Can it cause weight gain?

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, Kyleena can cause weight gain in some women although this is not listed as a common side effect of Kyleena. Weight gain associated with Kyleena is most likely due to water retention caused by the progestin contained in Kyleena, rather than an increase in body fat percentage. In most women, the bloating should subside within a few months.

How does Kyleena cause weight gain?

Kyleena is a T-shaped plastic contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus and which contains the hormone progestin which is thought to increase plasma volume by causing increased protein retention in the vascular space as well as an overall expansion of extracellular fluid.

This causes fluid retention which in turn can lead to bloating.

How can you treat Kyleena-associated weight gain?

In most women, the bloating caused by Kyleena will subside as a woman’s body gets used to the progestin in the contraceptive device. In addition, women are more likely to gain weight during their reproductive years, whether they have an IUD or not.

Other recent lifestyle changes should also be considered as a factor for weight gain, such as an increase in food intake, a decrease in exercise, stress, or other medications. All women should ensure they eat a healthy balanced diet, partake in regular exercise, and stay hydrated with lots of water.

If the weight gain is significant or worrisome and lifestyle changes have not made a difference, then contact your doctor for further advice.

What are the most common side effects with Kyleena?

The most common side effects reported in clinical trials with Kyleena include:

Vulvovaginitis (irritation and inflammation of the vulva and vaginal area): 24.3%

Ovarian cysts: 22.2%

Acne: 14.1%

Abdominal pain: 13.3%

Headache: 12.9%

Pelvic pain: 8.2%

Dysmenorrhea (pain during menstruation): 8%

Increased bleeding: 7.9%

Breast pain: 7.1%

Nausea: 4.7%

Genital discharge: 4.5%

Depression: 4.4%

Breast discomfort: 3.5%

Device expulsion: 3.5%

Migraine: 3.3%

Uterine spasm: 2.4%

Seborrhea (excessive discharge of sebum): 1.8%

Upper genital tract infections: 1.5%

Alopecia: 1%

Serious adverse events that occur in less than 1% of people include ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, spontaneous abortion, and uterine perforation.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.