Kyleena (levonorgestrel) is a prescription intrauterine device (IUD) that’s used to prevent pregnancy. It’s usually inserted for 5 years by a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Kyleena is used to prevent pregnancy in females* of any age who can become pregnant.
The active ingredient in Kyleena is levonorgestrel. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Kyleena is a type of hormonal birth control device, and it belongs to a group of drugs called progestins.
This article describes the dosage of Kyleena, as well as its strength and how it’s used. To learn more about Kyleena, see this in-depth article.
* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. To learn more about differences between sex and gender, see this article.
This section describes the usual dosage of Kyleena. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Kyleena’s form?
Kyleena is a T-shaped plastic IUD that’s inserted into your uterus by a doctor or other healthcare professional.
What strength does Kyleena come in?
Kyleena comes in one strength of 19.5 milligrams (mg).
What is the usual dosage of Kyleena?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage to prevent pregnancy
Kyleena slowly releases its active ingredient, levonorgestrel, for 5 years.
About 24 days after the device is inserted, it releases 17.5 micrograms (mcg) per day of levonorgestrel. That amount decreases to 9.8 mcg per day after 1 year and 7.4 mcg per day after 5 years.
If you want to continue using Kyleena after 5 years, your doctor will remove your current IUD and insert a new one.
What’s the dosage of Kyleena for adolescents?
Kyleena can be used to prevent pregnancy in females younger than 18 years old who can become pregnant (meaning they’ve had their first menstrual period).
The dosage used in adolescents is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What is the usual dosage of Kyleena?” section above.
Is Kyleena used long term?
Yes, Kyleena is typically used for 5 years. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for you, you’ll likely have the device in place for 5 years. After this, you’ll need a new IUD inserted if you want to continue using Kyleena.
Kyleena is placed in your uterus by your doctor or another healthcare professional. Before inserting Kyleena, your doctor will likely do a physical exam and have you take a pregnancy test.
Your doctor will place Kyleena into your cervix and position it correctly. They’ll then cut the attached strings to a certain length. Your doctor will use the threads to later remove the IUD from your uterus. They’ll check the placement of Kyleena after 4–6 weeks to make sure it’s inserted correctly. After this, they may check Kyleena’s placement annually or more often if needed.
If you weren’t using a hormonal form of birth control before Kyleena, your doctor will likely insert the IUD in the first 7 days of your menstrual cycle. If Kyleena is not inserted in the first 7 days of your menstrual cycle, you should use a barrier method of birth control (such as a condom) for the first 7 days after Kyleena is inserted.
If you’re switching from birth control pills, a vaginal ring, or birth control patches, you should continue using your other type of birth control for 7 days after Kyleena is inserted.
Keep in mind that Kyleena doesn’t prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You can use barrier methods, such as condoms, with Kyleena to help prevent STIs.
Call your doctor if you experience pain or cramping after Kyleena is placed. It may mean the device isn’t in the right place and may need to be adjusted.
To learn more about how Kyleena is placed in your uterus, see the manufacturer’s website.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Kyleena’s dosage.
Is Kyleena’s dosage similar to that of Mirena?
No. Although both drugs come as an IUD and contain the same active ingredient (levonorgestrel), they come in different strengths. In addition, Mirena can be inserted for longer than Kyleena.
Kyleena contains 19.5 mg of levonorgestrel and prevents pregnancy for 5 years. Mirena contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel and works to prevent pregnancy for 7 years.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, see this article or talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Kyleena to start working?
Kyleena starts to work after it’s inserted, but it may take up to 7 days to be effective at preventing pregnancy. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body.
Your doctor may recommend using a barrier method of birth control (such as a condom) to help prevent pregnancy for the first 7 days after Kyleena is inserted.
If you have other questions about what to expect with Kyleena, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the manufacturer. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about Kyleena.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does Kyleena’s dosage compare with that of other IUDs?
- How should I prepare for my appointment to have Kyleena inserted or removed?
- Because a higher amount of levonorgestrel is released per day in the first year of Kyleena treatment, is my risk of side effects higher during that time?
To learn more about Kyleena, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.