Warnings for Liletta
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Liletta
Ectopic Pregnancy
Evaluate patients for ectopic pregnancy if they become pregnant with LILETTA in place because the likelihood of a pregnancy being ectopic is increased with use of an IUS. Approximately half of pregnancies that occur with an IUS in place are likely to be ectopic. Also consider the possibility of ectopic pregnancy in the case of lower abdominal pain, especially in association with missed menses or new onset bleeding in an amenorrheic patient. If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, LILETTA should be removed.
The incidence of ectopic pregnancy in the clinical trial with LILETTA, which excluded participants with a history of ectopic pregnancy who did not have a subsequent intrauterine pregnancy, was approximately 0.12 per 100 women-years. The risk of ectopic pregnancy in patients who have a history of ectopic pregnancy and use LILETTA is unknown. Patients with a previous history of ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery, or pelvic infection have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy may require surgery and may result in loss of fertility.
Patients who use LILETTA should be informed about recognizing the signs and symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and promptly reporting them to their healthcare professional, and about the associated risks of ectopic pregnancy (e.g., loss of fertility).
Intrauterine Pregnancy
If pregnancy occurs while using LILETTA, determine if LILETTA is in the uterus. If LILETTA is in the uterus, attempt to remove LILETTA because leaving it in place may increase the risk of spontaneous abortion and preterm labor. Removal of LILETTA or probing of the uterus may also result in spontaneous abortion. In the event of an intrauterine pregnancy with LILETTA, consider the following:
Septic Abortion
If a patient becomes pregnant with an IUS in place, septic abortion—potentially including septicemia, septic shock, and death—may occur. Septic abortion typically requires hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics. Septic abortion may result in spontaneous abortion or a medical indication for pregnancy termination. Should severe infection of the uterus occur, hysterectomy may be required, which will result in permanent infertility. LILETTA is contraindicated in patients who have had an infected abortion in the prior 3 months.
Continuation Of Pregnancy
If a patient becomes pregnant with LILETTA in place and if LILETTA cannot be removed or the patient chooses not to have it removed, warn the patient that failure to remove LILETTA increases the risk of miscarriage, sepsis, premature labor, and premature delivery. Prenatal care should include counseling about these risks and instructions to immediately report any flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, cramping, pain, bleeding, vaginal discharge or leakage of fluid, or any other symptom that suggests complications of the pregnancy.
Sepsis
Severe infection or sepsis, including Group A streptococcal sepsis (GAS), have been reported following insertion of LNG-releasing IUSs. In some cases, severe pain occurred within hours of insertion followed by sepsis within days. Because death from GAS is more likely if treatment is delayed, it is important to be aware of these rare but serious infections. Aseptic technique during insertion of LILETTA is essential to minimize serious infections such as GAS.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Or Endometritis
Insertion of LILETTA is contraindicated in the presence of known or suspected PID or endometritis. As well, it is contraindicated in patients with untreated acute cervicitis or vaginitis (including bacterial vaginosis), known chlamydial or gonococcal cervical infection, or other known lower genital tract infections, until the infection is controlled. IUSs have been associated with an increased risk of PID, most likely due to organisms being introduced into the uterus during insertion. Assess risk factors for infection accordingly.
Patients who use LILETTA should be counseled to promptly notify a healthcare professional if they develop lower abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, chills, unusual or malodorous discharge, unexplained bleeding, genital lesions or sores, or dyspareunia. In such circumstances, perform a pelvic examination promptly to evaluate for possible pelvic infection. Remove LILETTA in cases of recurrent PID or endometritis, or if an acute pelvic infection is severe or does not respond to treatment.
In the clinical trial with LILETTA, pelvic infection was diagnosed in 0.8% of participants. Pelvic infection was diagnosed as PID in 0.5% of participants and as endometritis in 0.3% of participants. Infections occurred following variable duration-of-use. One participant diagnosed with PID and two participants diagnosed with endometritis developed the infection within a week of LILETTA insertion. One case of endometritis was diagnosed at 39 days after LILETTA insertion. The remaining 11 cases of PID and endometritis were diagnosed more than six months after insertion, including one at 30 days after IUS removal.
Patients At Increased Risk For PID Or Endometritis
PID and endometritis are often associated with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and LILETTA does not protect against STIs. The risk of PID or endometritis is greater for patients who have multiple sexual partners, and for patients whose sexual partner(s) have multiple sexual partners. Patients who have had PID or endometritis are at increased risk for recurrence or re-infection. Other risk factors for these infections include unprotected sex and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Asymptomatic PID Or Endometritis
PID or endometritis may be asymptomatic but still result in tubal damage and its sequelae.
