Liletta

Generic name: Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System
Dosage form: intrauterine device (52 mg)

Usage of Liletta

Liletta (levonorgestrel) is an intrauterine device (IUD) used to prevent pregnancy and also to treat heavy periods (menstrual bleeding). Liletta is an IUD which is a small, flexible, T-shaped plastic device that is placed in the uterus, where it slowly releases the hormone levonorgestrel.

The Liletta IUD works to prevent pregnancy by thickening the mucus at the entrance to the uterus to prevent sperm from entering, thinning the lining of the uterus, and preventing sperm from moving and surviving in the uterus. Liletta works to treat heavy periods by levonorgestrel effect on the uterus. Liletta works to treat heavy periods by controlling the monthly development of the uterus lining so there is less bleeding each month.

Liletta contains levonorgestrel which is a progestin hormone; it does not contain estrogen. It should not be used as emergency birth control and does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Liletta side effects

Common Liletta side effects may include:

pelvic pain, painful or irregular menstrual periods, changes in bleeding patterns or flow;

vaginal swelling, itching or infection;

temporary pain, bleeding, or dizziness during insertion of the IUD;

ovarian cysts (pelvic pain that disappears within 3 months);

stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating;

headache, migraine, depression, mood changes;

back pain, breast tenderness or pain;

weight gain, acne, oily skin, changes in hair growth, loss of interest in sex; or

puffiness in your face, hands, ankles, or feet.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Get emergency medical help if you have severe pain in your lower stomach or side. This could be a sign of a tubal pregnancy.

The IUD 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.

Serious Liletta side effects may include:

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe cramps or pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse;

extreme dizziness or light-headed feeling;

severe migraine headache;

heavy or ongoing vaginal bleeding, vaginal sores, vaginal discharge that is watery, foul-smelling discharge, or otherwise unusual;

pale skin, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, or other signs of infection;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), confusion, problems with vision, sensitivity to light.

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.

Before taking Liletta

An IUD 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 this risk.

You should not use Liletta if you are allergic to levonorgestrel, or other materials in this device. For a full list of ingredients, click here Liletta ingredients.

You should not use Liletta if you have:

abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

an untreated or uncontrolled pelvic infection (vaginal, cervical, uterine);

endometriosis or a serious pelvic infection following a pregnancy or abortion in the past 3 months;

pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), unless you had a normal pregnancy after the infection was treated and cleared;

uterine fibroid tumors or conditions that affect the shape of the uterus;

past or present cancer of the breast, cervix, or uterus;

liver disease or liver tumor (benign or malignant);

a condition that weakens your immune system, such as AIDS, leukemia, or IV drug abuse;

if you have another intrauterine device (IUD) in place;

if you had an abortion or miscarriage in the past 6 weeks; or

if you gave birth to a baby in the past 6 weeks.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

high blood pressure, heart problems, a heart attack, or a stroke;

bleeding problems;

migraine headaches; or

a vaginal infection, pelvic infection, or sexually transmitted disease.

Pregnancy

Do not use during pregnancy. If left in place during pregnancy, Liletta could cause severe infection, miscarriage, premature birth, or death of the mother. The hormone Liletta may also cause unwanted effects in a female newborn.

Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you continue the pregnancy, watch for signs such as fever, chills, cramps, vaginal bleeding, or discharge.

Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You may use Liletta when breastfeeding as it is not likely to affect the quality or amount of breast milk; however, a small number of patients who have taken progestin-only birth control pills report a decrease in the amount of milk produced. There is also an increased risk of Liletta becoming attached or going through the wall of the uterus when breastfeeding.

How to use Liletta

Liletta contains levonorgestrel 52 mg, which initially has a release rate of 20 mcg/day and declines to 6.5 mcg/day after 8 years. The average release rate of levonorgestrel is approximately 13.5 mcg/day over a period of 8 years. The T-shaped plastic frame is 32mm by 32 mm.

Liletta should be removed at the end of the 8-year wearing time when used as a contraceptive and for 5 years when used for heavy periods and as a contraceptive. It can be replaced at the time of removal with a new device if continued contraceptive protection is wanted.

If pregnancy is not desired, Liletta can be removed at any time; however, another contraception method should be started at least 7 days before removal of the device. There is a risk of pregnancy if there has been intercourse in the week prior to removal without the use of a backup contraceptive method.

Warnings

Do not use Liletta during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

What other drugs will affect Liletta

Other drugs may affect levonorgestrel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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