2.1 Dosing Over Time

Kyleena contains 19.5 mg of levonorgestrel (LNG) released in vivo at a rate of approximately 17.5 mcg/day after 24 days. This rate decreases progressively to 9.8 mcg/day after 1 year and to 7.4 mcg/day after 5 years. The average in vivo release rate of LNG is approximately 12.6 mcg/day over the first year and 9.0 mcg/day over a period of 5 years. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).]

Kyleena must be removed by the end of the fifth year and can be replaced at the time of removal with a new Kyleena if continued contraceptive protection is desired.

Kyleena can be physically distinguished from other intrauterine systems (IUSs) by the combination of the visibility of the silver ring on ultrasound and the blue color of the removal threads.

Kyleena is supplied in a sterile package within an inserter that enables single-handed loading (see Figure 1). Do not open the package until required for insertion [see Description (11.2)]. Do not use if the seal of the sterile package is broken or appears compromised. Use strict aseptic techniques throughout the insertion procedure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

2.2. Insertion Instructions

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Obtain a complete medical and social history to determine conditions that might influence the selection of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) for contraception. If indicated, perform a physical examination and appropriate tests for any forms of genital or other sexually transmitted infections. [See Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.10).] Because irregular bleeding/spotting is common during the first months of Kyleena use, exclude endometrial pathology (polyps or cancer) prior to the insertion of Kyleena in women with persistent or uncharacteristic bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

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Follow the insertion instructions exactly as described to ensure proper placement and avoid premature release of Kyleena from the inserter. Once released, Kyleena cannot be re-loaded.

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Check expiration date of Kyleena prior to initiating insertion.

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Kyleena should be inserted by a trained healthcare provider. Healthcare providers should become thoroughly familiar with the insertion instructions before attempting insertion of Kyleena.

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Insertion may be associated with some pain and/or bleeding or vasovagal reactions (for example, syncope, bradycardia) or with seizure, especially in patients with a predisposition to these conditions. Consider administering analgesics prior to insertion.

Insertion Procedure

Proceed with insertion only after completing the above steps and ascertaining that the patient is appropriate for Kyleena. Ensure use of aseptic technique throughout the entire procedure.

Step 1–Opening of the package

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Open the package (Figure 1). The contents of the package are sterile.

Figure 1. Opening the Kyleena Package

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Using sterile gloves, lift the handle of the sterile inserter and remove from the sterile package.

Step 2–Load Kyleena into the insertion tube

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Push the slider forward as far as possible in the direction of the arrow, thereby moving the insertion tube over the Kyleena T-body to load Kyleena into the insertion tube (Figure 2). The tips of the arms will meet to form a rounded end that extends slightly beyond the insertion tube.

Figure 2. Move slider all the way to the forward position to load Kyleena

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Maintain forward pressure with your thumb or forefinger on the slider. DO NOT move the slider downward at this time as this may prematurely release the threads of Kyleena. Once the slider is moved below the mark, Kyleena cannot be re-loaded.

Step 3–Setting the Flange

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Holding the slider in this forward position, set the upper edge of the flange to correspond to the uterine depth (in centimeters) measured during sounding (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Setting the flange

Step 4–Kyleena is now ready to be inserted

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Continue holding the slider in this forward position. Advance the inserter through the cervix until the flange is approximately 1.5–2 cm from the cervix and then pause (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Advancing insertion tube until flange is 1.5 to 2 cm from the cervix

Do not force the inserter. If necessary, dilate the cervical canal.

Step 5–Open the arms

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While holding the inserter steady, move the slider down to the mark to release the arms of Kyleena (Figure 5). Wait 10 seconds for the horizontal arms to open completely.

Figure 5. Move the slider back to the mark to release and open the arms

Step 6–Advance to fundal position

Advance the inserter gently towards the fundus of the uterus until the flange touches the cervix. If you encounter fundal resistance do not continue to advance. Kyleena is now in the fundal position (Figure 6). Fundal positioning of Kyleena is important to prevent expulsion.

