Kyleena is a brand-name intrauterine device (IUD) that’s prescribed for birth control. Kyleena contains the active ingredient levonorgestrel.
Kyleena is FDA approved to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive age (the time during which a female is able to become pregnant) for up to 5 years.
Note: The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.
Drug details
You’ll find key information about Kyleena here.
- Drug class: progestins
- Drug form: intrauterine device (IUD)
- Generic available? no
- Prescription required? no
- Controlled substance? no
- Year of FDA approval: 2000
Kyleena is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
Kyleena can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur with Kyleena. For more information on the possible side effects of Kyleena, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report a side effect you’ve had with Kyleena to the FDA, you can do so through MedWatch.
Mild side effects
Mild side effects of Kyleena can include:
- dizziness
- acne
- cramps or painful periods
- bleeding or brown vaginal discharge
- amenorrhea (stopped periods)
- headache or migraine
- hair loss
- pain in your abdomen, pelvis, or breasts
- vulvovaginitis (swelling or infection in your vagina or vulva)
- mild allergic reaction
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Kyleena aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects can include the following. Your doctor can tell you symptoms of these side effects to watch for while you’re using Kyleena.
- pelvic infection, which can lead to a more serious condition called pelvic inflammatory disease
- perforation (when an IUD pokes into the wall of your uterus)
- expulsion
- ovarian cysts
- ectopic pregnancy if pregnancy occurs with Kyleena use
- severe infection that leads to sepsis, a life threatening response to infection by your immune system
- depression or anxiety
- severe allergic reaction
You may wonder how Kyleena compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here is a look at how Kyleena, Mirena, and Liletta are alike and different.
| Kyleena | Mirena | Liletta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | levonorgestrel | levonorgestrel | levonorgestrel |
| Form | intrauterine device (IUD) | IUD | IUD |
| Uses | preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years | • preventing pregnancy for up to 8 years • treating heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years | • preventing pregnancy for up to 8 years • treating heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years |
To learn more about these IUDs, including their potential side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy, fertility, birth control, and breastfeeding.
Kyleena and pregnancy
Kyleena is approved to prevent pregnancy. It should not be used during pregnancy.
If you think you may be pregnant while you’re using Kyleena, tell your doctor right away.
Risks of using Kyleena during pregnancy
Using Kyleena during pregnancy increases your risk of certain complications, including ectopic pregnancy and pregnancy loss.
Tell your doctor right away if you think you may be pregnant while you’re using Kyleena. They can determine the best next steps for your situation.
Kyleena and fertility
Kyleena works to prevent pregnancy while it’s placed inside your uterus. After Kyleena is removed from your uterus, your fertility should return to usual.
If you’re concerned about your ability to become pregnant after having Kyleena removed, talk with your doctor.
Kyleena and other forms of birth control
Kyleena is approved to prevent pregnancy. Typically, you shouldn’t need to use other forms of birth control along with Kyleena to prevent pregnancy.
Note: If Kyleena is inserted more than 7 days after your period started, you should use a backup birth control for at least 7 days.
Kyleena and emergency contraception
Kyleena should not be used as emergency contraception.
Emergency contraception is used to help prevent pregnancy after you’ve had sex without birth control. (An example is Plan B.) But if you’re using Kyleena, you’re protected from becoming pregnant during sex.
Kyleena and contraception for STI prevention
Note that Kyleena doesn’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
To help prevent the transmission of STIs, you could use another birth control method, such as a condom or another barrier method, during sexual activity.
Kyleena and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Kyleena should be used while breastfeeding.
You may have an increased risk of perforation if you have Kyleena placed into your uterus while you’re breastfeeding. In addition, you may produce less breast milk than usual if you’re using Kyleena while breastfeeding.
If you have questions about using Kyleena while breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Kyleena for certain uses.
Kyleena is a birth control method that’s FDA approved to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive age.
Kyleena is a type of birth control called an intrauterine device (IUD). IUDs are inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional. Kyleena can be used both by females who haven’t been pregnant in the past and those who have. It’s a type of hormonal birth control. It prevents pregnancy by releasing a hormone into your uterus.
IUDs such as Kyleena are about 99% effective at preventing a pregnancy.
Each Kyleena IUD is approved to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. Your doctor can remove Kyleena after it’s no longer effective or whenever you’d like to stop using it within the 5-year period.
