Your medicine
Levonorgestrel is a hormone which is similar to the hormone
progesterone that is produced by the body. It is used to prevent women from becoming pregnant, to reduce blood loss in women with heavy menstrual periods and in preventing
endometrial hyperplasia in women who are taking oestrogens. Levonorgestrel works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovary and increases the thickness of vaginal fluid which can stop a sperm from reaching an egg. Levonorgestrel also changes the lining of the uterus. This makes it difficult for an egg to develop and also helps to reduce blood loss or to prevent
endometrial hyperplasia.
Levonorgestrel may increase the chances of developing breast cancer. You and your prescriber will need to weigh up the benefits and risks of taking Levonorgestrel before you start to take it. Women who take Levonorgestrel need to regularly examine their breasts for any changes or lumps.
This Levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine device (IUD) needs to be inserted into the uterus by a trained doctor or nurse. It is only suitable for long term use. It is usually replaced every five years when used for
contraception or
menorrhagia. It is usually replaced every four years when used to prevent
endometrial hyperplasia. Before you use this IUD, you and your prescriber will need to weigh up the risks and benefits of using it.
When the IUD is being used for
contraception or
menorrhagia, it should be inserted within seven days of a menstrual period starting. If a new device is inserted immediately after removing an old one you will be continually protected from becoming pregnant. If the IUD is not inserted within seven days of a menstrual period beginning, you may need to take extra contraceptive precautions. If you want to stop using the IUD as
contraception you can have the IUD removed by your prescriber or family planning nurse at any time. If you are planning to stop using this IUD, and want to use a different type of
contraception, you should discuss this with your prescriber.
When using this IUD for preventing
endometrial hyperplasia during oestrogen therapy, it is usually inserted during the last days of a withdrawal bleed or it can be inserted at anytime in women who do not have periods.
Your prescriber or family planning nurse will have to remove the IUD if you become pregnant. The IUD can increase your chances of having a miscarriage or going into premature labour if it is left in the uterus when you are pregnant. You must immediately contact your prescriber or family planning nurse if you become pregnant or think you have become pregnant while using this IUD.
There is a possibility of the IUD moving or coming out of the uterus. If The IUD moves your prescriber will have to insert a new device as a displaced intra-uterine device may not be effective. You may not notice if the IUD has come out of the uterus but there may be increased vaginal bleeding or
pain. Your prescriber or family planning nurse will advise you what symptoms to look out for and how to check if the IUD has moved or has come out. For more information ask your prescriber or family planning nurse or read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Other information about Levonorgestrel:
- you will usually have a medical check-up six weeks after Levonorgestrel has been inserted. For more information, contact your prescriber
Levonorgestrel is an implant – it will be implanted by a healthcare professional. The person responsible for giving you your medicine will make sure that you get the right dose. If you feel that the medicine is making you feel unwell or you think it is not working, you should talk to someone who is involved in your care.