Figure 6. Move Kyleena into the fundal position

Step 7–Release Kyleena and withdraw the inserter

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Holding the entire inserter firmly in place, release Kyleena by moving the slider all the way down (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Move the slider all the way down to release Kyleena from the insertion tube

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Continue to hold the slider all the way down while you slowly and gently withdraw the inserter from the uterus.

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Using a sharp, curved scissor, cut the threads perpendicular, leaving about 3 cm visible outside of the cervix [cutting threads at an angle may leave sharp ends (Figure 8)]. Do not apply tension or pull on the threads when cutting to prevent displacing Kyleena.

Figure 8. Cutting the threads

Kyleena insertion is now complete. Prescribe analgesics, if indicated. Record the Kyleena lot number in the patient records.

2.3 Patient Follow-up

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Reexamine and evaluate patients 4 to 6 weeks after insertion and once a year thereafter, or more frequently if clinically indicated.

2.4 Removal of Kyleena

Removal Procedure

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Remove Kyleena by applying gentle traction on the threads with forceps (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Removal of Kyleena

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If the threads are not visible, determine location of Kyleena by ultrasound [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

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If Kyleena is found to be in the uterine cavity on ultrasound exam, it may be removed using a narrow forceps, such as an alligator forceps. This may require dilation of the cervical canal. After removal of Kyleena, examine the system to ensure that it is intact.

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Removal may be associated with some pain and/or bleeding or vasovagal reactions (for example, syncope, bradycardia) or seizure, especially in patients with a predisposition to these conditions.

2.5 Continuation of Contraception after Removal

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If pregnancy is not desired and if a woman wishes to continue using Kyleena, a new system can be inserted immediately after removal any time during the cycle.

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If a patient with regular cycles wants to start a different contraceptive method, time removal and initiation of the new method to ensure continuous contraception. Either remove Kyleena during the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle and start the new method immediately thereafter or start the new method at least 7 days prior to removing Kyleena if removal is to occur at other times during the cycle.

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If a patient with irregular cycles or amenorrhea wants to start a different contraceptive method, start the new method at least 7 days before removal.

5.1 Risk of Ectopic Pregnancy

Evaluate women for ectopic pregnancy if they become pregnant with Kyleena in place because the likelihood of a pregnancy being ectopic is increased with Kyleena. Approximately one-half of pregnancies that occur with Kyleena 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 if an amenorrheic woman starts bleeding.

The incidence of ectopic pregnancy in clinical trials with Kyleena, which excluded women with a history of ectopic pregnancy, was approximately 0.2% per year. The risk of ectopic pregnancy in women who have a history of ectopic pregnancy and use Kyleena is unknown. Women with a previous history of ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery or pelvic infection carry a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy may result in loss of fertility.

5.2 Risks with Intrauterine Pregnancy

If pregnancy occurs while using Kyleena, remove Kyleena because leaving it in place may increase the risk of spontaneous abortion and preterm labor. Removal of Kyleena or probing of the uterus may also result in spontaneous abortion. In the event of an intrauterine pregnancy with Kyleena, consider the following:

5.3 Sepsis

Severe infection or sepsis, including Group A streptococcal sepsis (GAS), have been reported following insertion of a LNG-releasing IUS. 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 Kyleena is essential in order to minimize serious infections such as GAS.

5.4 Pelvic Infection

Promptly examine users with complaints of lower abdominal or pelvic pain, odorous discharge, unexplained bleeding, fever, genital lesions or sores. Remove Kyleena in cases of recurrent endometritis or pelvic inflammatory disease, or if an acute pelvic infection is severe or does not respond to treatment.

5.5 Perforation

Perforation (total or partial, including penetration/embedment of Kyleena in the uterine wall or cervix) may occur most often during insertion, although the perforation may not be detected until sometime later. Perforation may reduce contraceptive efficacy and result in pregnancy. The incidence of perforation during clinical trials was < 0.1%.

