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Mirena

  • Generic Name: levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
  • Brand Name: Mirena
  • Drug Class: Progestins

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    Mirena vs. Kyleena Mirena vs. Liletta Mirena vs. NuvaRing Mirena vs. Slynd
    • Mirena Patient Information Including Side Effects

    Brand Names: Kyleena, Liletta, Mirena, Skyla

    Generic Name: levonorgestrel intrauterine system

    What is levonorgestrel intrauterine system?

    Levonorgestrel is a female hormone that can cause changes in your cervix and uterus. Levonorgestrel intrauterine system or intrauterine device (IUD) is placed in the uterus where it slowly releases the hormone.

    Levonorgestrel intrauterine system is used to prevent pregnancy for 3 to 6 years. Mirena is also used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women who choose to use an intrauterine form of birth control.

    Levonorgestrel does not contain estrogen and should not be used as emergency birth control.

    Levonorgestrel intrauterine system may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

    What are the possible side effects of levonorgestrel intrauterine system?

    Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

    Get emergency medical help if you have severe pain in your lower stomach or side. This could be a sign of a tubal pregnancy.

    The IUD may become embedded into the wall of the uterus, or may perforate (form a hole) in the uterus. If this occurs, the device may no longer prevent pregnancy, or it may move outside the uterus and cause scarring, infection, or damage to other organs. Your doctor may need to surgically remove the device.

    Call your doctor at once if you have:

    Common side effects may include:

    • pelvic pain, painful or irregular menstrual periods, changes in bleeding patterns or flow;
    • vaginal swelling, itching or infection;
    • temporary pain, bleeding, or dizziness during insertion of the IUD;
    • ovarian cysts (pelvic pain that disappears within 3 months);
    • stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating;
    • headache, migraine, depression, mood changes;
    • back pain, breast tenderness or pain;
    • weight gain, acne, oily skin, changes in hair growth, loss of interest in sex; or
    • puffiness in your face, hands, ankles, or feet.

    This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    What is the most important information I should know about levonorgestrel intrauterine system?

    Do not use during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

    Mirena Patient Information including How Should I Take

    What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using levonorgestrel intrauterine system?

    An IUD can increase your risk of developing a serious pelvic infection, which may threaten your life or your future ability to have children. Ask your doctor about this risk.

    Do not use during pregnancy. If left in place during pregnancy, this IUD could cause severe infection, miscarriage, premature birth, or death of the mother. The hormone in the IUD may also cause unwanted effects in a female newborn.

    Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you continue the pregnancy, watch for signs such as fever, chills, cramps, vaginal bleeding or discharge.

    You should not use this device if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, silicone, silica, silver, barium, iron oxide, or polyethylene, or if you have:

    • abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
    • an untreated or uncontrolled pelvic infection (vaginal, cervical, uterine);
    • endometriosis or a serious pelvic infection following a pregnancy or abortion in the past 3 months;
    • pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), unless you had a normal pregnancy after the infection was treated and cleared;
    • uterine fibroid tumors or conditions that affect the shape of the uterus;
    • past or present cancer of the breast, cervix, or uterus;
    • liver disease or liver tumor (benign or malignant);
    • a condition that weakens your immune system, such as AIDS, leukemia, or IV drug abuse;
    • if you have another intrauterine device (IUD) in place;
    • if you had an abortion or miscarriage in the past 6 weeks; or
    • if you gave birth to a baby in the past 6 weeks.

    Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

    Do not breastfeed until at least 6 weeks have passed since your baby was born. The risk of uterine complications from IUD insertion is greater while you are breastfeeding.

    How is levonorgestrel intrauterine system used?

    The levonorgestrel IUD is inserted through the vagina and placed into the uterus by a doctor.

    You may feel pain or dizziness during insertion of the IUD, and you may have minor vaginal bleeding. Tell your doctor if these symptoms last longer than 30 minutes.

    The IUD should not interfere with sexual intercourse, wearing a tampon or menstrual cup, or using other vaginal medications.

    Your doctor should check the IUD after a few weeks to make sure it is still in place. You will also need annual pelvic exams and Pap smears.

    You may have irregular periods for 3 to 6 months. Your flow may be lighter or heavier, and your periods may stop after several months. Tell your doctor if you do not have a period for 6 weeks or if you think you might be pregnant.

    The IUD may come out by itself. After each menstrual period, make sure you can still feel the removal strings at the opening of your cervix.

    Call your doctor at once if you cannot feel the strings, or if you think the IUD has slipped lower or has come out of your uterus, especially if you also have pain or bleeding. Use a non-hormone method of birth control (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy until your doctor is able to replace the IUD.

    If you need to have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), tell your caregivers ahead of time that you have an IUD in place.

    Your IUD may be removed at any time you decide to stop using birth control. Mirena or Liletta must be removed at the end of the 6-year wearing time. Kyleena must be removed after 5 years, and Skyla must be removed after 3 years. Your doctor can insert a new device if you wish to continue using this form of birth control. Only your doctor should remove the IUD. Do not attempt to remove the device yourself.

    If you decide to use a different method of birth control, you may need to start using it a week before your IUD is removed.

    Mirena Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

    What happens if I miss a dose?

    Since the IUD continuously releases a low dose of levonorgestrel, missing a dose does not occur when using this form of levonorgestrel.

    What happens if I overdose?

    An overdose of levonorgestrel released from the intrauterine system is very unlikely to occur.

    What should I avoid while using levonorgestrel intrauterine system?

    Avoid having more than one sex partner. The IUD can increase your risk of developing a serious pelvic infection, which is often caused by sexually transmitted disease. Levonorgestrel intrauterine system will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to help protect yourself from these diseases.

    Call your doctor if your sex partner develops HIV or a sexually transmitted disease, or if you have any change in sexual relationships.

    What other drugs will affect levonorgestrel intrauterine system?

    Other drugs may affect levonorgestrel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

    Where can I get more information?

    Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about the levonorgestrel intrauterine system.

    Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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