Kyleena (levonorgestrel) is a prescription intrauterine device (IUD) used to prevent pregnancy. Kyleena can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include headache, acne, and abdominal pain.

What are the more common side effects of Kyleena?

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Kyleena treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

• vulvovaginitis (swelling or infection in the vagina or surrounding area)
• headache
• acne
• abdominal pain*
• ovarian cysts*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.

What are the mild side effects of Kyleena?

Mild side effects have been reported with Kyleena. These include:

• vulvovaginitis
• vaginal discharge
• periods that are irregular, infrequent, or absent
• painful periods, including period cramps
• nausea
• headache or migraine
• hair loss
• dizziness during or shortly after Kyleena is inserted
• acne
• abdominal, pelvic, or breast pain*

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not remove Kyleena yourself as this could be painful and lead to complications.

Kyleena may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.

What are the serious side effects of Kyleena?

Serious side effects have been reported with Kyleena. These include:

• ectopic pregnancy*
• ovarian cysts*
• severe abdominal, vaginal, or pelvic infection, which may lead to sepsis
• perforation (breaking through) or expulsion (falling out) of Kyleena from the uterus
• mood changes, including depression

If you develop serious side effects with Kyleena, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Kyleena, visit MedWatch.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Kyleena can cause an allergic reaction, but this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies. However, allergic reactions have been reported since Kyleena came on the market.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Kyleena treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Kyleena, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

FAQ about Kyleena’s side effects

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Kyleena’s side effects.

Are there any long-term side effects of Kyleena?

Possibly. Kyleena is an IUD that helps prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years after insertion. Long-term use of Kyleena may increase the risk of certain side effects.

For example, Kyleena may lead to infrequent or absent periods. In studies, these side effects began in the first 3 to 6 months after Kyleena was inserted. But they were more common after 1 year of Kyleena use and continued after 3 years.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about the possible side effects of Kyleena and how long they may last.

Will I have any short-term side effects from Kyleena?

Yes, you may have some short-term side effects from Kyleena.

Specifically, you may have bleeding, dizziness, or pain during Kyleena insertion or shortly after the procedure. However, these side effects should go away within 30 minutes of the IUD’s placement.

If these side effects last longer, talk with the healthcare professional who inserted Kyleena. They may need to check whether the IUD was placed correctly.

You may also have irregular periods in the first 3 to 6 months after Kyleena is inserted. In studies, this side effect became less common after 1 year of use and eased further after 3 years.

Ovarian cysts (fluid-filled or solid sacs on an ovary) are also a possible side effect of Kyleena. However, in studies, the cysts usually went away on their own after 2 to 3 months.

If you have questions about possible short-term side effects of Kyleena, talk with your doctor.

Side effects explained

Learn more about some of the side effects Kyleena may cause.

Abdominal, pelvic, or breast pain

Abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and breast pain were among the more common side effects reported in studies of Kyleena. In many cases, these side effects are mild and should go away within a few weeks of the IUD’s insertion.

That said, abdominal, pelvic, or breast pain could also be symptoms of serious side effects of Kyleena. These include ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancy. (To learn more, see “Ectopic pregnancy” below.)

Abdominal or pelvic pain can also be symptoms of other serious side effects from Kyleena, including:

• severe abdominal, vaginal, or pelvic infection
• perforation (breaking through) or expulsion (falling out) of Kyleena from the uterus

What might help

If you have abdominal, pelvic, or breast pain with Kyleena, talk with your doctor. Telling them how severe or bothersome your symptoms are will help them decide whether to check for more serious side effects of Kyleena.

Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy was a rare side effect reported in studies of Kyleena. With ectopic pregnancy, a fertilized egg does not attach to the uterus as it should. If untreated, an ectopic pregnancy can be life threatening.

Ectopic pregnancy may cause symptoms such as:

• abdominal, pelvic, or breast pain
• nausea
• vaginal bleeding

Certain factors can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy with Kyleena. These include having had an ectopic pregnancy, pelvic infection, or tubal ligation (having your tubes tied).

What might help

If you have symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, take a pregnancy test and contact your doctor right away. If your symptoms seem severe or life threatening, call 911 or a local emergency number.

If you become pregnant while using Kyleena, your doctor can advise you on the next steps. They’ll likely give you an ultrasound to check for an ectopic pregnancy. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, your doctor may perform emergency surgery to treat it.

Keeping track of side effects

During Kyleena treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start a new treatment or combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

• how soon you had the side effect after the IUD was inserted
• what your symptoms were
• how your symptoms affected your daily activities
• what other medications you were taking
• any other information you feel is important

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Kyleena affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Warnings for Kyleena

Kyleena can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Kyleena is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before receiving Kyleena. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

• migraine or severe headache
• liver problems, such as liver tumors and acute (sudden) liver disease
• high blood pressure, blood clots, or past heart attack or stroke
• genital or pelvic infection, such as cervicitis and bacterial vaginosis
• certain uterus problems, such as fibroids and abnormal uterine bleeding without a known cause
• breast, cervical, or uterine cancer
• previous allergic reaction to Kyleena
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

FAQs ⁢About​ Kyleena Side Effects

What are the most common​ side effects of Kyleena?

Kyleena’s most common side effects include changes in ‍menstrual bleeding patterns, such as spotting and irregular periods, headache,⁣ nausea, breast tenderness, and abdominal or pelvic pain. These side effects‌ are generally mild and often decrease over‍ time as your⁢ body adjusts to the ​hormone.

How can ​I manage irregular bleeding caused ⁢by Kyleena?

To manage irregular bleeding, it’s ⁣important to track your⁣ menstrual cycle and consult with your healthcare provider. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate discomfort, and in some cases, your doctor‌ might prescribe medication⁢ to help regulate bleeding.

Is⁢ it ​normal to experience pain ​or cramping ‍with Kyleena?

Yes, mild to moderate ⁢pain or ⁣cramping can occur after Kyleena ‍is inserted and ‍may continue for a few ‌days. Taking a⁣ pain reliever like ibuprofen and using a heating pad‌ can help manage this discomfort. If the pain is severe or persistent, seek medical advice.

⁢ Can Kyleena cause ​weight gain?

There is ‍no​ direct evidence that Kyleena causes significant weight gain. However, ⁢some women may experience slight changes in weight. Maintaining ​a ‍healthy ‍diet and regular exercise routine‌ can help manage ‍any potential weight changes.

What should I do‌ if I experience severe‍ side effects from Kyleena?

If⁢ you experience severe side effects, such⁤ as heavy bleeding,⁢ severe abdominal‍ pain, or signs of⁣ infection (fever or unusual discharge), contact your healthcare provider immediately. It’s crucial to address serious symptoms promptly to avoid complications.

How long ​do side effects from Kyleena usually last?

Most side ​effects from Kyleena tend to subside after the first few months as ​your body adjusts to the device.‌ Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can⁤ help monitor your symptoms and ensure ‍that Kyleena is the right​ option for you.

Can Kyleena‍ affect my‌ mood or mental health?

Hormonal IUDs ⁤like Kyleena ⁣may affect mood in some individuals, ‌potentially leading to mood ​swings or depression. If you notice ⁢changes in your mental health,⁢ it’s important ‍to discuss these with your healthcare ⁢provider to determine the best course of action.

Should I be‌ worried about any serious complications‌ with Kyleena?

While​ serious complications ⁤are rare, ⁣they can ⁢include device expulsion, perforation of the⁤ uterus, or pelvic ⁣inflammatory⁤ disease. ⁣Regular check-ups and being aware of any unusual‌ symptoms can help manage ​risks effectively. Always consult‌ your healthcare provider if you‍ have concerns.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.