Levonorgestrel intrauterine device
What is levonorgestrel intrauterine device?
LEVONORGESTREL (Mirena®) is an intrauterine device (an “IUD") that is effective as a contraceptive (birth control) method. The device releases the hormone levonorgestrel in the uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. Only small amounts of the hormone enter your blood. Generic IUDs are not available.
What should my health care professional know before I use levonorgestrel?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- blood clots, problems with blood clotting, or take blood-thinners
- breast cancer
- diabetes
- get infections easily. For example, if you have problems with your immune system, leukemia, AIDS, or abuse intravenous drugs.
- have a pelvic infection now, or have had a serious pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- have more than one sexual partner or your partner has more than one partner
- heart disease
- heart valve problems
- history of a tubal pregnancy
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- liver tumor
- might have cancer of the uterus or cervix
- vaginal bleeding that has not been explained
- an unusual or allergic reaction to levonorgestrel, other hormones, silicone, or polyethylene, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
A health-care professional places the levonorgestrel IUD in the uterus, and the process takes only a few minutes.
Two brown threads are attached to the device. You can check that Mirena® is in place by feeling for the threads at the top of your vagina with your fingers. Your health care provider can also remove the device at any time. The threads are the only part you can feel when the IUD is in your uterus.
For all uses of this medicine:
Before the device is inserted, read the paper on your prescription provided by your health care provider. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions.
This device is not for use in children.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. However, you will need to have the IUD removed and replaced within 5 years time.
What drug(s) may interact with levonorgestrel?
It is not known which medications interact with this device. Medicines that might interact include:
- aprepitant, a medicine used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
- barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
- bosentan
- carbamazepine
- griseofulvin
- modafinil
- oxcarbazepine
- phenytoin
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- rifapentine
- ritonavir
- St. John’s wort
- topiramate
- troglitazone or pioglitazone
- warfarin or other blood thinners
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using levonorgestrel?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- cannot feel the threads of the IUD
- chills or unexplained fever
- dizziness or fainting spells
- have pelvic pain or pain during sex
- leg, arm or groin pain
- miss a menstrual period - If you do not have a period for 6 weeks during use
- severe or migraine headaches
- sudden shortness of breath
- swelling of the hands, feet or ankles
- think you are pregnant
- unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge or genital sores
- vision or speech problems
- yellowing of the skin or eyes. These may be signs of liver problems.
- you or your partner becomes HIV positive
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- breakthrough bleeding, spotting, or irregular menstrual cycle
- cramping, dizziness, or faintness while the device is inserted
What should I watch for while taking levonorgestrel?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Return to your health care provider in the first 3 months after IUD insertion to make sure that the IUD is in the right place. Then you should have a complete check-up every 12 months.
You can check the placement of the IUD yourself by reaching up to the top of your vagina with clean fingers to feel the threads. Do not pull on the threads. It is a good habit to check placement after each menstrual period. If you feel more of the IUD than just the threads, the IUD is not in the right place. Call your health care provider to have it removed. If you cannot feel the threads at all, ask your health care provider to check that the IUD is still in the right place.
The IUD may come out by itself. This is called expulsion. You may become pregnant if the device comes out. Use a backup birth control method like condoms and call your health care provider if you notice that the IUD has come out.
Using tampons will not change the position of the IUD and are okay to use during your period.
The levonorgestrel IUD does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply.
[ Last Revised: 5/7/2003 10:46:00 AM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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