If perforation occurs, locate and remove Kyleena. Surgery may be required. Delayed detection or removal of Kyleena in case of perforation may result in migration outside the uterine cavity, adhesions, peritonitis, intestinal perforations, intestinal obstruction, abscesses and erosion of adjacent viscera.

The risk of perforation may be increased if Kyleena is inserted when the uterus is fixed retroverted or not completely involuted. Delay Kyleena insertion a minimum of six weeks or until involution is complete following a delivery or a second trimester abortion.

Clinical trials with Kyleena excluded breast-feeding women. A large postmarketing safety study conducted in Europe over a 1-year observational period reported that lactation at the time of insertion of an IUD/IUS was associated with an increased risk of perforation. For users of another LNG-releasing IUS, the incidence of uterine perforation was reported as 6.3 per 1,000 insertions for lactating women, compared to 1.0 per 1,000 insertions for non-lactating women.

5.6 Expulsion

Partial or complete expulsion of Kyleena may occur resulting in the loss of contraceptive protection. Expulsion may be associated with symptoms of bleeding or pain, or it may be asymptomatic and go unnoticed. Kyleena typically decreases menstrual bleeding over time; therefore, an increase of menstrual bleeding may be indicative of an expulsion. Consider further diagnostic imaging, such as x-ray, if expulsion is suspected based on ultrasound [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]. The risk of expulsion may be increased when the uterus is not completely involuted. In clinical trials, a 5-year expulsion rate of 3.5% (59 out of 1,690 subjects) was reported.

Delay Kyleena insertion a minimum of six weeks or until uterine involution is complete following a delivery or a second trimester abortion. Remove a partially expelled Kyleena. If expulsion has occurred, a new Kyleena can be inserted any time the provider can be reasonably certain the woman is not pregnant.

5.7 Ovarian Cysts

Because the contraceptive effect of Kyleena is mainly due to its local effects within the uterus, ovulatory cycles with follicular rupture usually occur in women of fertile age using Kyleena. Ovarian cysts (reported as adverse reactions if they were abnormal, non-functional cysts and/or had a diameter >3 cm on ultrasound examination) were reported at least once over the course of clinical trials in 22% of women using Kyleena, and 0.6% of subjects discontinued because of an ovarian cyst. Most ovarian cysts are asymptomatic, although some may be accompanied by pelvic pain or dyspareunia. In most cases the ovarian cysts disappear spontaneously during two to three months observation. Evaluate persistent ovarian cysts. Surgical intervention is not usually required.

5.8 Bleeding Pattern Alterations

Kyleena can alter the bleeding pattern and result in spotting, irregular bleeding, heavy bleeding, oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea. During the first 3–6 months of Kyleena use, the number of bleeding and spotting days may be higher and bleeding patterns may be irregular. Thereafter, the number of bleeding and spotting days usually decreases but bleeding may remain irregular.

In Kyleena clinical trials, amenorrhea developed by the end of the first year of use in approximately 12% of Kyleena users. A total of 81 subjects out of 1,697 (4.8%) discontinued due to uterine bleeding complaints. Table 2 shows the bleeding patterns as documented in the Kyleena clinical trials based on 90-day reference periods. Table 3 shows the number of bleeding and spotting days based on 28-day cycle equivalents.

1Defined as subjects with no bleeding/spotting throughout the 90-day reference period

2Defined as subjects with 1 or 2 bleeding/spotting episodes in the 90-day reference period

3Defined as subjects with more than 5 bleeding/spotting episodes in the 90-day reference period

4Defined as subjects with bleeding/spotting episodes lasting more than 14 days in the 90-day reference period. Subjects with prolonged bleeding may also be included in one of the other categories (excluding amenorrhea)

5Defined as subjects with 3 to 5 bleeding/spotting episodes and less than 3 bleeding/spotting-free intervals of 14 or more days

If a significant change in bleeding develops during prolonged use, take appropriate diagnostic measures to rule out endometrial pathology. Consider the possibility of pregnancy if menstruation does not occur within six weeks of the onset of a previous menstruation. Once pregnancy has been excluded, repeated pregnancy tests are generally not necessary in amenorrheic women unless indicated, for example, by other signs of pregnancy or by pelvic pain.

