Mirena (Levonorgestrel)

What is Mirena?

Mirena is a small, plastic device that contains female hormone levonorgestrel. It is placed in the womb or uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to five years.

What is Mirena used for?

Mirena is used to prevent pregnancy for a longer duration (up to five years). It is also used in females who have heavy menstrual bleeding and use an intrauterine form of birth control. The medication is to be used only by those females who have previously given birth, have only one sexual partner, and have a history of certain conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, etc.

It is important to note that the use of this medication does not protect a person from sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV.

How does Mirena work?

Mirena works by gradually releasing levonorgestrel hormone in the body. The hormone causes changes in cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it difficult for sperm to reach uterus and even more difficult for fertilized egg to attach to uterus.

How to use Mirena

Mirena is usually inserted into the uterus (through the vagina) by a trained health care professional. This is done once every five years or as directed by the doctor.  The medicine gets released slowly into the body over a five-year period. The device is inserted within seven days of starting of a menstrual period.

Mirena warnings and precautions

Do not take Mirena if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, polyethylene, or silicone; or if you have uncontrolled or untreated pelvic infection (uterine, vaginal, or bladder), abnormal vaginal bleeding, serious pelvic infection after pregnancy or abortion within the past three months, history of breast cancer, malignant or benign liver tumor or other liver diseases, known or suspected uterine or cervical cancer, a history of pelvic inflammatory disease or PID (unless you had a normal pregnancy after the treatment of the infection), an immune-weakening disease or condition, such as leukemia, AIDS, or IV drug abuse; a recent undiagnosed or untreated abnormal Pap smear, uterine fibroid tumors or other conditions affecting the shape of the uterus. Also, do not take this medicine if you have another intrauterine device or IUD in place or if you have more than one sexual partner.

Prior to taking Mirena, tell your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, dia

What do I do if I have missed a Mirena dose?

Missing a Mirena dose is not likely to happen as the intrauterine device releases a low dose of levonorgestrel continuously.

What do I do if I have taken a Mirena overdose?

An overdose of Mirena is unlikely to occur.

Mirena interactions

Before taking Mirena, consult your doctor if you take insulin, blood thinner; or steroids such as dexamethasone (Hexadrol, Decadron), mometasone (Asmanex, Nasonex), fluticasone (Advair), and prednisone.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Mirena side effects

Mirena side effects include extreme dizziness, severe cramps or pelvic pain, pale skin, weakness, bruising, bleeding, fever, chills, pain in lower stomach or on the sides, vaginal bleeding, watery vaginal discharge, vaginal sores, pain during sexual intercourse, sudden weakness or numbness, jaundice, hives, breathing trouble, severe or sudden headache, increased sensitivity to light, problems with vision, swelling and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Mirena, contact your doctor right away.

Seek emergency medical attention if you have severe pain in lower stomach or on the sides. This could be a sign of tubal pregnancy which develops in fallopian tubes instead of the uterus.

Headache, dizziness, nervousness, back ache, mild nausea, vomiting, bloating,  mood changes, breast pain or tenderness, weight gain, skin rash, mild itching, acne, changes in hair growth, irregular menstrual periods, excessive bleeding, changes in bleeding p