Treatment Of PID Or Endometritis
In IUS users with suspected or diagnosed PID or endometritis, obtain microbial specimens, including those for sexually transmitted infections, and initiate antibiotic treatment promptly. After initiation of antibiotic treatment, the IUS may be removed or kept in place. The patient should continue to receive antibiotic treatment according to current recommendations and should have close clinical follow-up. Guidelines for PID or endometritis treatment are available from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia. 1
If the patient opts for discontinuing IUS use, remove LILETTA after initiation of antibiotic treatment to avoid the potential risk for bacterial spread resulting from the removal procedure.
If the patient opts for ongoing IUS contraception, the patient may forego immediate removal of LILETTA after initiation of antibiotic treatment. However, the patient should have close clinical followup. If no clinical improvement occurs within 48–72 hours of initiating treatment, IUS removal is appropriate with continued antibiotic therapy, as indicated.
In the LILETTA clinical trial, 12 of the 14 participants who developed PID or endometritis were successfully treated without removal of LILETTA (one of the 14 participants developed PID 30 days after removal).
Actinomycosis
Actinomycosis has been associated with IUS use. Symptomatic patients with known actinomycosis infection should have LILETTA removed and receive antibiotics. Actinomycetes can be found in the genital tract cultures in healthy patients without IUSs. The significance of actinomyces-like organisms on Pap test in an asymptomatic IUS user is unknown, and so this finding alone does not always require LILETTA removal and treatment. When possible, confirm a Pap test diagnosis with cultures.
Perforation
Perforation (total or partial, including penetration/embedment of LILETTA in the uterine wall or cervix) may occur, most often during insertion, although the perforation may not be detected until sometime later. Perforation may also occur at any time during IUS use. Perforation may reduce contraceptive efficacy and result in pregnancy. This may be associated with severe pain and continued bleeding.
The risk of perforation may be increased if an IUS is inserted when the uterus is fixed retroverted or not completely involuted during the post-partum period. Delay LILETTA insertion a minimum of four weeks or until involution is complete following a delivery or a second trimester abortion.
If perforation is suspected the IUS should be removed as soon as possible, surgery may be required. Delayed detection or removal of LILETTA in case of perforation may result in migration outside the uterine cavity, adhesions, peritonitis, intestinal perforations, intestinal obstruction, abscesses, and erosion of adjacent viscera.
In a large prospective comparative non-interventional cohort study with another IUS the incidence of uterine perforation was reported as 6.3 per 1,000 insertions for lactating participants, compared to 1.0 per 1,000 insertions for non-lactating participants.
The incidence of perforation during or following LILETTA insertion in the clinical trial, which excluded breastfeeding participants, was 0.1%.
Expulsion
Partial or complete expulsion of LILETTA may occur, resulting in the loss of contraceptive protection. In the clinical trial with LILETTA, an overall expulsion rate of 4.1% over 8 years was reported, with a rate of 2.4% in nulliparous participants and 6.4% in parous participants. The majority (70.4%) occur in the first 12 months, with 23.9% occurring in the first three months and 42.3% in the first six months, cumulatively. Expulsion may be associated with symptoms of bleeding or pain, or it may be asymptomatic and go unnoticed. LILETTA typically decreases menstrual bleeding over time; therefore, an increase in menstrual bleeding may be indicative of an expulsion. Consider further diagnostic imaging, such as sonography or X-ray, to confirm expulsion if LILETTA is not found in the uterus.
The risk of expulsion is increased with insertions performed immediately after delivery; it appears to be increased with insertions performed after second-trimester abortion, based on limited data.
Remove a partially expelled LILETTA. If expulsion has occurred, a new LILETTA may be inserted when there is reasonable certainty the patient is not pregnant.
Ovarian Cysts
The contraceptive effect of LILETTA is mainly due to its local effects within the uterus; therefore, ovulatory cycles with follicular rupture usually occur in patients of fertile age using LILETTA. Most ovarian cysts that occur during use of LNG-releasing IUSs are asymptomatic and disappear
spontaneously during two to three months of observation. Cysts that cause clinical symptoms can result in pelvic or abdominal pain or dyspareunia. Symptomatic ovarian cysts occurred in 4.7% of participants using LILETTA over the course of 8 years, and 0.3% of participants discontinued use of LILETTA because of an ovarian cyst.
Evaluate persistent ovarian cysts. Surgical intervention is not usually required, but may be necessary in some cases, and occurred in 1 (0.06%) of participants in the LILETTA trial. Discuss this risk with patients, as indicated.
Bleeding Pattern Alterations
LILETTA can alter the bleeding pattern and result in spotting, irregular bleeding, heavy bleeding, oligomenorrhea, and amenorrhea. During the first three to six months of LILETTA use, the number of bleeding and spotting days may increase and irregular bleeding patterns may develop. Thereafter, the number of bleeding and spotting days usually decreases but bleeding may remain irregular.