If you and your doctor determine that Kyleena is safe and effective for you, you can continue using this drug for longer than 5 years. You’d need to have your Kyleena IUD replaced every 5 years.
Effectiveness for birth control
In clinical trials, Kyleena was effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 5 years.
Kyleena and children
Kyleena is approved to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive age. It begins with the first period, which often happens around 12 years of age.
If you have questions about using Kyleena given your age, talk with your doctor.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions related to Kyleena.
Can I use tampons if I have a Kyleena IUD?
Yes, you can use tampons if you’re using Kyleena.
Kyleena is placed inside your uterus, whereas you insert tampons into your vagina. So, it’s possible to use tampons without affecting Kyleena.
Is it safe to have an MRI or X-ray if I have a Kyleena IUD?
The following information describes the typical dosage of Kyleena. Because this drug only comes in one strength, everyone using Kyleena will receive the same dosage of the drug.
Drug forms and strengths
An Kyleena IUD is inserted into your uterus by a healthcare professional.
Each Kyleena IUD contains a total of 19.5 milligrams (mg) of levonorgestrel, the active ingredient in Kyleena.
Dosage for birth control
The dose of levonorgestrel that’s released from Kyleena IUDs varies over time. On average, Kyleena releases about 12.6 micrograms (mcg) of levonorgestrel each day over the first year. It releases about 9 mcg of levonorgestrel each day over 5 years.
How it’s placed
The Kyleena IUD insertion procedure can be performed during an office visit, and it takes only a few minutes to complete.
You’ll lie down on an exam table and place your feet into stirrups. A healthcare professional inserts a speculum into your vagina so that they’re able to see your cervix. Then, they cleanse your cervix with an antiseptic solution and insert Kyleena through your cervix into your uterus.
It’s possible to have pain and cramping while Kyleena is being inserted. These symptoms may last for a little while after the IUD has been placed. But if you have severe pain or cramping that doesn’t stop within 30 minutes after Kyleena has been inserted, tell your doctor right away. This could be a sign that Kyleena wasn’t placed correctly.
In some cases, your doctor may need to examine you to determine whether Kyleena needs to be adjusted or removed.
To learn more about Kyleena IUD placement, refer to the manufacturer’s website.
About using Kyleena
Here you’ll find information about key dosage issues.
- When it’s inserted: The appropriate timing for Kyleena insertion depends on several factors. Examples include which birth control methods you’ve been using and whether you’ve recently given birth. Also, a healthcare professional may have you take a pregnancy test to ensure you are not pregnant before using Kyleena.
- Monthly and yearly check: You should check that your Kyleena IUD is in place each month. Additionally, you should visit your healthcare professional annually for a check of your IUD.
- Length of use: Kyleena can be used as a long-term birth control option. Each Kyleena device is approved to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. If you and your doctor determine that Kyleena is safe and effective for you, you can have your Kyleena IUD replaced every 5 years. It’s possible to use Kyleena until you go through menopause.
- Length of time to work: The amount of time it takes for Kyleena to start working depends on when it’s placed. If Kyleena is placed more than 7 days after your period started, you should use a backup birth control method for at least 7 days.
Kyleena is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, foods, or alcohol. The manufacturer of Kyleena didn’t look at interactions in clinical trials of Kyleena.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
As with all medications, the cost of Kyleena can vary. The price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan and your location. Also, Kyleena is placed by a healthcare professional, so there will be related charges. To find out how much Kyleena will cost, talk with your doctor.
Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Kyleena. (Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.) These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
Financial and insurance assistance: Because Kyleena is a birth control drug, the cost of the medication may be covered under the Affordable Care Act. For information on contacting your insurance company to determine whether Kyleena is covered, visit the manufacturer’s website.
This drug comes with several precautions. Before taking Kyleena, discuss your health history with your doctor. Kyleena may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- previous or current breast, uterine, or cervical cancer
- previous or current vaginal infection, pelvic infection, or pelvic inflammatory disease
- having recently given birth, had an abortion, or had a pregnancy loss
- history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
- problems with your immune system
- history of liver problems
- a condition affecting the shape of your uterus, such as large uterine fibroids
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- previous allergic reaction to ingredients or materials in Kyleena or a similar drug
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.