Mirena contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel (LNG). Initially, LNG is released at a rate of approximately 20 mcg/day. This rate decreases progressively to half that value after 5 years.
Mirena must be removed by the end of the fifth year and can be replaced at the time of removal with a new Mirena if continued contraceptive protection is desired.
Mirena is supplied within an inserter in a sterile package (see Figure 1Figure 1) that must not be opened until required for insertion [see Description (11.2)]. Do not use if the seal of the sterile package is broken or appears compromised. Use strict aseptic techniques throughout the insertion procedure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
2.1. Insertion Instructions
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A complete medical and social history should be obtained to determine conditions that might influence the selection of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) for contraception. If indicated, perform a physical examination, and appropriate tests for any forms of genital or other sexually transmitted infections. [See Contraindications (
4) and Warnings and Precautions (
5.10).]
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Follow the insertion instructions exactly as described in order to ensure proper placement and avoid premature release of Mirena from the inserter. Once released, Mirena cannot be re-loaded.
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Mirena should be inserted by a trained healthcare provider. Healthcare providers should become thoroughly familiar with the insertion instructions before attempting insertion of Mirena.
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Insertion may be associated with some pain and/or bleeding or vasovagal reactions (for example, syncope, bradycardia), or with seizure in an epileptic patient, especially in patients with a predisposition to these symptoms. Consider administering analgesics prior to insertion.
Timing of Insertion
Insert Mirena into the uterine cavity during the first seven days of the menstrual cycle or immediately after a first trimester abortion. Back up contraception is not needed when Mirena is inserted as directed.
Postpone postpartum insertion and insertions following second trimester abortions a minimum of six weeks or until the uterus is fully involuted. If involution is delayed, wait until involution is complete before insertion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6, 5.7)].
Tools for Insertion
Preparation
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Gloves
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Speculum
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Sterile uterine sound
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Sterile tenaculum
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Antiseptic solution, applicator
Procedure
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Sterile gloves
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Mirena with inserter in sealed package
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Instruments and anesthesia for paracervical block, if anticipated
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Consider having an unopened backup Mirena available
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Sterile, sharp curved scissors
Preparation for insertion
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Exclude pregnancy and confirm that there are no other contraindications to the use of Mirena.
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Ensure that the patient understands the contents of the Patient Information Booklet and obtain the signed patient informed consent located on the last page of the Patient Information Booklet. With the patient comfortably in lithotomy position, do a bimanual exam to establish the size, shape and position of the uterus.
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Gently insert a speculum to visualize the cervix.
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Thoroughly cleanse the cervix and vagina with a suitable antiseptic solution.
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Prepare to sound the uterine cavity. Grasp the upper lip of the cervix with a tenaculum forceps and gently apply traction to stabilize and align the cervical canal with the uterine cavity. Perform a paracervical block if needed. If the uterus is retroverted, it may be more appropriate to grasp the lower lip of the cervix. The tenaculum should remain in position and gentle traction on the cervix should be maintained throughout the insertion procedure.
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Gently insert a uterine sound to check the patency of the cervix, measure the depth of the uterine cavity in centimeters, confirm cavity direction, and detect the presence of any uterine anomaly. If you encounter difficulty or cervical stenosis, use dilatation, and not force, to overcome resistance. If cervical dilatation is required, consider using a paracervical block.
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The uterus should sound to a depth of 6 to 10 cm. Insertion of Mirena into a uterine cavity less than 6 cm by sounding may increase the incidence of expulsion, bleeding, pain, perforation, and possibly pregnancy.
Insertion Procedure
Proceed with insertion only after completing the above steps and ascertaining that the patient is appropriate for Mirena. Ensure use of aseptic technique throughout the entire procedure.
Step 1–Opening of the package
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Open the package (
Figure 1Figure 1). The contents of the package are sterile.
Figure 1 Opening the Mirena Package
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Using sterile gloves lift the handle of the sterile inserter and remove from the sterile package.
Step 2–Load Mirena into the insertion tube
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Push the slider forward as far as possible in the direction of the arrow thereby moving the insertion tube over the Mirena T-body to load Mirena into the insertion tube (
Figure 2Figure 2). The tips of the arms will meet to form a rounded end that extends slightly beyond the insertion tube.