The amenorrhea rates observed in the LILETTA clinical trial are shown in Table 2. The bleeding and spotting days, based on 28-day cycle equivalents, are shown in Table 3. In the trial, 2.5% of participants discontinued LILETTA due to bleeding complaints.
Table 2: Amenorrhea Rates Last 90-Day Interval of Year
| Year |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
| Amenorrhea Rate* |
19% |
27% |
37% |
37% |
40% |
40% |
39% |
39% |
| *Amenorrhea defined as no bleeding and/or spotting |
Table 3: Mean Number of Bleeding and Spotting Days per 28-Day Cycle Equivalent
| 28-Day Cycle Equivalent |
Cycle 1
N=1,691 |
Cycle 4
N=1,593 |
Cycle 7
N=1,519 |
Cycle 13
N=1,395 |
Cycle 26
N=1,109 |
| Days on treatment |
1-28 |
85-112 |
169-196 |
337-364 |
674-728 |
| Mean |
SD |
Mean |
SD |
Mean |
SD |
Mean |
SD |
Mean |
SD |
| Number of bleeding days |
5.8 |
5.2 |
2.3 |
3.3 |
1.6 |
2.7 |
1.2 |
2.4 |
0.8 |
1.8 |
| Number of spotting days |
9.0 |
5.9 |
4.3 |
4.2 |
3.2 |
3.6 |
2.7 |
3.4 |
1.9 |
2.8 |
| Note: Includes all LILETTA participants. |
In the LILETTA clinical trial, 651 of 652 (99.8%) participants 16-35 years of age at enrollment that were evaluated experienced menses after LILETTA removal. This excludes twelve participants (9 became pregnant, 2 had a hysterectomy, and 1 had ovulatory dysfunction).
If a significant change in bleeding develops during prolonged use, conduct diagnostic tests to assess possible endometrial pathology. Consider the possibility of pregnancy if menstruation does not occur within six weeks of the onset of a previous menstruation. After excluding pregnancy, repeat pregnancy tests are generally not necessary in amenorrheic patients unless indicated by other signs of pregnancy or pelvic pain.
Breast Cancer
Patients who currently have or have had breast cancer, or have a suspicion of breast cancer, should not use hormonal contraception, including LILETTA, because some breast cancers are hormone-sensitive [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Spontaneous reports of breast cancer have been received during postmarketing experience with LNGreleasing IUSs. Observational studies have not provided consistent evidence of an increased risk of breast cancer with use of an LNG-releasing IUS.
Clinical Considerations For Use And Removal
Obtain a complete medical and social history, including partner status, to determine conditions that might influence the selection of an IUS for contraception.
Exclude underlying endometrial pathology (e.g., polyps or cancer) prior to the insertion of LILETTA in patients with persistent or uncharacteristic bleeding because irregular bleeding/spotting is common during the first months of LILETTA use and may preclude adequate assessment after insertion. LILETTA is contraindicated in patients with uterine bleeding of unknown etiology.
Exclude underlying congenital or acquired uterine anomalies, including fibroids, that distort the uterine cavity and would be incompatible with correct IUS placement [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Ensure a previously inserted IUS has been removed prior to insertion of LILETTA [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Assess whether the patient is at increased risk of pelvic infection (e.g., unprotected sex, history of PID, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS]). LILETTA does not protect against HIV/STI transmission [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Use LILETTA with caution after careful assessment if any of the following conditions exist, and consider removal of the IUS if any of them arise during use:
- Coagulopathy or use of anticoagulants
- Migraine, focal migraine with asymmetrical visual loss, or other symptoms indicating transient cerebral ischemia
- Exceptionally severe or frequent headache
- Marked increase of blood pressure
- Severe arterial disease such as stroke or myocardial infarction
Consider removing LILETTA if any of the following conditions arise during use [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]:
- Uterine or cervical malignancy
- Jaundice
If the threads are not visible or are significantly shortened, they may have broken or retracted into the cervical canal or uterus. Consider the possibility that the IUS may have been displaced, (e.g., expulsed or perforated the uterus) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Exclude pregnancy and verify the location of LILETTA by an appropriate diagnostic method (e.g., ultrasonography, X-ray, or gentle exploration of the cervical canal with a suitable instrument) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. If LILETTA is displaced, remove it. A new LILETTA may be inserted at that time or during the next menses if it is certain that conception has not occurred. If LILETTA is in place with no evidence of perforation, no intervention is indicated.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Information
LILETTA is MR-Safe. LILETTA is compatible with MRI and should not interfere with imaging.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise patients to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).
