UK approves Mirena levonorgestrel IUS for extended use up to 8 years for contraception

The extended use of Mirena in contraception will not only reduce the number of IUS removal and insertion procedures, but also the potential risk of complications

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorised Bayer’s Mirena 52mg levonorgestrel (LNG) releasing intrauterine system (IUS) for extended use up to eight years for contraception in the UK.

It has also been granted a five-year license for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding, or up to eight years, if symptoms do not return after five years of use, Pharmaceutical Manufacturer reported.

The MHRA authorisation follows the Mirena Extension Trial (MET), which has shown that contraceptive efficacy remains high with greater than 99 per cent during years six to eight, with a consistent adverse reaction profile.

Dr Joep Hufman MD, Medical Director at Bayer UK & Ireland, said the extended use of Mirena in contraception will reduce the number of IUS removal and insertion procedures for women in the UK who choose the IUS as their contraceptive method.

Considered one of the most effective methods of birth control, LNG-IUS does not require user interventions such as daily dosing or monthly administration. The device can be removed by the doctor at any time, allowing the woman to return to her natural level of fertility rapidly.

However, it should only be inserted after a comprehensive discussion and evaluation of all contraceptive options aligned with the woman’s needs.

Dr Diana Mansour, Consultant in Community Gynaecology, Newcastle Hospitals, told the publication: “Some women may find the fitting or changing of an intrauterine device uncomfortable or embarrassing. Increasing the length of time when a device can be effective for contraception and heavy menstrual bleeding will help reduce these concerns as well as the potential risk of complications.”