Mirena is a 52mg Levonorgestrel IUD. Regulatory approval has been received to extend the use of this device, for contraception only, to eight years.
There has been no change in the licence for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) (5 years) or for endometrial protection (4 years).
We welcome the extended licence for younger perimenopausal women who require contraception.
We note that women, for whom treatment was initiated for HMB alone (and who are not using estrogen replacement therapy), may consider continued use for up to 8 years if symptoms have not returned after 5 years of use. The device should be removed or replaced no later than 8 years after insertion.
Reference:
Jensen JT, Lukkari-Lax E, Schulze A, et al. Contraceptive efficacy and safety of the 52mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system for up to 8 years: findings from the Mirena Extension Trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022;227:873.e1-12.