Figure 2 Move slider all the way to the forward position to load Mirena
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Maintain forward pressure with your thumb or forefinger on the slider. DO NOT move the slider downward at this time as this may prematurely release the threads of Mirena. Once the slider is moved below the mark, Mirena cannot be re-loaded.
Step 3–Setting the flange
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Holding the slider in this forward position, set the upper edge of the flange to correspond to the uterine depth (in centimeters) measured during sounding (
Figure 3Figure 3).
Figure 3 Setting the flange
Step 4–Mirena is now ready to be inserted
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Continue holding the slider in this forward position. Advance the inserter through the cervix until the flange is approximately 1.5–2 cm from the cervix and then pause (
Figure 4Figure 4).
Figure 4 Advancing insertion tube until flange is 1.5 to 2 cm from the cervix
Do not force the inserter. If necessary, dilate the cervical canal.
Step 5–Open the arms
While holding the inserter steady, move the slider down to the mark to release the arms of Mirena (Figure 5Figure 5). Wait 10 seconds for the horizontal arms to open completely.
Figure 5 Move the slider back to the mark to release and open the arms
Step 6–Advance to fundal position
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Advance the inserter gently towards the fundus of the uterus until the flange touches the cervix. If you encounter fundal resistance do not continue to advance. Mirena is now in the fundal position (
Figure 6Figure 6). Fundal positioning of Mirena is important to prevent expulsion.
Figure 6 Move Mirena into the fundal position
Step 7–Release Mirena and withdraw the inserter
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Holding the entire inserter firmly in place, release Mirena by moving the slider all the way down (
Figure 7Figure 7).
Figure 7 Move the slider all the way down to release Mirena from the insertion tube
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Continue to hold the slider all the way down while you slowly and gently withdraw the inserter from the uterus.
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Using a sharp, curved scissor, cut the threads perpendicular, leaving about 3 cm visible outside of the cervix [cutting threads at an angle may leave sharp ends (
Figure 8Figure 8)]. Do not apply tension or pull on the threads when cutting to prevent displacing Mirena.
Figure 8 Cutting the threads
Mirena insertion is now complete. Prescribe analgesics, if indicated. Keep a copy of the Consent Form with lot number for your records.
Important information to consider during or after insertion
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If you suspect that Mirena is not in the correct position, check placement (for example, using transvaginal ultrasound). Remove Mirena if it is not positioned completely within the uterus. A removed Mirena must not be re-inserted.
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If there is clinical concern, exceptional pain or bleeding during or after insertion, appropriate steps (such as physical examination and ultrasound) should be taken immediately to exclude perforation.
2.2 Patient Follow-up
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Reexamine and evaluate patients 4 to 6 weeks after insertion and once a year thereafter, or more frequently if clinically indicated.
2.3 Removal of Mirena
Timing of Removal
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Mirena should not remain in the uterus after 5 years.
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If pregnancy is not desired, the removal should be carried out during menstruation, provided the woman is still experiencing regular menses. If removal will occur at other times during the cycle, consider starting a new contraceptive method a week prior to removal. If removal occurs at other times during the cycle and the woman has had intercourse in the week prior to removal, she is at risk of pregnancy. [See Dosage and Administration (
2.4)
.]
Tools for Removal
Preparation
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Gloves
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Speculum
Procedure
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Sterile forceps
Removal Procedure
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Remove Mirena by applying gentle traction on the threads with forceps. (
Figure 9Figure 9).
Figure 9 Removal of Mirena
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If the threads are not visible, determine location of Mirena by ultrasound [see Warnings and Precautions (
5.10)].
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If Mirena is found to be in the uterine cavity on ultrasound exam, it may be removed using a narrow forceps, such as an alligator forceps. This may require dilation of the cervical canal. After removal of Mirena, examine the system to ensure that it is intact.
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Removal may be associated with some pain and/or bleeding or vasovagal reactions (for example, syncope, or a seizure in an epileptic patient).
2.4 Continuation of Contraception after Removal
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If pregnancy is not desired and if a woman wishes to continue using Mirena, a new system can be inserted immediately after removal any time during the cycle.
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If a patient with regular cycles wants to start a different birth control method, time removal and initiation of new method to ensure continuous contraception. Either remove Mirena during the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle and start the new method immediately thereafter or start the new method at least 7 days prior to removing Mirena if removal is to occur at other times during the cycle.
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If a patient with irregular cycles or amenorrhea wants to start a different birth control method, start the new method at least 7 days before removal.