From the Guidelines
Effectiveness of Liletta
Liletta is not approved for use for up to 6 years, but rather for 5 years, as indicated by the FDA approval length [ 1 ].
- The Liletta intrauterine device releases 52 mg of levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone, and has a failure rate of 0.1% [ 1 ].
- Although there is evidence for extended use of some intrauterine devices, Liletta is specifically approved for 5 years of use [ 1 ].
- It is essential to note that while Liletta is effective for 5 years, there may be evidence supporting extended use, but this is not explicitly stated for Liletta in the provided evidence [ 1 ].
- The device is a type of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC), which provides effective contraception over an extended period [ 1 ].
From the Research
Liletta (Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System) Effectiveness
- The effectiveness of Liletta for 6 years is supported by several studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2022 found that the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system had a 3-year Pearl Index of 0.28 (95% confidence interval, 0.03-1.00) for years 6 to 8, indicating high contraceptive efficacy 2.
- Another study published in the same journal in 2022 reported a Pearl Index of 0.49 (95% confidence interval, 0.06-1.78) for year 7 and no pregnancies in year 8, demonstrating the effectiveness of the levonorgestrel 52 mg intrauterine system over 8 years of use 3.
- A study published in Contraception in 2016 found that the levonorgestrel release rate from the Liletta intrauterine system decreased over time, but remained effective for at least 5 years 4.
- A study published in Contraception in 2015 reported a Pearl Index of 0.22 (95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.49) through 3 years of use, indicating high efficacy of the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system 5.
- A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2017 found that the 52-mg levonorgestrel intrauterine device was effective for at least 2 years beyond the FDA-approved duration, with a failure rate of 0.25 (95% confidence interval, 0.04-1.42) per 100 woman-years in the sixth year of use 6.
Key Findings
- The Liletta intrauterine system has been shown to be effective for at least 6 years, with high contraceptive efficacy and a low risk of pregnancy 2, 3.
- The levonorgestrel release rate from the Liletta intrauterine system decreases over time, but remains effective for at least 5 years 4.
- The 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system has been shown to be safe and effective for nulliparous and parous women, with a low risk of adverse events and a high rate of user satisfaction 2, 3, 5.