia for Nexplanon insertion. Nexplanon is a form of birth control that is placed under the skin of the arm. Currently, unbuffered lidocaine is used, and this study aims to find out if the buffered version makes the experience less uncomfortable.

To participate in this trial, women aged 18 to 50 who speak English or Spanish and are seeking Nexplanon placement may be eligible. However, those with certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain or a history of substance use, or who are pregnant, cannot join. If you decide to participate, you can expect to receive either the buffered or unbuffered lidocaine before the procedure and help researchers understand which option is better for reducing pain during Nexplanon placement. This study is not yet recruiting participants but aims to improve comfort during this common medical procedure.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ability to provide informed consent
• • Women, aged 18-50 who are English or Spanish speaking who present for Nexplanon placement for contraception
• • Participants must not have a past medical history of substance use disorders, pain disorders, use of pain medications or are found to be pregnant
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current use of pain medication prior to procedure
• • Diagnosed chronic pain condition
• • Pregnancy
• • Known allergic reactions to components of the local anesthetic
• • History of Nexplanon placement
• • Current substance use or history of substance use
• • Known contraindications to Nexplanon, such as history of breast cancer, Systemic lupus erythematosus with positive (or unknown) antiphospholipid antibodies, unexplained vaginal bleeding, and liver conditions, including hepatocellular adenoma, malignant liver tumor, and decompensated cirrhosis.