Advise patients that this product does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Advise patients about the risks of ectopic pregnancy, including the loss of fertility. Advise them to recognize and report promptly to their healthcare professional any symptoms of ectopic pregnancy, including lower abdominal pain, especially in association with missed periods [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients about the following concerns and precautions if pregnancy occurs while using LILETTA:
- LILETTA will likely need to be removed because leaving it in place may increase the risk of spontaneous abortion and preterm labor; however, removal of LILETTA or probing of the uterus may also result in spontaneous abortion [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Report promptly to their healthcare professional any symptoms that suggest complications of the pregnancy, including flu-like symptoms, fever, chills, cramping, pain, bleeding, and vaginal discharge or leakage of fluid [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
- Septic abortion may occur. Advise them that if LILETTA cannot be removed or they choose not to have it removed, there may be an increased risk of miscarriage, sepsis, premature labor, and premature delivery [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that severe infection or sepsis, including Group A streptococcal sepsis (GAS), can occur within the first few days after LILETTA is inserted. Advise them to contact a healthcare professional immediately if they develop severe pain or fever shortly after LILETTA is inserted [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients about the possibility of PID or endometritis and that these infections can cause tubal damage leading to ectopic pregnancy or infertility, or infrequently can necessitate hysterectomy, or cause death. Advise the patient to recognize and report to their healthcare professional any of the following signs and symptoms of possible infection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]:
- lower abdominal or pelvic pain or tenderness
- fever
- chills
- unusual or malodorous vaginal discharge
- atypical or unexplained bleeding (prolonged or heavy bleeding)
- genital lesions or sores.
- dyspareunia
Advise patients that perforation may occur, most often during insertion, although the perforation may not be detected until sometime later. Perforation may also occur at any time during IUS use. Advise them that if perforation occurs, LILETTA will have to be located and removed. Surgery may be required. Advise them that delayed detection or removal of LILETTA in case of perforation may have the following results [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]:
- migration of IUS outside the uterus
- adhesions
- peritonitis
- abscesses
- intestinal perforations
- intestinal obstruction
- erosion of adjacent viscera
- loss of contraceptive protection
Review with patients the signs and symptoms of LILETTA expulsion. Advise patients on how they can check that the threads still protrude from their cervix, and not to pull on them. Advise them that there is no contraceptive protection if LILETTA is displaced or expelled [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that excessive pain or vaginal bleeding during insertion, worsening pain or bleeding after insertion, or the inability to feel the threads may occur with perforation and expulsion [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients regarding the risk of ovarian cysts and that cysts can cause clinical symptoms including pelvic pain, abdominal pain or dyspareunia and infrequently will need surgery [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that irregular or prolonged bleeding and spotting, and/or cramps may occur during the first three to six months after insertion. If their symptoms continue or are severe, they should report them to their healthcare professional [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to contact their healthcare professional if they experience any of the following symptoms or conditions:
- Stroke or heart attack
- Very severe or migraine headaches
- Unexplained fever
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, as these may be signs of serious liver problems
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
- Severe vaginal bleeding or bleeding that lasts a long time, or if they miss a menstrual period
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
- Patient or partner becomes HIV positive
- Possible exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Unusual or malodorous vaginal discharge
- Genital sores
- Inability to feel LILETTA's threads
Inform patients that LILETTA is compatible with MRI and should not interfere with imaging [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
LILETTA® and its design are registered trademarks of Odyssea Pharma SPRL, an Allergan affiliate.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
[see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
LILETTA
(levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system)
Description for Liletta
LILETTA
LILETTA (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) contains 52 mg of levonorgestrel, a progestin, and is intended to provide an initial release rate of 20.4 mcg/day of levonorgestrel.
Levonorgestrel USP, (-)-13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, the active ingredient in LILETTA, is the levorotatory form of norgestrel, which consists of a racemic mixture of D-(–)-norgestrel (levonorgestrel) and L-(+)-norgestrel (dextronorgestrel). It has a molecular weight of 312.45, a molecular formula of C21H28O2, and the following structural formula:
 |
LILETTA consists of a T-shaped polyethylene frame (T-frame) with a drug reservoir around the vertical stem (Figure 15). The T-frame has a loop at one end of the vertical stem and two horizontal arms at the other end. The drug reservoir consists of a cylinder, made of a mixture of 52 mg levonorgestrel and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) formed from silicone base, tetra-n-propyl silicate, and stannous octoate. The drug reservoir is covered by a translucent PDMS membrane. The low-density polyethylene of the Tframe is compounded with barium sulfate, which makes it radio-opaque. A blue polypropylene monofilament removal thread is attached to an eyelet at the end of the vertical stem of the T-frame. The polypropylene of the removal thread contains a copper-containing pigment as a colorant. The components of LILETTA, including its packaging, are not manufactured using natural rubber latex.
Figure 15: Diagram of LILETTA
Inserter
The inserter device provided with LILETTA is a single-use, disposable, sterile insertion system (tube, flange, handle; Figure 16), partially preloaded with the IUS product for intrauterine administration. Once LILETTA has been inserted, the inserter is discarded.
Figure 16: Diagram of Inserter
REFERENCES
(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), (2019). CDC STD Treatment [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/pid.htm