Liletta
Liletta (levonorgestrel) is a progestin intrauterine device (IUD). It's approved for females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years. It can also help relieve heavy menstrual periods for up to 5 years. Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) is inserted into the uterus by a provider in their office. Some of the more common side effects of Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) include vaginal infections, acne, and nausea. Occasionally, it can also cause some weight gain.
What is Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel)?
What is Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) used for?
- Prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years
- Relieve heavy menstrual periods for up to 5 years
How Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) works
Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) is a small device placed in the uterus that slowly releases a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel. This hormone prevents pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg. Levonorgestrel also makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) works to treat heavy periods by thinning the lining of your uterus.
Drug facts
More on Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) essentials
Side effects of Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Vaginal yeast infections (20%)
- Vaginal bacteria infections (19%)
- Acne (16%)
- Nausea or vomiting (11%)
- Headache (10%)
- Painful intercourse (10%)
- Anxiety (10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Depression (9%)
- Pelvic discomfort (9%)
- Menstrual cramps (7%)
- Mood changes (7%)
- Back pain (7%)
- Weight gain (6%)
- Vaginal discharge (6%)
Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Ectopic pregnancy: severe, unexplainable pelvic pain along with unusual vaginal bleeding
- Severe infection: fever, chills, confusion, fatigue
More on Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) side effects
The following Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Gallbladder problems—severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
- Increase in blood pressure
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- New or worsening migraines or headaches
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)—fever, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, pain or trouble passing urine, spotting, bleeding during or after sex
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
- Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
- Vaginal pain, irritation, or sores
- Worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Dark patches of skin on the face or other sun-exposed areas
- Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
- Nausea
- Weight gain
Pros and cons of Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel)
Pros
- More effective than oral birth control pills to prevent pregnancy
- Also helps relieve heavy menstrual periods for up to 5 years
- Don't need to remember to take a pill every day
- Not known to get in the way of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, like Skyla or Kyleena
Cons
- Raises your risk of an ectopic pregnancy
- Breakthrough bleeding, acne, and headache are common side effects
- Not safe to use if you have liver problems or have ever had breast, uterine, or cervical cancer
- Slightly bigger than other IUDs
Pharmacist tips for Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel)
- You might feel some pain, dizziness, or have some light vaginal bleeding after the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) has been placed, but it should be temporary. If these symptoms don't lessen after a few days, tell your provider. They'll want to see if Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) is placed properly.
- After the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) has been placed, there will be 2 thin threads hanging inside the vagina. Your provider might recommend that you check for these threads once a month with a clean finger. Never tug or pull on the threads when you're checking for them. If you can't feel them, call your provider right away because it might be a sign that Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) isn't positioned properly.
- If you haven't had a period for 6 weeks, call your provider. It's typical for some people to stop having their periods after using Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) for a year or longer. But keep in mind that having no menstrual bleeding can also be a sign of pregnancy. Your provider will want to check to see if you're pregnant, especially if you've an ectopic pregnancy.
- Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) can cause depression and mood changes. If you or a loved one notice changes in your behavior after getting Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) placed, contact your provider right away.
- The Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) can be used while breastfeeding. But your provider will likely ask you to wait at least 6 weeks since you gave birth to minimize injury to the uterus. The medication from the device will not hurt your baby, but you might notice a slight drop in your milk supply.
- It's possible for your body to push the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) back out of the uterus into the vagina. If this happens, call your healthcare provider right away and use a back-up method of protection (condoms, diaphragms) until you have a new device placed.
- Let your provider know right away if you experience high blood pressure, blood clotting problems (e.g., heart attack or stroke), migraines, or severe headaches while using Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel). If so, your provider might need to remove the IUD.
- The Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) doesn't protect you from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Only abstinence and condoms can help protect you from STIs. Talk to your provider right away if this is a concern for you.
- If you're thinking about becoming pregnant, talk with your provider about removing Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel). After the IUD is out, it's possible for you to become pregnant the next time you ovulate, which can take days or a few weeks.
Common questions about Liletta
Liletta works to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years. If you're using Liletta to relieve heavy menstrual bleeding, you can use it for up to 5 years. If you no longer want to use it, your provider can help you remove the IUD at any time.
While not common, 6% of people who used Liletta during clinical studies reported weight gain as a side effect. Research suggests that the progestin hormone levonorgestrel causes your body to hold onto more water, which might make you feel bloated. If you notice that you've gained a lot of weight since starting on the Liletta, let your provider know.
Yes, Liletta contains a progestin called levonorgestrel, which is a lab-made form of progesterone. If you're thinking about a hormone-free IUD option, ask your provider about the copper IUD, Paragard.
How long Liletta side effects last depends on what side effects you're experiencing. For example, many people experience heavier menstrual bleeding during the first 3 to 6 months after starting Liletta. But this side effect should get better over time and people typically experience much lighter or even no menstrual bleeding after a year of treatment. If you have questions about a specific Liletta side effect, talk with your provider.
You don't need to take levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) if you've Liletta in place. The IUD is already over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, so there's no need to supplement with an emergency contraceptive pill. But if you suspect Liletta might've fallen out or is no longer in the proper place, talk with your provider. They might recommend for you to take an emergency contraceptive during this time.
