Kyleena IUD Birth Control | Prescription Online

About Kyleena IUD for birth control

Kyleena is a birth control device which releases levonorgestrel in the patient’s uterus, reducing the chances of pregnancy. Like any birth control, this device can only be used to prevent pregnancy. It is ineffective against an existing pregnancy as it will not affect a fetus already forming in the female patient’s womb.

Kyleena is available only by prescription. The birth control drug is currently unavailable in any FDA-approved generic form, so the brand version of Kyleena is currently the only option for this birth control prescription.

Kyleena IUD is prescribed as a device. Follow your doctor's specific instructions on your prescription and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

If you're prescribed Kyleena, please remember you don't need to consume tablets or an oral suspension. Kyleena IUD is a specific type of device that needs to be inserted by a trained healthcare professional. The device contains certain active chemicals that help reduce pregnancy chances in female patients.

It is also essential that patients refrain from attempting to remove the device themselves due to the position of its placement. Talk with your doctor when you want to stop using the device. This can ensure the device is removed in a safe and controlled environment and under medical supervision. It also reduces the risk of causing damage to the uterine cavity.

Kyleena (Levonorgestrel) uses

There is one single FDA-approved use for Kyleena IUD, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for the following reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for different reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what is prescribed.

Birth control

The only officially FDA-approved use for Kyleena is as a birth control measure. The Kyleena IUD is a small device that fits into the uterus. It is used to prevent pregnancy in women. The primary idea of this position is to release certain hormones directly into the uterus, which may yield more effective results than oral contraceptives. By placing the device into the uterus, there is also no need for concern about taking a pill daily. The patient will keep the device in their uterus for up to five years. At this time, the patient can decide whether or not they want to continue using birth control to prevent pregnancy.

As a birth control measure to prevent pregnancy, Kyleena is only approved for women of childbearing age. No studies have been done on patients younger than 18 years of age. The product also does not require further use once the woman experiences menopause, as she will no longer be childbearing.

Endometrial hyperplasia

While the FDA has only approved Kyleena as a birth control method, some off-label uses have been reported. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system may be prescribed for similar off-label reasons as other hormonal birth control options. Some researchers have suggested that Kyleena might effectively treat endometrial hyperplasia.

Endometrial hyperplasia is a condition that can only affect women. It is related to the reproductive system and affects the endometrium, the lining that forms part of the uterus. The condition causes a thickening of this lining, which can result in excessive bleeding. The effect happens due to an excessive amount of cells in the area. Heavy periods and vaginal bleeding are two of the most common symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia.

In one study, researchers looked at the potential of the Kyleena IUD as a treatment option for endometrial hyperplasia. Each patient had a Kyleena IUD device placed inside their uterus during the study. These clinical trials found improvements in the signs associated with endometrial hyperplasia among the women in the study. The symptoms that the female patients experienced were also reduced. The study did not focus on preventing pregnancy but on treating this condition.

Kyleena birth control side effects

The side effects associated with taking Kyleena IUD are typically mild. Most Kyleena side effects are related to hormone changes in the female body. Kyleena's IUD has some common side effects. They may include:

Cramps during periods
Dizziness (usually only shortly after the placement of the device)
Headaches
Migraines
Breast tenderness and pain
Pain symptoms in the pelvis or abdomen
Nausea
Newly developed acne
A discharge from the vagina
Some women have reported vaginal bleeding
Amenorrhea has also been reported in some cases
Alopecia is a common side-effect that may last temporarily

Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

Perforation: Patients should be aware of the risk that perforation can occur and be able to recognize the signs. Perforation is where a part of the Kyleena IUD device tears through the uterus lining. Vaginal bleeding and pain in the lower abdomen are common signs.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: In some rare cases, women may experience a pelvic infection while they wear the device. If the women experience a recurrent infection in the area, then they are at risk of developing a condition known as pelvic inflammatory disease. This condition can cause chills, fever, pain in the pelvis, and a discharge from the vagina. The patient may experience pain during vaginal sexual intercourse. Heavier periods or bleeding while the patient has sex may also be symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. Kyleena IUD can increase the risk for both pelvic and genital infections. A severe pelvic infection can cause additional health problems. The doctor may prefer to remove the device if you develop a pelvic or genital infection using this levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. The same may occur if you develop consistent pelvic inflammatory disease PID while you wear the intrauterine device.
Ovarian cysts: Another more serious side-effect include the development of ovarian cysts. They usually do not cause any severe symptoms. Patients that do develop symptoms may have pain in the vaginal area during sexual intercourse. Pain may also be felt in the abdomen and pelvic regions.
Mental complications: Due to the hormonal changes that can occur with the use of Kyleena, there are rare cases where the patient may develop specific cognitive alterations. This can include the sudden development of anxiety symptoms. Depression has also been noted among women who use this medical device.
Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy refers to a woman becoming pregnant, but the fetus is not growing in her uterus. In this case, the fetus usually develops somewhere outside the uterus. Signs may include sharp abdominal cramps, vomiting, and stomach upset. It is also possible for the patient to experience pelvis pain, accompanied by light bleeding from the vagina. Pain on a single side of the body is also another sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. Use of Kyleena in young children under age 12 is not advised because it can cause problems with the child’s hormones, particularly because they have not had their first period yet.

