Mirena vs. Kyleena

Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) and Kyleena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) are forms of birth control that are hormone-releasing systems placed in your uterus (intra-uterine device, or IUD) to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.

Mirena is also used for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women.

Side effects of Mirena and Kyleena that are similar include ovarian cysts, abdominal/pelvic pain, headache or migraine, acne, breast tenderness or pain, heavier bleeding during the first few weeks after device insertion, depression, and changes in hair growth (including hair loss).

Side effects of Mirena include:

• missed periods (amenorrhea),
• bleeding and spotting between periods,
• heavier bleeding during the first few weeks after device insertion,
• abdominal/pelvic pain,
• ovarian cysts,
• back pain,
• headache/migraine,
• nervousness,
• dizziness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• bloating,
• breast tenderness or pain,
• weight gain,
• changes in hair growth,
• acne,
• depression,
• changes in mood,
• loss of interest in sex,
• itching or skin rash, and
• puffiness in the face, hands, ankles, or feet.

Common side effects of Kyleena include:

• vaginal itching and discharge,
• ovarian cysts,
• abdominal pain,
• pelvic pain,
• headache or migraine,
• acne,
• abdominal cramps,
• breast pain or discomfort,
• increased vaginal bleeding,
• depression, and
• hair loss.

What is Mirena?

• Mirena is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus by your healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.
• Mirena can also lessen menstrual blood loss in women who have heavy menstrual flow and who also want to use a birth control method that is placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.
• Mirena can be removed by your healthcare provider at any time.
• Mirena is recommended for women who have had at least one child.

Mirena is a small flexible plastic T-shaped system that slowly releases a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel that is often used in birth control pills. Because Mirena releases levonorgestrel into your uterus, only small amounts of the hormone enter your blood. Mirena does not contain estrogen.

Two thin threads are attached to the stem of Mirena. The threads are the only part of Mirena you can feel when Mirena is in your uterus; however, unlike a tampon string, the threads do not extend outside your body.

What is Kyleena?

• Kyleena is a hormone-releasing system placed in your uterus by your healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years.
• Kyleena can be removed by your healthcare provider at any time.
• Kyleena can be used whether or not you have given birth to a child.

Kyleena is a small, flexible plastic T-shaped system that slowly releases a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel (LNG) that is often used in birth control pills. Because Kyleena releases LNG into your uterus, only small amounts of the hormone enter your blood. Kyleena does not contain estrogen.

Two thin threads are attached to the stem (lower end) of Kyleena. The threads are the only part of Kyleena you can feel when Kyleena is in your uterus; however, unlike a tampon string, the threads do not extend outside your body.

Mirena may interact with insulin, blood thinners, or steroids

Though Kyleena is not known to interact with other drugs, Kyleena may interact with other drugs.

Mirena contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel (LNG). Initially, LNG is released at a dose rate of approximately 20 mcg/day. This rate decreases progressively to half that value after 5 years. Mirena must be removed by the end of the fifth year and can be replaced at the time of removal with a new Mirena if continued contraceptive protection is desired. Drug interactions and warnings include potential interactions with insulin, warfarin (Coumadin) and steroids. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Mirena should not be used during pregnancy. This device can cause severe infection, miscarriage, premature birth, or death of the mother if it is left in place during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using the Mirena intrauterine system. Small amounts of progestins such as those in Mirena pass into breast milk. If you have recently had a baby and are breastfeeding, wait until your baby is at least 6 weeks old before you start using Mirena.

Kyleena is inserted by a trained healthcare provider. The release rate of levonorgestrel (LNG) in Kyleena is 17.5 mcg/day after 24 days and declines to 7.4 mcg/day after 5 years; Kyleena must be removed or replaced after 5 years. Kyleena may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using Kyleena. Kyleena is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Kyleena should be removed if pregnancy occurs with Kyleena in place. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.