Mirena vs. Slynd

Mirena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device) and Slynd (drospirenone) are forms of birth control used to prevent pregnancy.

Mirena is indicated for intrauterine contraception for up to 5 years and for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women.

Mirena and Slynd are different types of birth control. Mirena is a hormone-releasing intra-uterine device (IUD) and Slynd is an oral progestin.

Side effects of Mirena and Slynd that are similar include irregular menstrual bleeding (missed periods, bleeding and spotting between periods, heavier or lighter periods), headache, nausea, breast tenderness or pain, weight gain, acne, and loss of interest in sex.

Side effects of Mirena that are different from Slynd include missed periods, heavier bleeding during the first few weeks after device insertion, abdominal/pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, back pain, migraine, nervousness, dizziness, vomiting, bloating, changes in hair growth, depression, changes in mood, itching or skin rash, and puffiness in the face, hands, ankles, or feet.

Side effects of Slynd that are different from Mirena include menstrual cramps.

Mirena may interact with insulin, blood thinners, or steroids.

Slynd may interact with efavirenz, barbiturates, seizure medications, bosentan, griseofulvin, rifampicin, rifabutin, rufinamide, aprepitant, products containing St. John's wort, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplementation, heparin, aldosterone antagonists, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

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 Slynd include:

• acne,
• irregular menstrual bleeding,
• headache,
• breast pain,
• weight gain,
• menstrual cramps,
• nausea,
• vaginal bleeding,
• decreased sex drive, and
• breast tenderness

• 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.

Slynd (drospirenone) is a progestin indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy.

Mirena may interact with insulin, blood thinners, or steroids

Slynd may interact with efavirenz, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, rifampicin, rifabutin, rufinamide, aprepitant, and products containing St. John's wort, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplementation, heparin, aldosterone antagonists, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Slynd is not intended for use during pregnancy. Discontinue Slynd if pregnancy occurs.

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 Slynd is one tablet taken daily for 28 days; one white active tablet daily during the first 24 days and one green inactive tablet daily during the 4 following days.