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Norplant System

Generic name: levonorgestrel intrauterine systemLEE-voe-nor-JES-trel-IN-tra-UE-ter-ine-SIS-tem ]
Brand names: Liletta, Mirena, Skyla
Drug classes: Contraceptives, Progestins

What is Norplant System (levonorgestrel intrauterine system)?

Levonorgestrel is a female hormone that can cause changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Levonorgestrel intrauterine system is a plastic device that contains this hormone. This device is placed in the uterus where it slowly releases the hormone to prevent pregnancy for 3 to 5 years.

Mirena is meant for use in a woman who has had at least one child. Skyla or Liletta can be used whether you have children or not. Mirena is also used in women who have heavy menstrual bleeding and choose to use an intrauterine form of birth control.

Levonorgestrel is a progestin hormone and does not contain estrogen. The intrauterine device release levonorgestrel in the uterus, but only small amounts of the hormone reach the bloodstream. Levonorgestrel intrauterine system should not be used as emergency birth control.

Levonorgestrel intrauterine system may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Norplant System (levonorgestrel intrauterine system)?

You should not use this intrauterine device (IUD) if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, a pelvic infection, certain other problems with your uterus or cervix, or if you have breast or uterine cancer, liver disease or liver tumor, or a weak immune system.

Do not use during pregnancy.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Norplant System (levonorgestrel intrauterine system)?

An intrauterine device can increase your risk of developing a serious pelvic infection, which may threaten your life or your future ability to have children. Ask your doctor about your personal risk and about ways to help prevent a pelvic infection.

You should not use this device if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, silicone, silica, silver, barium, iron oxide, or polyethylene, or if you have:

You may need special tests to safely use a levonorgestrel intrauterine device if you have:

Do not use levonorgestrel intrauterine system during pregnancy. This device can cause severe infection, miscarriage, premature birth, or death of the mother if left in place during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you choose to continue a pregnancy that occurs while using a levonorgestrel intrauterine system, watch for signs of infection such as fever, chills, flu symptoms, cramps, vaginal bleeding or discharge.

If you have recently had a baby and are breast-feeding, wait until your baby is at least 6 weeks old before you start using the intrauterine system.

How is levonorgestrel intrauterine system used?

Levonorgestrel intrauterine system is a T-shaped plastic device that is inserted through the vagina and placed into the uterus by a doctor. The device is usually inserted within 7 days after the start of a menstrual period.

You may feel pain or dizziness during insertion of the intrauterine device. You may also have minor vaginal bleeding. Tell your doctor if you still have these symptoms longer than 30 minutes.

The levonorgestrel device should not interfere with sexual intercourse, wearing tampons, or using other vaginal medications recommended by your doctor.

After each menstrual period, make sure you can still feel the removal strings. Wash your hands with soap and water, and insert your clean fingers into the vagina. You should be able to feel the strings at the opening of your cervix. Call your doctor at once if you cannot feel the strings, or if you think the device has slipped lower in your uterus or out of your uterus. A sudden increase in menstrual flow may be a sign that the device has slipped out of place.

If you think the device is not properly in place, use a non-hormone method of birth control (condom, or diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy until your doctor is able to replace the levonorgestrel device.

Your doctor will need to see you within a few weeks after insertion of the device to make sure it is still in place correctly. You will also need regular annual pelvic exams and Pap smears.

If you need to have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), tell your caregivers ahead of time that you have an intrauterine device in place.

You may have irregular periods during the first 3 to 6 months of use. Your flow may be lighter or heavier, and you may eventually stop having periods after several months. Call your doctor if you miss a period or think you might be pregnant.

Your device may be removed at any time you decide to stop using birth control. The Mirena intrauterine system must be removed at the end of the 5-year wearing time. The Skyla or Liletta device must be removed after 3 years. Your doctor can insert a new device at that time if you wish to continue using this form of birth control. Only your doctor should remove the intrauterine device. Do not attempt to remove the device yourself.

Following removal of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device, you may become pregnant right away.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since the intrauterine device continuously releases a low dose of levonorgestrel, missing a dose does not occur when using this form of levonorgestrel.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of levonorgestrel released from the intrauterine system is very unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while using Norplant System (levonorgestrel intrauterine system)?

Avoid having more than one sexual partner. The intrauterine device can increase your risk of developing a serious pelvic infection, which is often caused by sexually transmitted disease. Levonorgestrel intrauterine system will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to help protect yourself from these diseases. Contact your doctor if your sexual partner develops HIV or a sexually transmitted disease, or if you have any change in sexual relationships.

Norplant System (levonorgestrel intrauterine system) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have severe pain in your lower stomach or side. This could be a sign of a tubal pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus). A tubal pregnancy is a medical emergency.

The levonorgestrel intrauterine device may become embedded into the wall of the uterus, or may perforate (form a hole) in the uterus. If this occurs, the device may no longer prevent pregnancy, or it may move outside the uterus and cause scarring, infection, or damage to other organs. Your doctor may need to surgically remove the device.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Norplant System (levonorgestrel intrauterine system)?

Other drugs may interact with levonorgestrel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Popular FAQ

Yes, Plan B (levonorgestrel) may lead to a delayed period or induce bleeding outside the typical menstrual cycle, as it contains a synthetic hormone. In order to prevent pregnancy, Plan B, similar to other contraceptive pills, needs to modify your hormonal levels, which can result in these menstrual alterations. It's worth noting that Plan B is linked to a higher likelihood of menstrual changes compared to regular birth control pills, due to its increased dosage. Continue reading

Yes. After taking the emergency contraceptive Plan B (levonorgestrel), it is considered safe to drink alcohol, and alcohol is not known to alter the efficacy of Plan B. While consuming alcohol after Plan B is not considered dangerous, some of the potential side effects of Plan B may be worsened by alcohol. Continue reading

Plan B (levonorgestrel) is estimated to be 60% to 94% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken within 3 days (72 hours) after unprotected sex. Somewhere between 0.6% to 2.6% of women who take Plan B within this time frame will still become pregnant. Continue reading

Despite what many people believe, there is no official weight limit for Plan B and there is no weight recommendation on the FDA label for Plan B. There is currently no reason or good evidence that women of a higher body weight or BMI cannot use Plan B or other forms of emergency contraception. Continue reading

You can take Plan B (levonorgestrel) as many times as needed for emergency contraception. There is no known limit on the number of times you can safely use Plan B. Plan B can even be taken more than once in the same menstrual cycle. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.