Mirena

This medicine contains 52 mg levonorgestrel. Other ingredients are polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene, barium sulphate, silver and iron oxide. There are no preservatives or allergens that usually cause problems. After removal, dispose of the coil according to your doctor's instructions. 

Side effects do not affect everyone. The most common are: 

• Very common (more than 1 in 10 women): changes in bleeding pattern, such as irregular periods or no periods, abdominal pain, headache, vaginal discharge, inflammation of the vulva or vagina. 
• Sometimes (1 to 10 in 100 women): mood changes, low mood, nausea, acne, breast pain, hair loss, weight gain. 
• Rare (fewer than 1 in 1,000 women): the coil may slip out of the womb or pierce the wall of the womb. 

For most women, this medicine is safe. Do not use it if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, have unexplained vaginal bleeding, have an infection in the pelvic area or womb, have or have had cervical cancer or womb cancer, or are allergic to levonorgestrel or any of the other ingredients. It is also not suitable if you have an abnormality of the womb that prevents correct placement. 

Take extra care if you have previously had an ectopic pregnancy, have problems with the womb or ovaries, or have an increased risk of infections. During breastfeeding it can usually be used safely, but always speak to your doctor before insertion. It does not affect your ability to drive or use machines. It generally works well with other medicines, but speak to your doctor if you use medicines that suppress the immune system or if you have severe liver disease.