Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 28, 2021.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Kyleena
- Liletta
- Mirena
- Skyla
Available Dosage Forms:
- Insert, Extended Release
Therapeutic Class: Contraceptive, Local
Pharmacologic Class: Progestin
Uses for levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is a device that contains the female hormone, levonorgestrel. It is placed in the uterus (womb) where it slowly releases the hormone to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years for Skyla®, up to 5 years for Kyleena®, up to 6 years for Liletta®, or up to 7 years for Mirena®. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is also used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years in women who choose this device as their method for birth control.
Levonorgestrel is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.
Before using levonorgestrel
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For levonorgestrel, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to levonorgestrel or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levonorgestrel in teenage females. Levonorgestrel may be used for birth control in teenage females but is not recommended before the start of menstruation.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of levonorgestrel have not been performed in the geriatric population. Levonorgestrel is not recommended for use in elderly women.
