Kyleena (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a brand-name intrauterine device (IUD) that’s used to help prevent pregnancy. Kyleena isn’t known to interact with other medications. But doctor’s won’t prescribe it in certain cases.

Kyleena is an IUD prescribed to help prevent pregnancy in adults and adolescents who are able to become pregnant.

An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.

To learn more about Kyleena’s interactions, keep reading. For additional information, including details about its uses, see this article on Kyleena.

Currently, there aren’t any known drug-drug interactions with Kyleena. The manufacturer did not check for drug-drug interactions in clinical trials of Kyleena. Kyleena releases levonorgestrel (its active ingredient) directly into the uterus. So, drug interactions that affect other forms of levonorgestrel, such as oral forms, aren’t expected to interact with Kyleena.

However, it is possible that drug-drug interactions with Kyleena may be discovered at some point in the future. To be safe, before you start Kyleena, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information, you may help prevent possible interactions with Kyleena that may be discovered while you’re using Kyleena. (To learn whether Kyleena interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Kyleena and other interactions” section.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Kyleena due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of Kyleena are listed below.

Note:Before you start Kyleena, it’s important to tell your doctor if these contraindications apply to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Kyleena.

Having an active genital or pelvic infection

Doctors typically won’t prescribe Kyleena if you have an active infection affecting your genitals or pelvis. Examples of these infections include:

Doctors also likely won’t prescribe Kyleena if you’ve had PID in the past unless you’ve been pregnant after the infection went away. Your doctor may also prescribe an alternative to Kyleena if you have a high risk of these infections, such as if you have a weakened immune system.

Having certain types of active or previous cancers

Doctors typically won’t prescribe Kyleena if you have or ever had:

This is because these cancers can be sensitive to hormones, including progestins, such as levonorgestrel.

If this applies to you, talk with your doctor to learn more about other methods of birth control that are safer for you.

Having certain conditions affecting your uterus

Doctors typically won’t prescribe Kyleena if you have certain conditions that affect your uterus. These conditions include:

  • unusual uterine bleeding with no known cause
  • fibroids or other conditions that affect the shape of your uterus
  • inflammation or infection of your uterus lining following childbirth, pregnancy loss, or abortion in the previous 3 months

If you have a condition affecting your uterus, make sure your doctor is aware before you have Kyleena inserted. They’ll likely recommend an alternative to Kyleena for you instead.

Having liver disease

Doctors typically won’t prescribe Kyleena for people with liver disease, including liver failure or a liver tumor. This is because Kyleena may worsen liver disease.

If you have liver disease, talk with your doctor before taking Kyleena. They’ll likely prescribe another birth control option other than Kyleena.

Having a previous IUD that has not been removed

Doctors won’t prescribe you Kyleena if you have a previous IUD that has not been removed. The IUD will need to be removed before you can safely get Kyleena.

Are pregnant or may become pregnant

Doctors won’t prescribe Kyleena if you may be pregnant or are pregnant. Kyleena is prescribed to help prevent pregnancy and should not be used as an emergency birth control method after sex.

Immediately call your doctor if you think you’ve become pregnant while Kyleena is inserted. They can discuss your options with you.

Having had an allergic reaction to Kyleena or any of its ingredients

If you have had an allergic reaction to Kyleena or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Kyleena. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other birth control options that may be better choices for you.

There are no known interactions between Kyleena and alcohol. If you have questions about drinking alcohol while using Kyleena, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Kyleena may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Kyleena.

Kyleena interactions with supplements

It’s possible for drugs to interact with supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

Kyleena interactions with herbs

There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with Kyleena. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while having Kyleena.

Kyleena interactions with vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Kyleena. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Kyleena.

Kyleena interactions with food

There were no reports of food interactions with Kyleena. If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods while using Kyleena, talk with your doctor.

Kyleena interactions with vaccines

There aren’t any known interactions between Kyleena and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any vaccines.

Kyleena interactions with lab tests

Kyleena isn’t known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

KYLEENA INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Kyleena. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Kyleena. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Kyleena birth control plan.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Kyleena. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Kyleena may not be the right birth control option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Kyleena include:

  • Contraindicated conditions or factors: There are numerous contraindications of Kyleena. These are the factors or conditions that could prevent your doctor from prescribing Kyleena due to the risk of harm. To learn more about these conditions and factors, see the “When to avoid Kyleena” section.
  • Ectopic pregnancy in the past: There’s a higher chance for ectopic pregnancy if you become pregnant with Kyleena. It’s not known if having an ectopic pregnancy in the past increases your risk of it to occur with Kyleena. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of using Kyleena.
  • Migraine: Migraine is a side effect of Kyleena. If you already experience migraine headaches, there is a chance that Kyleena could worsen your symptoms. Talk with your doctor to learn more about your options. They may recommend medications to treat your migraine before prescribing Kyleena.
  • Bleeding condition: If you have a bleeding condition, such as hemophilia, or are taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, be sure to tell your doctor before you receive Kyleena. You may have a higher risk of bleeding when the device is inserted or removed.
  • High blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, be sure to tell your doctor before you receive Kyleena. You may be at risk of increased blood pressure while using Kyleena. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of using Kyleena.
  • Current heart disease or past heart attack or stroke: Since Kyleena was approved for use, there have been rare reports of stroke and blood clots in people who used Kyleena. Because these side effects happened after Kyleena was approved, it’s not clear whether Kyleena or other factors caused them. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of Kyleena if you have heart disease, or if you’ve had a heart attack or stroke in the past.
  • Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Kyleena or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Kyleena. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other birth control options that may be better choices for you.
  • Breastfeeding: If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Kyleena. The drug can pass into breast milk in small amounts, but there aren’t reports of side effects in children exposed to Kyleena through breast milk. Your doctor can talk with you about birth control options and ways to feed a child who is breastfed.
  • Pregnancy: Kyleena should not be inserted if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. To learn more, see the “When to avoid Kyleena” section.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Kyleena. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting Kyleena. For example, you should plan to do the following:

  • Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
  • Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
  • Create a medication listTrusted Source, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the paperworkTrusted Source that may come with the drug. The paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Kyleena doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your doctor to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.