Contraceptive Pearl: Introducing Liletta, a New Progestin IUD
Liletta, a new progestin intrauterine device (IUD), was approved by the FDA in February 2015 and should be available by the end of April. Liletta has the same size and shape as the Mirena and contains the same dose of levonorgestrel. Liletta’s inserter device has some of the features of the Paragard and some of the features of the Mirena. Liletta is FDA approved for only three years of pregnancy prevention, but the original trial is ongoing to evaluate its efficacy for longer periods of time.
Patients may experience spotting, irregular bleeding and an increase in bleeding days for the first three to six months of use. After the first few months, periods may remain irregular and lighter or may cease altogether.
Approval of Liletta is supported by a trial in which the device was inserted in 1,751 women aged 16-45, 58% of whom were nulliparous. The device was found to be 99.45% effective in preventing pregnancy regardless of age, body mass index or parity.
Some patients may be eligible to receive Liletta for $75 through the Liletta Patient Savings Program. Through the federal 340B program, Liletta will be made available to public health clinics and community health centers for $50, making this IUD accessible regardless of income and insurance coverage.
*Liletta is similar to the Mirena, so their duration should be identical.
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The Reproductive Health Access Project does not accept funding from pharmaceutical companies. We do not promote specific brands of medication or contraception. The information in the Contraceptive Pearls is unbiased, based on science alone.
