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Printable Version Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device

Active Ingredients: Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device
Other Names: Mirena Intrauterine Device
Drug Class: Progestins
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device? (Back to top)
LEVONORGESTREL IUD is a contraceptive (birth control) device. It is used to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • abnormal Pap smear
  • cancer of the breast, uterus, or cervix
  • diabetes
  • endometritis
  • genital or pelvic infection now or in the past
  • have more than one sexual partner or your partner has more than one partner
  • heart disease
  • history of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy
  • immune system problems
  • IUD in place
  • liver disease or tumor
  • problems with blood clots or take blood-thinners
  • use intravenous drugs
  • uterus of unusual shape
  • 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? (Back to top)
This device is placed inside the uterus by a health care professional.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
This does not apply.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

  • amprenavir
  • bosentan
  • fosamprenavir

This medicine may also interact with the following:
  • aprepitant
  • barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
  • bexarotene
  • griseofulvin
  • medicines to treat seizures like carbamazepine, ethotoin, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, topiramate
  • modafinil
  • pioglitazone
  • rifabutin
  • rifampin
  • rifapentine
  • some medicines to treat HIV infection like atazanavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, tipranavir, ritonavir
  • St. John's wort
  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • fever, flu-like symptoms
  • genital sores
  • high blood pressure
  • no menstrual period for 6 weeks during use
  • pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
  • pelvic pain or tenderness
  • severe or sudden headache
  • signs of pregnancy
  • stomach cramping
  • sudden shortness of breath
  • trouble with balance, talking, or walking
  • unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge
  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • acne
  • breast pain
  • change in sex drive or performance
  • changes in weight
  • cramping, dizziness, or faintness while the device is being inserted
  • headache
  • irregular menstrual bleeding within first 3 to 6 months of use
  • nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. See your doctor if you or your partner has sexual contact with others, becomes HIV positive, or gets a sexual transmitted disease.

This product does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

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. Call your doctor right away if you feel more of the IUD than just the threads or if you cannot feel the threads at all.

The IUD may come out by itself. You may become pregnant if the device comes out. If you notice that the IUD has come out use a backup birth control method like condoms and call your health care provider.

Using tampons will not change the position of the IUD and are okay to use during your period.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This does not apply.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:March 05, 2008

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device, do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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