This product is a small, flexible device that is placed
in the womb (uterus) to prevent pregnancy. It is used by women who want to
use a reversible birth control method that works for a long time (up to 5
years). It is also used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women who
choose to use this birth control method. The device slowly releases a
hormone (levonorgestrel) that is similar to a hormone that women normally
make. This device and hormone helps prevent pregnancy.
Using this product does not protect you or your partner
against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea,
chlamydia).
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this product. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This device is placed in your uterus by a health care
provider during an in-office visit. It is left in place for up to 5 years.
Schedule a follow-up visit 4 to 6 weeks after the device is placed to make
sure it is still in the proper position.
Ask your doctor if you need to use a backup form of
birth control for the first 7 days after this device is placed to prevent
pregnancy until the device has enough time to work.
This device may sometimes move out of place or come out
by itself. After each menstrual period, check to make sure it is in the
proper position. Learn how to carefully check the position of this device
from the Patient Information Leaflet and/or your health care provider. If
it comes out or if you cannot feel the threads, contact your doctor
promptly and use a backup form of non-hormonal birth control (such as
condoms, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy until otherwise directed by your
doctor.
If you wish to continue this method of birth control
after 5 years, the used device may be removed and replaced with a new one.
Either way, the used device should be removed after 5 years. Your health
care provider can remove this device whenever you want to stop using this
method of birth control.
Pain, bleeding, or dizziness during and after placement
of the device may occur. Cramps, irregular menstrual periods, and vaginal
bleeding between periods (spotting) may occur, especially during the first
few weeks of use. Headache, nausea, breast tenderness, or weight gain may
also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor
promptly.
After your body adjusts to this product, it is normal to
have fewer bleeding days during your menstrual periods, and some women stop
having periods altogether. This will not affect your ability to become
pregnant after stopping use of this product.
Remember that this medication device has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this device do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- stomach/abdominal pain
- vomiting
- lumps in the breast
- mental/mood changes (such as new/worsening depression)
- unusual changes in vaginal bleeding (such as continuous
spotting, sudden heavy bleeding, missed periods)
- dark urine
- yellowing eyes/skin
- unusual headaches (including headaches with vision
changes/lack of coordination, worsening of migraines, sudden/very severe
headaches)
Using an intrauterine device (IUD) may increase your
risk for a rare but serious pelvic infection (pelvic inflammatory
disease-PID), which can cause permanent damage to sex organs and
infertility. The risk is greater in women who have multiple sexual
partners, or infection with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or who
have had PID in the past (see also Precautions section). Tell your doctor
right away if you experience symptoms of PID, including:
- unexplained fever/chills
- lower abdominal/pelvic pain
- pain during sexual intercourse
- genital sores
- unusual vaginal discharge
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication device, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, or to any other
progestins (such as norethindrone, desogestrel); or if you have any other
allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause
allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- recent pregnancy
- current breastfeeding
- bleeding/blood disorders
- high blood pressure
- abnormal breast exam
- cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer)
- depression
- diabetes
- severe headaches/migraines
- heart problems (such as heart valve disease, irregular
heartbeat, previous heart attack)
- liver disease (including tumors)
- previous pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic
pregnancy)
- stroke
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- uterus problems (such as fibroids, pelvic inflammatory
disease-PID)
- conditions that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of
infection (such as HIV, leukemia, IV drug abuse)
If you or partner have other sexual partners, this
device may not be the best birth control method for you. If you or your
partner get a sexually transmitted disease (including HIV, gonorrhea,
chlamydia), contact your doctor right away. Ask your doctor if you should
continue to use this device for birth control.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products). Also, if you are going to have an MRI test,
tell testing personnel that you are using this device. They may need to
adjust your MRI test.
This device should not be used during pregnancy. If you
become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right
away.
Levonorgestrel passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication device may be harmful if swallowed. If
someone has swallowed it and has serious symptoms such as passing out or
trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right
away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
You should have regular complete physical exams
including blood pressure, breast exam, pelvic exam, and screening for
cervical cancer (Pap smear). Follow your doctor's instructions for
examining your breasts, and report any lumps right away. Keep all medical
and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Before use, store at room temperature. Keep all
medications and medical devices away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.