How to use the Kyleena (Levonorgestrel) IUD

Kyleena is available only in one form: a small medical device. A doctor or health professional is needed to place the device. There is also no prescription that the patient needs to obtain from a pharmacy, as the doctor usually orders the device from their side.

Kyleena is not taken regularly but is placed inside the uterus through a minor medical procedure. Once set, the device will remain effective for up to five years. The patient may decide to take the device out before five years. In this case, the patient must consult their healthcare provider, who can remove the Kyleena device.

If the patient decides to keep the device for the entire five-year duration, it is essential to note that it will no longer remain effective. The patient can then ask her healthcare provider to remove the device from her uterus. Some women may have another device implanted to continue using Kyleena as a birth control method.

What to avoid while using Kyleena IUD birth control

When looking at potential drug interactions with Kyleena, it is crucial to consider the placement of this medical device. The healthcare provider places the device directly into the uterus. The device then releases hormones in the uterus. Very little, if any, of these hormones will enter other parts of the woman’s body. This is why there is inadequate evidence to suggest that Kyleena will interact with other medications or supplements the patient takes.

With this said, it is still important to always consult a physician if you are taking chronic medication or regularly using certain herbal supplements.

It is also important to note that you should avoid using other birth control medications alongside Kyleena. Studies have shown that Kyleene has a 98.6% efficacy rating. This makes it highly effective at preventing pregnancy. You also do not need to use an emergency contraceptive with Kyleena.

There is also no data related to the use of alcohol while a woman has a Kyleena device implanted in her uterus. It is still, however, important to discuss the use of alcohol with a healthcare provider who can make appropriate suggestions.

Medication alternatives for Kyleena (Levonorgestrel)

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another birth control. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

Shorter-term birth control

Kyleena lasts for five years when it is implanted in the uterus. Some women might look for a shorter-term solution and can retain their fertility sooner. Even though you can get Kyleena removed earlier than five years, your healthcare provider might suggest an alternative if you only need coverage for a shorter period.

Hormone-free birth control

In cases where you wish to have a birth control method that does not add hormones to your uterus, you may also consider a copper IUD, known as a Paragard. This type of birth control uses copper materials to reduce the chances of pregnancy in female patients. It is an alternative to the Kyleena IUD as it does not secrete hormones.

Kyleena prescription FAQs

How much does the Kyleena IUD cost?

Kyleena has a higher price tag than oral contraceptives you take regularly. While pricier, it is essential to note that it is a one-time investment providing coverage for the next five years.

How can I refill my Kyleena prescription?

A prescription for Kyleena only needs to be refilled once every five years. At this time, it is essential to see your healthcare provider get the current Kyleena device removed. You can then ask your provider to order a replacement if you want to continue using this birth control method.

What can you not do after Kyleena's insertion?

Some women may experience dizziness and slight pain in the pelvic and vaginal region following the insertion of Kyleena. In this case, it might be wise to avoid vaginal sexual intercourse while these symptoms remain.

How long does it take for Kyleena to settle?

It depends on the time of insertion. If the patient is on her period during the insertion of the Kyleena medical device, then it will become effective immediately. In cases where the patient has already had her period, the device will take about one week to settle.

Is Kyleena easier to insert?

Compared to other IUD devices, Kyleena is quite similar in terms of both size and shape. One thing that patients enjoy about Kyleena is that it comes with threads extending from the uterus toward the vagina. This allows the individual and their healthcare provider easier access during checkups and removal.

Does anything interact with Kyleena?

Not much of the hormones that Kyleena releases will move past the uterus. This is why there are no official interactions that people should be worried about. With this said, avoiding using Kyleena with other birth control pills is still essential.

Who should not take Kyleena?

Kyleena is not an emergency contraceptive and should never be used by women who are already pregnant. Women with the existing pelvic inflammatory disease should also not use Kyleena. The device could worsen the symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. Apart from these, do not have Kyleena inserted when an infection affects the pelvic area. This mainly accounts for women with severe pelvic infections. The medical device is also not recommended for people with issues with their immune system, as this may increase the risk of infections and similar complications.

30 days of free membership

Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99 /month

First month free

Visits

Copay

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

We accept these insurance plans and many more:

Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99 /month

First month free

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

Kyleena IUD birth control prescription available online