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Mirena

Ethinyl estradiol + Levonorgestrel

View / Add User Comments (29)

User Ratings

Out of 10

Satisfaction

6.4

6.7 Effectiveness

5.7 Side Effects

5.9 Holistic Benefits

RateADrug users have reported 8 Mirena side effects and 2 Mirena benefits.

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Treatment Information

Description | Uses & Side Effects | Warnings

The active ingredient of this IUC device is levonorgestrel; and the brand name is Mirena.

Mirena is manufactured by Bayer.

It is primarily used for the purposes of preventing pregnancy. Also it is meant for use in women who have had at least one child and are in a stable sexual relationship with someone who has no other sexual partners.

Common Uses:

This is an intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) that is used for long-term pregnancy prevention;
It is a tiny, flexible plastic device that contains levonorgestrel;
It is functional for a duration of five years.

Off Label Uses:

None noted currently.

Side Effects:
Some of the common side effects of Mirena are:
Abdominal pain (stomach pain);
A milky white vaginal discharge;
Acne;
Back pain;
Breast pain;
Headaches;
Painful menstrual periods;
Vaginal irritation or infections (such as yeast infections);
Upper respiratory infections (such as the common cold);
Nausea;
Nervousness;
Weight gain (see Mirena and Weight Gain);
A decreased sex drive (libido);
Sinus infections;
Ovarian cysts.

Cautions / Warnings:

Not recommended in women that have:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding;
A history of pelvic inflammatory disease;
Allergic reactions to levonorgestrel; silicone; or polyethylene;
Uncontrolled pelvic infection.

Drug Interactions:
Aminoglutethimide;
Antibiotics;
Aprepitant;
Barbiturate medications, including, but not limited to;
Amobarbital;
Butalbital;
Pentobarbital;
Phenobarbital;
Primidone;
Secobarbital;
Bosentan;
Modafinil;
Numerous seizure medications, such as:
Carbamazepine;
Felbamate;
Lamotrigine;
Oxcarbazepine;
Phenytoin;
Topiramate.

View / Add User Comments (29)

Mirena Comments

19 Mar 2013

I never had the diagnosis of Hypercalcemia and Hyperparathyroidism until this year. I read once that the dosage for the IUD will increase a little in the fourth or fifth year. I read also that someone else was diagnosed with this issue. My cycles haven't been regular all the time. My doctor had to prescribe an additional of Prometrium 100mg to help. It did help, but it happened again. I've had joint pains and balance issues. I have more tests that has to be done. I believe it should be taken out, but some people had side effects after. Others didn't though. My newest doctor mentioned how progesterone can effect the bones. If the tests prove that. Mirena will be removed.

—Posted by BJ

13 Nov 2012

Relatively extreme hair loss started within days of it being fitted - coming out everywhere to a point that other people commented. Anxiety and insomnia. Requested Mirena be removed after only 3 weeks.

—Posted by Anonymous

09 Jul 2012

I have tried the Mirena twice now. Three months ago, I had the Mirena implanted. One week later, I had it removed because from the moment it was inserted, until I had it removed I had major lower back pain that ran from the center of my back across my hip and down my right thigh. The Mirena was removed and I spotted for four days. I have an inverted uterus, and my doctor and I decided to try it again, hoping that maybe it was just not inserted correctly. I had it for 6 days, and decided to remove it again. This time was almost exactly the same as before. I had the same pain in my lower back and it felt like pins and needles. I could not exercise, because I would suffer excruciating pain all night afterwards. I had it removed on the 6th day, and the following night, I started bleeding extremely heavily. I had major blood clots and was soaking a tampon, and bleeding through my pants within minutes. Also I had lots of sharp shooting pains inside. Very scary. I ended up going to the emergency room on the second night after removal, and had to get an ultrasound just to make sure something more serious wasn't going on. There was not any tearing or internal injury to be found. The doctors don't tell you what may happen. But at the emergency room, they told me this happens to women a LOT. That is very discouraging to find that such a small plastic insert can mess up your body so simply after only 6 days. I do not recommend it.

—Posted by Anonymous

View / Add User Comments (29)

Evaluate This Treatment

User Ratings

Comments(29)

More About This Treatment

How does your Treatment Compare?

Choose a Condition:

Show results for:

Brands	Effectiveness	Holistic Benefits	Side Effects	Number of Ratings
NuvaRing	7.9	6.29	3.85	86
Mirena	6.63	5.5	4.61	49
Yaz	6.6	5.83	4	159
Loestrin	6.58	5.61	4.14	99
Yasmin	6.51	5.46	3.87	63
Ortho Tri-Cyclen	6.13	5.59	4.2	165

View All	About these Scores
	Choose a condition to compare treatments based on user feedback. You can sort by Effectiveness, Holistic Benefits or Side Effects RateADrug user scores, or the number of Ratings. Scores gain significance with the number of ratings, so please share your experiences - rate your drug! Close

Effectiveness of Mirena by Condition

Click on a condition to view RateADrug.com users ratings

Birth Control

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Effectiveness on "Birth Control"

About these Results
Out of 100% of people surveyed, these results show the distribution in percentages of how users rate the effectiveness of their medication. Click on the various conditions to see how the effectiveness ratings change. Close

Not at all

Mildly

Moderately

Very

Extremely

How effective is Mirena?

