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Overview: Liletta is an intrauterine device (IUD), a form of birth control. It is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to eight years, or to prevent pregnancy and treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to five years. Common side effects after placement of Liletta include vaginal discharge or infections, acne, nausea, or vomiting. Serious side effects are rare but can include infections or uterus problems.

Uses

What is Liletta used for?

Liletta (levonorgestrel) is an intrauterine device (IUD) that is commonly used to prevent pregnancy for up to eight years. It can also be used to prevent pregnancy and treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to five years.

Liletta may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

There are other levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (IUDs) available. See Kyleena, Mirena, and Skyla for more information.

How does Liletta work (mechanism of action)?

Liletta works by slowly releasing a progestin hormone, called levonorgestrel, into the uterus. It may prevent pregnancy by thickening the mucus in your cervix to block sperm from reaching the uterus. It may also affect sperm so they cannot survive or function properly, and change the lining of your uterus to make it less likely for a pregnancy to happen.

How is Liletta supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Liletta

Dosage forms and strengths

Liletta is available as an intrauterine device (IUD) that is inserted by a health care provider.

How should I store Liletta?

Liletta is usually inserted by a health care provider during an office visit or in the hospital. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Liletta?

The most common side effects of Liletta are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Vaginal discharge 
  • Vaginal yeast infection or vaginal bacterial infection (vaginitis)
  • Acne 
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache 
  • Stomach, pelvic, or back pain 
  • Menstrual-like cramping
  • Sore or painful breasts
  • Pain during sex
  • Weight gain
  • Mood changes, anxiety, or depression

There may be other side effects of Liletta that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Liletta?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Liletta are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Liletta may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Infection. Liletta can increase your risk of a severe infection or sepsis within the first few days after the device is inserted. Call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain or fever.  

Uterus Problems. Liletta may go into the wall of the uterus (become embedded) or go through the wall of the uterus (perforation). This increases your risk of pregnancy. It also increases the risk of infection and damage to other organs. The risk of perforation is higher if Liletta is inserted after you have recently given birth or if you are breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider right away if you cannot feel the threads of the device inside your vagina or if you have pain or bleeding that gets worse after Liletta is inserted. 

Expulsion. Liletta may come out of the uterus by itself, which is called expulsion. The risk of expulsion is higher if Liletta is placed right after you deliver a baby or have a second-trimester abortion. If Liletta comes out, you will be at higher risk of pregnancy. Tell your health care provider right away if you cannot feel the threads of Liletta inside your vagina or if you have pain or bleeding that gets worse after Liletta is inserted.

Ovarian Cysts. Liletta may cause cysts to form on your ovaries. Some ovarian cysts are harmless and go away on their own, while others may grow and cause bloating, swelling, or pain in your lower belly. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms that an ovarian cyst has burst.

  • Sharp, sudden pain in your lower belly or back
  • Abnormal spotting or bleeding
  • Pain with fever and throwing up
  • Dizziness, weakness, or feeling faint
  • Fast breathing (hyperventilation)

Changes in Menstrual Bleeding. Liletta can cause your period to become irregular, longer, and heavier within the first three to six months after placement. It can also cause frequent spotting or light bleeding. Bleeding or spotting usually lessens after using Liletta for a while. For some people, periods will stop. Call your health care provider right away if bleeding remains heavier than usual or if it increases after it has been light or absent for a while. 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Liletta can increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection that can affect the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. Bacteria that cause pelvic inflammatory disease can get into your body when Liletta is inserted. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of PID.

  • Pain in your lower belly or pelvis
  • Heavy vaginal discharge that is discolored and has a bad smell
  • Heavy bleeding during your period or bleeding between periods
  • Pain or bleeding during sex
  • Chills or fever
  • Pain when your pee or problems peeing
  • Sores on your genitals

Pregnancy Problems. If you become pregnant while using Liletta, you may be at higher risk of miscarriage, infection, and early labor or delivery. You may also be at higher risk of that pregnancy being outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). With ectopic pregnancy, as the fertilized egg grows, it can burst (rupture) and cause life-threatening bleeding and death. Call your health care provider right away if you think you might be pregnant or have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Pain in your lower stomach or vomiting
  • Sharp belly cramps 
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
  • Pain on one side of your body
  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Pain in your shoulder, neck, or rectum
  • Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Liletta?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Liletta.

  • Liletta
  • Levonorgestrel
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Liletta.

Pregnancy. Do not use Liletta if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

Uterus Problems. Liletta should not be used if you have bleeding from the uterus for an unknown reason, or if you have problems that change the shape of your uterus, such as fibroids. Liletta may not work as well if you have these conditions.

Pelvic or Genital Infections. Liletta should not be used if you are at high risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection that can affect the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. It should also not be used if you have recently had an infection of the uterus after a pregnancy or abortion, or if you currently have an infection of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or vagina. The infection should be treated before using Liletta.

Cancer. Liletta should not be used if you have or have had breast, uterine, or cervical cancer. Some cancers are sensitive to hormones and could get worse if you use Liletta.

Liver Problems. Liletta should not be used if you currently have liver disease or a liver tumor. Tell your health care provider if you have any liver problems.

Another Intrauterine Device (IUD). Liletta should not be used if you already have an intrauterine device (IUD) inside your uterus. The other device must be removed before Liletta can be placed.

What should I know about Liletta before using it?

Liletta is an intrauterine device (IUD) that is inserted into the uterus by your health care provider at a medical facility. It will be removed or replaced after five or eight years, depending on why you are using it, but it can be removed at any time.

Liletta does not protect you from HIV, AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 

Depending on when Liletta is inserted during your menstrual period, or if you are switching from another form of birth control, you may need to use backup birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) after Liletta is placed. Ask your health care provider whether you need to use backup birth control and for how long. 

Tell your health care provider right away if you have intense pain, bleeding, or dizziness 30 minutes or more after Liletta is inserted. It may need to be removed or replaced.

Check that Liletta is in place by feeling the threads inside the vagina at least once a month. Talk with your health care provider if you have questions about how to do this. 

If you think Liletta has fallen out of your uterus (expulsion) or is out of place, call your health care provider right away and use backup birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) until Liletta can be replaced. 

Be extra careful when changing tampons or menstrual cups so that you do not accidentally pull the Liletta threads. Call your health care provider right away if you think you have pulled Liletta out of place. 

Make sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your health care provider. They will use these appointments to check that Liletta is in the right position. 

You may need special X-rays or other methods to check whether Liletta is in place, or to help find the device when it is time to take it out. Depending on the exact position of the device, removal may be difficult and may require surgery. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Liletta?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Liletta is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

  • Heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
  • Problems with blood clotting 
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Recently had a baby 
  • Severe headaches or migraine 
  • HIV, AIDS, or another sexually transmitted disease (STD)
  • Multiple sexual partners or your partner has multiple sexual partners
  • Immune system problems
  • Liver problems or yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Cancer
  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • Conditions that affect the shape of your uterus, such as fibroids

Other Medicines and Supplements. Liletta may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Liletta, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Do not use Liletta during pregnancy. Using Liletta while you are pregnant may cause complications during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you might be pregnant while using Liletta, contact your health care provider right away.

Breastfeeding. Liletta passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Liletta while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Liletta?

For more information about Liletta, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.liletta.com or call 800-678-1605.

Interactions

Does Liletta interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Liletta and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Liletta.

Does Liletta interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking a blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Liletta. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Liletta?

If you or someone else has used too much Liletta, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Liletta?

Liletta is inserted by a health care provider and left in place for up to eight years. If it has been in place for too long or has come out of place, avoid sexual intercourse or use backup birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) and contact your health care provider right away.