LEVONORGESTREL-RELEASING 3 YEAR SYSTEM - INTRAUTERINE

LEVONORGESTREL-RELEASING 3 YEAR SYSTEM - INTRAUTERINE

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (LEE-voe-nor-JES-trel)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Skyla

GENERIC NAME(S): levonorgestrel

Uses

USES: This product is a small, flexible device that is placed in the womb (uterus) to prevent pregnancy. It is used by women who want to use a reversible birth control method that works for a long time (up to 3 years). The device slowly releases a hormone (levonorgestrel) that is similar to a hormone that women normally make. This device helps prevent pregnancy by making cervical fluid thicker, interfering with sperm movement, and reducing sperm survival to prevent sperm from reaching an egg (fertilization). It also changes the lining of the uterus (womb) to prevent attachment of a fertilized egg. If a fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus, it passes out of the body. This device may also stop the release of an egg from your ovary (ovulation), but this is not the way it works in most women. Using this product does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).


How to use LEVONORGESTREL-RELEASING 3 YEAR SYSTEM - INTRAUTERINE

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product. The leaflet contains very important information about this device. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This device is placed in your uterus by a health care provider during an in-office visit. It is left in place for up to 3 years. Schedule a follow-up visit 4 to 6 weeks after the device is placed to make sure it is still in the proper position. Ask your doctor if you need to use a backup form of birth control for the first 7 days after this device is placed to prevent pregnancy until the device has enough time to work. This device may sometimes move out of place or come out by itself. After each menstrual period, check to make sure it is in the proper position. Learn how to carefully check the position of this device from the Patient Information Leaflet and/or your health care provider. If it comes out or if you cannot feel the threads, contact your doctor promptly and use a backup form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy until otherwise directed by your doctor. If you wish to continue this method of birth control after 3 years, the used device may be removed and replaced with a new one. Either way, the used device should be removed after 3 years. Your health care provider can remove this device whenever you want to stop using this method of birth control.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain, bleeding, or dizziness during and after placement of the device may occur. Cramps, irregular menstrual periods, and vaginal bleeding between periods (spotting) may occur, especially during the first few weeks of use. Headache, nausea, breast tenderness, acne, or weight gain may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. After your body adjusts to this product, it is normal to have fewer bleeding days during your menstrual periods, and some women stop having periods altogether. This will not affect your ability to become pregnant after stopping use of this product. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication device because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this device do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stomach/abdominal pain, vomiting, lumps in the breast, mental/mood changes (such as new/worsening depression), unusual changes in vaginal bleeding (such as continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding, missed periods), dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, unusual headaches (including headaches with vision changes/lack of coordination, worsening of migraines, sudden/very severe headaches). Using an intrauterine device (IUD) may increase your risk for a rare but serious pelvic infection (pelvic inflammatory disease-PID), which can cause permanent damage to sex organs and infertility. The risk is greater in women who have multiple sexual partners, or infection with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or who have had PID in the past (see also Precautions section). Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of PID, including: unexplained fever/chills, lower abdominal/pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, genital sores, unusual vaginal discharge. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication device, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, or to any other progestins (such as norethindrone, desogestrel); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent pregnancy, current breastfeeding, bleeding/blood disorders, high blood pressure, abnormal breast exam, cancer (especially endometrial, cervical, or breast cancer), depression, diabetes, severe headaches/migraines, heart problems (such as heart valve disease, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack), liver disease (including tumors), previous pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy), stroke, unexplained vaginal bleeding, uterus problems (such as fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease-PID), conditions that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as HIV, leukemia, IV drug abuse). If you or partner have other sexual partners, this device may not be the best birth control method for you. If you or your partner get a sexually transmitted disease (including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia), contact your doctor right away. Ask your doctor if you should continue to use this device for birth control. If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel and all your doctors that you are using this device. Some brands of this device may be safely scanned only under specific conditions. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This device should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Levonorgestrel passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: This medication device may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has swallowed it and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.