About Paragard
Paragard is considered an intrauterine device that injects copper into the uterine wall. Like any intrauterine device, this medication can only be used for birth control. However, it is ineffective in disease control because it will not stop physical contact.
Some conditions that Paragard is known to prevent pregnancy. Paragard is available only by prescription.
Paragard may be prescribed as an Intrauterine Device. Therefore, it’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Paragard, be sure to complete the entire course of birth control unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
If you don’t complete your prescription, birth control may not entirely prevent pregnancy.
Paragard uses
There is one FDA-approved use for Paragard, 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 why a medication is prescribed.
Pregnancy prevention
Paragard can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.
Emergency contraception
You can insert Paragard up to five days after unprotected sex for emergency contraception.
Paragard side effects
The side effects associated with taking Paragard are typically mild. Most Paragard side effects are associated with the menstrual cycle. Paragard has some common side effects. They may include:
Bleeding between periods
Cramps
Severe menstrual pain
Bleeding pattern alterations
Anemia
Expulsion
Heavy periods
Pain during sex
Back pain
Prolonged menstrual flow
Menstrual spotting
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Actinomycosis
Increased risk of sepsis
Acute pelvic inflammatory disease or PID
Embedment
Allergic reaction
Increased risk of acute pelvic infection
Severe infection
Excessive uterine bleeding
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. Paragard in young children under age 12 is not advised because the FDA does not approve it.
How to take Paragard
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Paragard prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Then, call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
A licensed medical professional inserts Paragard. The IUD can last up to 10 years before needing replacement.
What to avoid while taking Paragard
Paragard has no drug interactions. However, don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop severe pain or fever shortly after placement of Paragard, miss a period, have abdominal pain, or if Paragard comes out.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Paragard.
Don’t use Paragard if you are or may be pregnant, have fibroids, or are susceptible to pelvic infections, including acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Also, avoid Paragard if you get infections quickly, have certain cancers, have unexplained bleeding, have Wilson’s disease, or have a copper allergy.
Use backup birth control if Paragard comes out.
Medication alternatives to Paragard
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another IUD or birth control in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Pregnancy prevention
Emergency contraception (Plan B)
ella
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Paragard prescription FAQs
How much does Paragard cost?
A Paragard intrauterine copper contraceptive costs around $941 per device. This price will vary based on insurance.
How can I refill my Paragard prescription?
A licensed doctor can prescribe Paragard. The device is inserted in the uterine cavity by a doctor.
What can you not do after Paragard insertion?
Immediately after insertion, it is important not to insert anything into the vagina for 48 hours as this can increase the risk of the partially expelled Paragard IUD.
How soon after inserting Paragard is it effective?
Paragard IUD is effective immediately after insertion.
What are the disadvantages of copper IUDs?
Paragard can increase the amount of copper in the blood, affecting the hormones. It can also increase the risk of pelvic infections. It also has no disease control.
Who should not take Paragard?
Paragard IUD should not be inserted if you are or may be pregnant, have fibroids, or have increased susceptibility to pelvic infections, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Also, those prone to uterine or cervical cancer get infections quickly and have certain cancers, unexplained bleeding, cervical malignancy, Wilson's disease, or copper allergy.
What happens if I miss a dose of Paragard?
Due to the nature of the Paragard intrauterine copper contraceptive, the only way for a dose to be missed is if the device falls out. If you haven't gotten a period within six months of insertion, contact your doctor, as this can reduce contraceptive efficacy.
What happens if I take too much Paragard?
The possibility of copper toxicity can happen with Paragard copper IUD. If you notice headaches or fevers, contact your doctors; these are signs of copper toxicity. They will schedule a surgical removal to avoid more adverse reactions.
3 simple steps to request your Paragard IUD prescription today

Step 1
Book a Paragard prescription request appointment.
You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Paragard prescription.
Visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3
Pick up your Paragard prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Paragard prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Paragard prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
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
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
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
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
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.