{"id":4317,"date":"2019-05-27T10:18:26","date_gmt":"2019-05-27T14:18:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3368"},"modified":"2025-12-11T17:16:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T22:16:32","slug":"kyleena-vs-mirena","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/kyleena-vs-mirena\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing between Kyleena and Mirena: Which is right for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kyleena and Mirena are two brand-name medications used for birth control. Both medications are known as <\/span>intrauterine devices (IUDs)<\/span><\/a>, which must be inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. Kyleena and Mirena both contain a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel (LNG). Although both are hormonal IUDs, they have some differences. For example, Kyleena can be used to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years, while Mirena can be used to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years, or up to 5 years to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. Continue reading to learn more about Kyleena and Mirena, including cost, side effects, and other important information.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Kyleena and Mirena?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Kyleena and Mirena are both<\/span> intrauterine devices (IUDs)<\/span><\/a> that contain a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel (LNG). Both are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). <\/span>Kyleena<\/span><\/a> contains a lower dose of LNG than Mirena. A hormonal IUD is a tiny T-shaped device that is inserted into your uterus by a healthcare provider. The IUD releases the hormone LNG slowly over time. The way hormonal IUDs work is not entirely understood, but it is thought that LNG prevents ovulation and changes the cervical mucus and endometrial lining to prevent pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

One Kyleena IUD can be used for up to five years to prevent pregnancy. A Mirena IUD can be used for up to <\/span>eight years<\/span><\/a> to prevent pregnancy, or for up to five years to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. makes both products. (Bayer also makes an IUD called Skyla.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Kyleena is also distinguished from other intrauterine devices by a blue-colored removal thread and the visibility of a silver ring on ultrasound. Your healthcare provider must insert Kyleena or <\/span>Mirena<\/span><\/a> in a healthcare setting like a doctor\u2019s office or clinic. The IUD can stay in your body for five to eight years, depending on the IUD and indication for use. At that point, your healthcare provider must remove it. If you wish to continue using an IUD, a new IUD can be inserted as soon as the previous one is removed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between Kyleena and Mirena<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nKyleena<\/b><\/td>\nMirena<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nProgestins<\/span><\/td>\nProgestins<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\nBrand<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nLevonorgestrel (LNG) intrauterine device (IUD) or levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system<\/span><\/td>\nLevonorgestrel (LNG) intrauterine device (IUD) or levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nIntrauterine device (IUD)<\/span><\/td>\nIntrauterine device (IUD)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nTotal dose of 19.5 mg LNG is released at a rate of about 17.5 mcg\/day after 24 days. This rate decreases progressively to about 9.8 mcg\/day after one year and 7.4 mcg\/day after five years. Kyleena must be removed by the end of the fifth year. The healthcare provider can insert a new device when Kyleena is removed if the patient desires continued treatment.<\/span><\/td>\nTotal dose of 52 mg LNG is released at a rate of about 21 mcg\/day after 24 days. This rate decreases progressively to about 11 mcg\/day after five years and 7 mcg\/day after 8 years. The healthcare provider can insert a new device when Mirena is removed if the patient desires continued treatment.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nUp to 5 years; a new device may be inserted immediately after the previous device is removed.<\/span><\/td>\nUp to 8 years to prevent pregnancy, or up to 5 years to treat heavy menstrual bleeding; a new device may be inserted immediately after the previous device is removed.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nWomen of reproductive age\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nWomen of reproductive age<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Kyleena and Mirena<\/b><\/h2>\n

Kyleena and Mirena are both indicated to prevent pregnancy. For this use, Kyleena can be used for up to five years, or Mirena can be used for up to eight years. <\/span>Mirena<\/span><\/a> is also indicated for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding for up to five years. <\/span>Kyleena<\/span><\/a> does not have this indication, but some doctors may prescribe it off-label (for non-FDA-approved use) to help with heavy periods. It is important to note that IUDs do not protect against HIV\/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nKyleena<\/b><\/td>\nMirena<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prevent pregnancy\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Kyleena or Mirena more effective?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Studies are not available comparing Kyleena to Mirena. Looking at each drug individually,<\/span> Kyleena\u2019s manufacturer<\/span><\/a>, Bayer, states that the Kyleena IUD is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for each year of use. Over five years, it is 98.5% effective.<\/span><\/p>\n

For <\/span>Mirena<\/span><\/a>, Bayer states similar information\u2014it is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for up to eight years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each IUD works as an effective method of contraception. They are appropriate for long-term use. Also, unlike birth control pills, you don\u2019t have to remember to take it every day\u2014you just check for the threads once a month.<\/span><\/p>\n

These IUDs are also reversible contraception, meaning that when the IUD is removed, you can get pregnant. Most patients are able to get pregnant <\/span>within 12 months<\/span><\/a> after IUD removal. Only your healthcare provider can determine which medication is better for you, taking into account your medical history and other individual factors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Kyleena vs. Mirena<\/b><\/h2>\n

Because your healthcare provider administers Kyleena or Mirena in the office, he or she will provide the device. You will not typically visit a pharmacy for Kyleena or Mirena. Therefore, your healthcare provider will submit Kyleena or Mirena to your medical insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>out-of-pocket price of one Kyleena IUD<\/span><\/a> is approximately $1,633. You can ask your healthcare provider if they will accept a <\/span>SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a>, bringing the price down to about $1,179.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>out-of-pocket price of a Mirena IUD<\/span><\/a> is about $1,589. You can ask your healthcare provider if you can use your <\/span>SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a>, reducing the cost to approximately $1,179.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get the SingleCare discount card<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nKyleena<\/b><\/td>\nMirena<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nMedical<\/span><\/td>\nMedical<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/b><\/td>\nOne device<\/span><\/td>\nOne device<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$1,179 at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n$1,179 at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Dec. 11, 2025. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Kyleena vs. Mirena<\/b><\/h2>\n

Because Kyleena and Mirena contain the same active ingredient, levonorgestrel, side effects are very similar. The most common side effects of Kyleena and Mirena include:<\/span><\/p>\n