Drug
Levonorgestrel
Pronounced
"LEE-voe-nor-JES-trel"
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 4 years). The device slowly releases a hormone (levonorgestrel) that is similar to a hormone that women normally make. This device and hormone helps prevent pregnancy.
Using this product does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia).
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this product. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This device is placed in your uterus by a health care provider. It is left in place for up to 4 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 4 years, the used device may be removed and replaced with a new one. Either way, the used device should be removed after 4 years. Your health care provider can remove this device whenever you want to stop using this method of birth control.