Reported Changes in Health and Well-Being

Since taking Mirena, RateADrug survey participants noticed these changes in their health:

Effect on:	Much Worse	Worse	No Change	Better	Much Better
Appetite	4.5%	4.5%	84.8%	6.1%	0%
Balance/Equilibrium	1.5%	10.6%	86.4%	1.5%	0%
Blood Pressure	0%	1.6%	96.8%	1.6%	0%
Breathing	1.6%	1.6%	95.3%	1.6%	0%
Confidence	9.2%	4.6%	78.5%	7.7%	0%
Coordination/Motor Skills	1.5%	6.2%	89.2%	3.1%	0%
Digestion	1.5%	7.6%	89.4%	1.5%	0%
Emotional Well-being	6.1%	18.2%	68.2%	6.1%	1.5%
Energy	10.6%	10.6%	68.2%	9.1%	1.5%
Eyesight	1.6%	3.2%	92.1%	3.2%	0%
Memory	4.6%	9.2%	83.1%	3.1%	0%
Mental Clarity	9.4%	4.7%	82.8%	3.1%	0%
Pain	1.6%	11.1%	74.6%	4.8%	7.9%
Patience	10.6%	9.1%	69.7%	9.1%	1.5%
Sexual Health	10.8%	6.2%	60%	18.5%	4.6%
Skin Complexion	7.6%	15.2%	60.6%	15.2%	1.5%
Sleep	3%	10.6%	78.8%	7.6%	0%
Stress Level	6.2%	16.9%	64.6%	12.3%	0%

About these Scores
Out of 100% of people surveyed, these results show the distribution in percentages of negative or positive changes in health and well-being experienced by users for all of the categories listed. Close

Commonly Reported Mirena Side Effects

RateADrug survey participants experienced these commonly reported side effects:

Effect on:	None	Mild	Moderate	Strong	Severe
Acne	72%	6%	10%	4%	8%
Allergic Reaction	96.7%	1.7%	0%	1.7%	0%
Anxiety	73.3%	13.3%	13.3%	0%	0%
Blurred Vision	73.3%	26.7%	0%	0%	0%
Breast Tenderness	75%	11.7%	8.3%	3.3%	1.7%
Breathing Difficulties	93.3%	0%	6.7%	0%	0%
Change in Sex Drive	62.9%	16.1%	6.5%	1.6%	12.9%
Cold Symptoms	80%	20%	0%	0%	0%
Depression	75%	7.8%	9.4%	1.6%	6.2%
Dizziness	87.7%	4.6%	3.1%	1.5%	3.1%
Drowsiness	66.7%	13.3%	13.3%	6.7%	0%
Fatigue	70.8%	10.8%	7.7%	6.2%	4.6%
Fever	93.3%	0%	6.7%	0%	0%
Gas	86.7%	6.7%	6.7%	0%	0%
Headache	72.3%	12.3%	7.7%	4.6%	3.1%
High Blood Pressure	95.7%	2.1%	2.1%	0%	0%
Insomnia	93.3%	6.7%	0%	0%	0%
Irregular Bleeding	51.7%	20.7%	17.2%	8.6%	1.7%
Mood Swings	69.2%	6.2%	10.8%	7.7%	6.2%
Muscle Cramping	53.3%	20%	13.3%	13.3%	0%
Nausea	85.7%	4.8%	3.2%	4.8%	1.6%
Sensitivity to Light	93.3%	0%	6.7%	0%	0%
Sexual Dysfunction	86.7%	6.7%	0%	0%	6.7%
Stomach Ache	80%	20%	0%	0%	0%
Yeast Infection	88.3%	3.3%	1.7%	3.3%	3.3%

About these Scores
Out of 100% of people surveyed, these results show the distribution in percentages of the severity of side effects experienced by users. Scores gain significance with the number of ratings, so please share your experiences - rate your drug! Close

Less Commonly Reported Mirena Side Effects

RateADrug survey participants experienced less commonly reported side effects:

