Mirena vs. Liletta

Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) and Liletta (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.

A difference is Mirena is effective for up to 5 years, while Liletta is effective for up to 3 years. Mirena is also used for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women.

Side effects of Mirena and Liletta that are similar include headache or migraine, nausea, vomiting, abdominal/pelvic pain or discomfort, breast tenderness or pain, depression, mood changes, and heavier bleeding during the first few weeks after device insertion.

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 Liletta include:

• vaginal and vulvovaginal infections,
• acne,
• headache or migraine,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• difficult or painful sexual intercourse,
• abdominal discomfort or pain,
• breast tenderness or pain,
• pelvic pain or discomfort,
• depression,
• mood changes,
• expulsion of the device,
• vaginal bleeding, and
• uterine spasm.

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 Liletta?

• Liletta is a hormone-releasing system inserted in your uterus by your healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy for up to 3 years.
• Liletta can be removed by your healthcare provider at any time.
• Liletta can be used whether or not you have given birth to a child.

Liletta 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 Liletta releases LNG into your uterus, only small amounts of the hormone enter your blood. Liletta does not contain estrogen.

Two thin threads are attached to the stem (lower end) of Liletta. The threads are the only part of Liletta you should feel when Liletta 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 Liletta is not known to interact with other drugs, Liletta 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.

The dose of Liletta is one intrauterine system consisting of a T-shaped polyethylene frame with a drug reservoir containing 52mg LNG, packaged within a sterile inserter. Liletta may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Liletta is not intended for use during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using Liletta as the device may need to be removed; leaving it in place may increase the risk of spontaneous abortion or preterm labor. You may use Liletta when you are breastfeeding if more than 6 weeks have passed since you had your baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.