NHS Logo
Bedfordshire and Luton Joint Formulary
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB
Formulary Chapter: 7 - Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and urinary-tract disorders 
Notes:

Any drug not listed on the Formulary should be considered Non-Formulary - Not recommended for prescribing
07.03.02.03 Intra-uterine progestogen-only contraceptive
MHRA: Intrauterine contraception: uterine perforation—updated information on risk factors MHRA: Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems: prescribe by brand name NICE NG88: Heavy menstrual bleeding

Levonorgestrel 19.5mg
(Kyleena®)

GREEN
First Choice

Levonorgestrel releasing IUDs should be prescribed by brand name.

Kyleena is licensed for contraception only and is effective for 5 years.

Entry reviewed: September 2024

BNF BNFc SPC

Levonorgestrel 52mg (Benilexa One Handed®)

GREEN
First Choice

Releasing levonorgestrel 20micrograms/24hours.

Levonorgestrel releasing IUDs should be prescribed by brand name.

Benilexa One Handed is effective for 8 years for the indication of contraception.

Benilexa One Handed has demonstrated efficacy for 3 years for the indication heavy menstrual bleeding. Benilexa One Handed should be removed or exchanged if heavy or bothersome menstrual bleeding returns or no later than 6 years. 

Any 52 mg LNG-IUD for up to 5 years for endometrial protection in individuals using oestrogen as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (FSRH recommendation, off label use) (See FSRH IUD guidance).

Entry reviewed: September 2024

BNF BNFc SPC

Levonorgestrel 52mg (Levosert®)

GREEN
First Choice

Releasing levonorgestrel 20micrograms/24hours.

Has slightly wider applicator diameter than Mirena®


Levonorgestrel releasing IUDs should be prescribed by brand name.

Levosert is effective for 8 years for the indication of contraception.

Levosert has demonstrated efficacy for 3 years for the indication heavy menstrual bleeding, Levosert should be removed or exchanged if heavy or bothersome menstrual bleeding returns or no later than 8 years. 

Any 52 mg LNG-IUD for up to 5 years for endometrial protection in individuals using oestrogen as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (FSRH recommendation, off label use) (See FSRH IUD guidance).

Entry reviewed August 2024

BNF BNFc SPC

Levonorgestrel 52mg (Mirena®)

GREEN
First Choice

Releasing levonorgestrel 20micrograms/24hours.

Levonorgestrel releasing IUDs should be prescribed by brand name.

Mirena is effective for 8 years for the indication of contraception. 

Mirena has demonstrated efficacy for 5 years for the indication heavy menstrual bleeding. Mierna should be removed or exchanged if heavy or bothersome menstrual bleeding returns or no later than 8 years. 

Any 52 mg LNG-IUD for up to 5 years for endometrial protection in individuals using oestrogen as part of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (FSRH recommendation, off label use) (See FSRH IUD guidance).

Entry reviewed: September 2024

BNF BNFc SPC

Levonorgestrel 13.5mg (Jaydess®)

GREEN
Second Choice

13.5 mg intrauterine delivery system.

Levonorgestrol-releasing IUDs should be prescribed by brand name.

Jaydess is licensed for contraception only – to be used if progestogenic side effects unacceptable.

Entry reviewed: September 2024

BNF BNFc SPC
Classifications
GREEN
May be initiated in any care setting
Amber SPA
Specialist to advise therapy and provide first 28 days supply, continuation in Primary Care
Amber SPIS
Specialist to initiate and stabilise medicine prior to continuation in Primary Care
SCG
To be prescribed as per Shared Care Guidance. If no SCG in place status reverts to red.
RED
Red medicines are designated as specialist only medicines which should only be prescribed by a specialist, usually within secondary care (either due to the requirement for specialist knowledge, long-term monitoring requirements, or restrictions that mean medicine supplies are only available to hospitals).
DNP
A decision has been made either locally and/or nationally not to routinely commission this preparation. Do not prescribe.
SELF
To be purchased over the counter. May be prescribed for chronic, long term conditions or on admission to hospital if essential.