Mirena vs. Kyleena
See how Mirena and Kyleena compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Mirena is FDA-approved for up to 8 years of pregnancy prevention and also treats heavy menstrual bleeding, while Kyleena is approved for up to 5 years of pregnancy prevention only.
Kyleena releases a lower dose of levonorgestrel and has a smaller frame, which may make insertion more comfortable for some people.
Both are hormonal IUDs placed by a clinician in a single visit and carry similar risks, including uterine perforation and device expulsion.
Mirena vs. Kyleena Drug Summary
Mirena
Mirena is a progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) that prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years and treats heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years. A clinician places it in the uterus, where it steadily releases levonorgestrel.
Kyleena
Kyleena is a progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) that prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years. It releases a lower dose of levonorgestrel than Mirena and has a smaller frame, and is placed in the uterus by a clinician.
Mirena vs. Kyleena Side Effects
Mirena
Kyleena
Mirena vs. Kyleena Dosage
Mirena
Kyleena
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | ~21 mcg/day LNG release | Day 24 |
| Maximum dose | ~7 mcg/day LNG release | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Mirena
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | ~21 mcg/day LNG release | Day 24 |
| Maximum dose | ~7 mcg/day LNG release | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Kyleena
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 19.5 mg IUS, one device | Same as starting |
| Dose changes | None | Fixed dose |
Mirena vs. Kyleena Indications
Mirena
Mirena is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years and to treat heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years in women who also want intrauterine contraception. It is not approved for emergency contraception.
Prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years
Treats heavy menstrual bleeding for up to 5 years
Longest-lasting hormonal IUD option
Not approved for emergency contraception
Kyleena
Kyleena is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. It is not approved for use before a person's first period or for emergency contraception.
Prevents pregnancy for up to 5 years
Lowest-dose hormonal IUD from Bayer
Smaller frame for easier insertion
Not approved for use before first period
Mirena vs. Kyleena Pros and Cons
Mirena
Mirena is the only hormonal IUD approved both to prevent pregnancy and to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, with the longest approved duration of any levonorgestrel IUD. It also has a longer track record, having been on the market since 2000.
Pros
Only hormonal IUD also approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding
Longest approved duration of any hormonal IUD, up to 8 years
Longer real-world track record, on the market since 2000
Cons
Higher levonorgestrel dose than Kyleena, which may raise some side effect rates
No generic version available
Larger frame than Kyleena, which may affect comfort for some users
Kyleena
Kyleena delivers a lower hormone dose in a smaller frame than Mirena, which may suit those who want less systemic hormone exposure or a more comfortable insertion. It is a newer option, approved in 2016, with a shorter approved duration of use.
Pros
Lowest hormone dose among Bayer's levonorgestrel IUDs
Smaller frame, which may be easier to insert
May suit those who have not been pregnant
Cons
Shorter approved duration, only 5 years versus Mirena's 8
Not approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding
Not approved for use before a person's first period
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