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

Most common
Abdominal/pelvic pain (up to 23%)
Headache/migraine (up to 16%)
Vulvovaginitis (up to 11%)
Unscheduled bleeding (up to 32%)

Kyleena

Most common
Abdominal/pelvic pain (up to 21%)
Headache/migraine (up to 15%)
Vulvovaginitis (up to 24%)
Ovarian cysts (up to 22%)

Mirena vs. Kyleena Dosage

Mirena

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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