Mirena

The active ingredient in Mirena is levonorgestrel. The Mirena IUD (levonorgestrel) is a tiny device inserted into the uterus that gradually delivers the progestin hormone levonorgestrel.

This hormone prevents pregnancy by blocking the ovaries from producing an egg (ovulation), thickening cervical mucus to make it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and thinning the lining of the uterus to make it harder for fertilized eggs to implant. This thinning also helps treat heavy periods.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Mirena. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Mirena:

• The Mirena IUD is inserted by a doctor through the vagina and placed in the uterus.
• You may experience pain, dizziness, or mild vaginal bleeding during the insertion process. Inform your doctor if these symptoms persist beyond 30 minutes.
• After a few weeks, your doctor will need to check that the IUD remains in place. Regular annual pelvic exams and Pap smears will also be required.
• It is important to check after each menstrual period to ensure you can still feel the IUD's removal threads at the cervix opening.
• The IUD may expel itself from your uterus. If you are unable to feel the strings, suspect the IUD has shifted, or experience discomfort or bleeding, contact your doctor immediately. To prevent pregnancy, use a non-hormonal backup method like condoms, diaphragms, or contraceptive sponges.
• Irregular periods may occur within the first three to six months. Menstrual flow may vary, becoming lighter or heavier, and periods may stop entirely. If you do not have a period for six weeks or suspect pregnancy, consult your doctor.
• The Mirena IUD should not interfere with activities such as sexual intercourse, tampon or menstrual cup use, or other vaginal treatments.
• If you need an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), let your healthcare provider know in advance that you have a Mirena IUD.
• You can choose to have the IUD removed at any time if you decide to stop using it as birth control. However, it must be removed at the end of the eight-year usage period. If you wish to continue with this method, your doctor can insert a new IUD.y your doctor should remove the IUD. Do not try to remove Mirena yourself.

The most common side effects of Mirena seen in clinical trials include:

• Abdominal pain or pelvic pain.
• Irregular bleeding patterns or no period at all (amenorrhea).
• Headaches or migraines.
• Vaginal irritation.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Breast pain.
• Ovarian cyst.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Depression or mood changes.
• Acne.
• Hair loss.
• Weight gain.
• Nausea.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Mirena. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Higher risk of ectopic pregnancy: acute, unexplained pelvic pain and atypical vaginal bleeding.
• Severe infection: fever, chills, disorientation, and exhaustion.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Mirena. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Mirena, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• The IUD increases your risk of a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is often associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Mirena will not protect you against STIs, including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom may help protect you against certain infections.
• Do not use Mirena when pregnant. If left in place throughout pregnancy, this IUD could result in serious infection, miscarriage, early birth, or death of the mother. The hormone in the Mirena IUD may also have unintended consequences for a female newborn.
• If you become pregnant, tell your doctor straight away. If you continue your pregnancy, keep an eye out for symptoms like fever, chills, cramping, vaginal bleeding, or discharge.
• You should avoid using Mirena if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, silicone, silica, silver, barium, iron oxide, or polyethylene. Let your provider know if any of the following apply to you.
• Vaginal bleeding that has not been assessed by a physician.
• Untreated or uncontrolled pelvic infections, including those affecting the vagina, cervix, or uterus.
• A significant pelvic infection, such as endometriosis, following a pregnancy or abortion within the past three months.
• A history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), unless the infection was treated and resolved, and you’ve had a normal pregnancy since then.
• Uterine fibroids or other conditions that alter the shape of the uterus.
• A current or past diagnosis of breast, cervical, or uterine cancer.
• Liver disease or liver tumors, whether benign or malignant.
• Conditions that weaken your immune system, such as AIDS, leukemia, or intravenous drug use.
• The presence of another intrauterine device (IUD) that is currently in use.
• A history of abortion or miscarriage within the past six weeks.
• Childbirth within the last six weeks.
• Also tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, cardiac issues, a heart attack or a stroke, bleeding problems, migraine headaches, a vaginal infection, a pelvic infection, or a sexually transmitted disease before taking Mirena.
• Some serious complications with IUDs like Mirena are sepsis, perforation, and expulsion.

If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare practitioner since Mirena IUD (levonorgestrel) is not safe for you to use.

• Pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy.
• Use as emergency contraception.
• Some aberrant uterine anatomy.
• Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or a history of it.
• Postpartum endometritis or infected abortion in the previous three months
• Uterine or cervical cancer.
• Breast cancer or other progesterone-sensitive cancer.
• Uterine hemorrhage with no known cause.
• Untreated inflammation of the cervix or vagina, as well as other lower genital tract illnesses.
• Liver illness or tumor.

A previous intrauterine device (IUD) that has not been removed.

Mirena takes effect instantly if inserted within the first week of your period. If administered at any other time, it takes around seven days to begin working. You should use another method of contraception until then.

When Mirena is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Lamictal (lamotrigine)
• Lamotrigine
• Metformin
• Topiramate

At your doctor's office, a Mirena IUD (levonorgestrel) will be inserted into your uterus.

Prevent pregnancy: The Mirena IUD (levonorgestrel) can last up to 8 years. Your provider will next remove the IUD in their office.

Heavy menstrual bleeding: Mirena IUD (levonorgestrel) can last up to 5 years. Your provider will next remove the IUD in their office.

When not in use, store the Mirena at room temperature in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. Also, keep it out of children's reach.

Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Global manufactures Mirena, a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD).

There is no generic form of Mirena. Mirena is a brand-name IUD that contains the hormone levonorgestrel.

Mirena is meant to be used for up to 8 years, however, you can discontinue use at any time by contacting your healthcare professional to remove it. You may become pregnant as soon as Mirena is removed, so if you do not want to become pregnant, use another method of birth control.

No, you should not use Mirena while pregnant. Mirena is a hormonal IUD used to prevent conception; nevertheless, it can cause major complications if used during pregnancy.

You may use Mirena while nursing. Levonorgestrel is unlikely to impact the quality or quantity of your breast milk, or the health of your breastfeeding baby. However, sporadic occurrences of decreased milk output have been documented. The risk of uterine complications from IUD insertion is greater while you are breastfeeding.