Yes, acne is one of the more common side effects of Liletta. About 16% of people who used Liletta in clinical studies struggled with acne or oily skin. To minimize acne while using Liletta, you should wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and try to limit foods that might trigger breakouts, such as sugary drinks or desserts. If you notice more acne, talk with your provider about treatment options.
Liletta and Mirena are similar sized IUDs that prevent pregnancy and treat heavy periods, but they're not the same. Liletta prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years, whereas Mirena provides protection for up to 7 years. Liletta might be a cheaper option for you than Mirena. Talk with your provider about which IUD would be best for you.
While Liletta works well to prevent pregnancy over 99% of the time, there's still a small chance that you can become pregnant while using this IUD. If you think you might be pregnant or if it has been 6 weeks since you had your last period, call your provider right away. They can check to see if you're pregnant, and whether or not you have an ectopic pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using Liletta, your provider will talk with you about next steps.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel)
Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Ectopic pregnancy
- Risk factors: Previous ectopic pregnancy | Past surgery performed on your fallopian tubes | Current pelvic infection
Ectopic pregnancies happen when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than your uterus. They're very rare, but can be life-threatening and sometimes need to be treated with surgery. Progestin-only contraception, including the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD, can raise your risk of ectopic pregnancies. Pregnancy is rare with all IUDs, but if you do become pregnant while the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD is inserted, the chance of it being an ectopic pregnancy is high. If you experience unexplained or severe pelvic pain along with unusual vaginal bleeding, let your provider know.
If you do become pregnant after the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD was placed, contact your provider right away. Your provider will recommend for you to remove Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) because keeping it in place raises your risk for complications such as miscarriage and infection.
Sepsis (blood infection)
- Risk factors: Placement of device in an unhygienic environment
Sepsis is when bacteria infect your bloodstream, and it can be life-threatening. Your risk of getting this infection goes up if Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) wasn't placed using proper antibacterial technique. Sepsis would typically happen shortly after the device was inserted, sometimes even within a few hours. Tell your provider right away if you have pelvic pain, a high fever, or any other symptoms of being sick shortly after the device was placed.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Risk factors: History of or current pelvic inflammatory disease | Current sexually transmitted infections | Multiple sex partners
IUDs raise your risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) because there's always a small chance bacteria can get into your uterus when the device is placed. Because of this, the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD isn't safe to use if you've ever had or are prone to PID. If you start to experience any unusual pelvic pain, funny-smelling discharge, unusual vaginal bleeding, sores or cuts in your genital area, or a high fever, call your provider right away
Uterine injury
- Risk factors: Placing the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD less than 6 weeks after giving birth
There's a very small chance that the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD can uterine injury (perforation), which is extremely dangerous. It also prevents the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD from working properly, meaning you can get pregnant if this happens. The risk of perforation is higher if you've the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD placed less than 6 weeks after you give birth to a baby. Your provider will need to remove the IUD if there's an injury, and this might require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you can't feel the threads that hang freely inside your vagina after it has been placed.
Body ejecting the device
- Risk factors: Placing the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD less than 6 weeks after giving birth
There is a small chance the body can eject the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD from the uterus back into your vagina. If this happens, the device won't work and you can get pregnant. Your risk of having this happen is higher if you have the IUD placed less than 6 weeks after you gave birth. If you notice your menstrual bleeding suddenly becomes heavier than usual and it's been more than 3 to 6 months since your provider placed the device, this could be a sign your body is ejecting the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD. Tell your provider if this happens and use non-hormonal protection (condoms, diaphragms) until your provider places a new device or tells you the device is in the right place.
Irregular periods
The Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD can cause you to experience irregular menstrual periods. Most women will have heavier or longer periods for the first 3 to 6 months after the device is placed, followed by very light or no periods. But, you might notice changes of any kind to your menstrual cycle while using the Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) IUD. If you are worried about the changes to your periods, talk to your provider, especially if you are having sudden or unusually heavy bleeding after the first 3 to 6 months. This could be a sign that the device is not in the correct place.
Ovarian cysts
Since Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) is located within the uterus, it can sometimes lead to the development of ovarian cysts. Although most ovarian cysts don't cause any symptoms, some might cause pelvic pain or pain during sex. In most cases, the cysts go away on their own after a few months, but your provider will keep an eye on things just to make sure. Surgery is usually not required for these.
Possible risk of cancer
People who have or have had breast cancer shouldn't use hormonal birth control, including Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel). Certain types of breast cancer can be sensitive to hormones, and might grow in the presence of hormones.
Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) dosage
Typical dosage for Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel)
Your provider will place Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) inside the uterus at their office.
- Prevent pregnancy: Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) will stay in place for up to 8 years. Then, your provider will remove the IUD at their office.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding: Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) will stay in place for up to 5 years. Then, your provider will remove the IUD at their office.
Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) will not be safe for you to take.
- Pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy
- Use as emergency contraception
- Certain abnormal uterine anatomy
- Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or a history of PID
- Postpartum endometritis or infected abortion in the past 3 months
- Uterine or cervical cancer
- Breast cancer or other progestin-sensitive cancer
- Uterine bleeding without a known cause
- Untreated inflammation of the cervix or vagina, or other lower genital tract infections
- Liver disease or liver tumor
- A previous intrauterine device (IUD) that hasn't been removed
What are alternatives to Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel)?
News about Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel)
Liletta IUD (levonorgestrel) images