Effect on:	None	Mild	Moderate	Strong	Severe
Abdominal Pain	52%	22%	16%	8%	2%
Anxiety	81.6%	4.1%	4.1%	6.1%	4.1%
Blurred Vision	87.5%	8.3%	0%	2.1%	2.1%
Breathing Difficulties	91.8%	4.1%	2%	0%	2%
Change in Weight	63.5%	11.1%	9.5%	9.5%	6.3%
Chest Pain	90.3%	6.5%	0%	0%	3.2%
Eye / Vision Problems	91.8%	4.9%	1.6%	0%	1.6%
Hair Loss	0%	0%	0%	100%	0%
Irregular Bleeding	20%	0%	60%	20%	0%
Irregular Periods (women)	57.1%	14.3%	20.4%	4.1%	4.1%
Numbing Sensation	88.7%	1.6%	4.8%	1.6%	3.2%
Pain in Limbs	83.9%	6.5%	4.8%	4.8%	0%
Reduced Libido	93.9%	0%	0%	0%	6.1%
Thrombosis (Blood Clotting)	96.7%	3.3%	0%	0%	0%

About these Scores
Out of 100% of people surveyed, these results show the distribution in percentages of the severity of side effects experienced by users. Scores gain significance with the number of ratings, so please share your experiences - rate your drug! Close

Episodes since taking Mirena

Since taking Mirena Rate a Drug survey participants reported these episodes:

Hospitalization

2.5%

About these Results
Out of 100% of people surveyed, these results show the percentage of users who have experienced any of these episodes while taking their medication. Close

How does your experience compare with other Mirena users?

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User Comments about Mirena

19 Mar 2013	I never had the diagnosis of Hypercalcemia and Hyperparathyroidism until this year. I read once that the dosage for the IUD will increase a little in the fourth or fifth year. I read also that someone else was diagnosed with this issue. My cycles haven't been regular all the time. My doctor had to prescribe an additional of Prometrium 100mg to help. It did help, but it happened again. I've had joint pains and balance issues. I have more tests that has to be done. I believe it should be taken out, but some people had side effects after. Others didn't though. My newest doctor mentioned how progesterone can effect the bones. If the tests prove that. Mirena will be removed. —Posted by BJ Respond Display Name: Email: (Required) Notify me of new comments Email me monthly survey results Sending... I agree to the Terms of Use
13 Nov 2012	Relatively extreme hair loss started within days of it being fitted - coming out everywhere to a point that other people commented. Anxiety and insomnia. Requested Mirena be removed after only 3 weeks. —Posted by Anonymous Respond Display Name: Email: (Required) Notify me of new comments Email me monthly survey results Sending... I agree to the Terms of Use
09 Jul 2012	I have tried the Mirena twice now. Three months ago, I had the Mirena implanted. One week later, I had it removed because from the moment it was inserted, until I had it removed I had major lower back pain that ran from the center of my back across my hip and down my right thigh. The Mirena was removed and I spotted for four days. I have an inverted uterus, and my doctor and I decided to try it again, hoping that maybe it was just not inserted correctly. I had it for 6 days, and decided to remove it again. This time was almost exactly the same as before. I had the same pain in my lower back and it felt like pins and needles. I could not exercise, because I would suffer excruciating pain all night afterwards. I had it removed on the 6th day, and the following night, I started bleeding extremely heavily. I had major blood clots and was soaking a tampon, and bleeding through my pants within minutes. Also I had lots of sharp shooting pains inside. Very scary. I ended up going to the emergency room on the second night after removal, and had to get an ultrasound just to make sure something more serious wasn't going on. There was not any tearing or internal injury to be found. The doctors don't tell you what may happen. But at the emergency room, they told me this happens to women a LOT. That is very discouraging to find that such a small plastic insert can mess up your body so simply after only 6 days. I do not recommend it. —Posted by Anonymous Respond Display Name: Email: (Required) Notify me of new comments Email me monthly survey results Sending... I agree to the Terms of Use
03 Jul 2011	Ive had Mirena placed just a couple months short of a year now. Im 19 yrs old and had it placed after i had my daughter. I have had to make one appointment for it since it was put in. I was afraid that it had fallen out or was in the wrong place due to not being able to feel the strands anymore. Thank goodness it was a false alarm. I just wish that i was able to keep a better eye on it so to speak... I just feel like i never really know whats going on with it and get paranoid and dont wish to go the obgyn everytime i feel that something might not be right and then find out that it is..... I do really enjoy not having to remember to take the pill everyday. I have experienced longer periods, very light but go on much longer than my periods used to before i got pregnant. —Posted by Soncee Respond Display Name: Email: (Required) Notify me of new comments Email me monthly survey results Sending... I agree to the Terms of Use
17 Jun 2011	I'm 31, have two kids, just got Mirena inserted a week ago, and just got it out. The insertion was worse than what I expected, and taking it out was not much easier. I had experienced dizziness (which was not mentioned in the booklet provided), drowsiness, fatigue, and mood change. It takes a couple of days for it to totally be out of my system, but I already feel better 15 minutes after removal. Normally I don't experience any side effect on any medication that I have taken... —Posted by Anonymous Respond Display Name: Email: (Required) Notify me of new comments Email me monthly survey results Sending... I agree to the Terms of Use