5.9 Breast Cancer

Women who currently have or have had breast cancer, or have a suspicion of breast cancer, should not use hormonal contraception, including Kyleena, because some breast cancers are hormone-sensitive [see Contraindications (4)].

Spontaneous reports of breast cancer have been received during postmarketing experience with a LNG-releasing IUS. Observational studies of the risk of breast cancer with use of a LNG-releasing IUS do not provide conclusive evidence of increased risk.

5.10 Clinical Considerations for Use and Removal

Use Kyleena with caution after careful assessment if any of the following conditions exist, and consider removal of the system if any of them arise during use:

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Coagulopathy or use of anticoagulants

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Migraine, focal migraine with asymmetrical visual loss or other symptoms indicating transient cerebral ischemia

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Exceptionally severe headache

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Marked increase of blood pressure

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Severe arterial disease such as stroke or myocardial infarction

In addition, consider removing Kyleena if any of the following conditions arise during use:

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Uterine or cervical malignancy

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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 system may have been displaced (for example, expelled or perforated the uterus) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5, 5.6)]. Exclude pregnancy and verify the location of Kyleena, for example, by sonography, X-ray, or by gentle exploration of the cervical canal with a suitable instrument. If Kyleena is displaced, remove it. A new Kyleena may be inserted at that time or during the next menses if it is certain that conception has not occurred. If Kyleena is in place with no evidence of perforation, no intervention is indicated.

5.11 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Information

Non-clinical testing has demonstrated that Kyleena is MR Conditional. A patient with Kyleena can be safely scanned in an MR system meeting the following conditions:

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Static magnetic field of 3.0 T or less

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Maximum spatial field gradient of 36,000 gauss/cm (360 T/m)

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Maximum MR system reported, whole body averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4W/kg (First Level Controlled Operating Mode)

Under the scan conditions defined above, the Kyleena IUS is expected to produce a maximum temperature rise of less than 2°C after 15 minutes of continuous scanning.

In non-clinical testing, the image artifact caused by the IUS extended up to 5 mm from the IUS when imaged with a gradient echo pulse sequence and a 3.0 T MRI system.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

The data described below reflect exposure of 1,697 healthy 18 to 41-year-old women (mean age 27.8 ± 5.2 years) to Kyleena. These data come from two multi-center contraceptive trials: A phase 2 study with a 3-year duration was conducted in Europe enrolling generally healthy, 21 to 41-year old women; 217 subjects were exposed to Kyleena for one year and 174 completed three years. The data in this trial cover approximately 8,000 cycles of exposure. A phase 3 study with a 3-year duration and an optional extension of Kyleena use up to 5 years was conducted in the United States (US), Canada, Europe, and Latin America. The population was generally healthy, 18 to 35-year old women. A total of 1,208 subjects were exposed to Kyleena for at least one year; 707 women entered the optional extension phase after 3 years and 550 completed five years. The data in this trial cover approximately 60,000 cycles.

In total for both studies, 1,425 subjects were exposed for at least 1 year, and 550 subjects completed 5 years of use. Of the total of 1,697 subjects exposed to Kyleena, 563 were from the US and 1,134 were from Europe, Canada and Latin America; 623 (37%) were nulliparous (mean age 24.6 ± 4.5 years) and 1,074 (63%) were parous (mean age 29.7 ± 4.7 years). Most women who received Kyleena were Caucasian (83%) or Black/African American (4.4%); 9.4% of women were of Hispanic ethnicity. The clinical trials had no upper or lower weight or body mass index (BMI) limit. Mean BMI of Kyleena subjects was 25.2 kg/m2 (range 15.2 – 57.6 kg/m2); 16% had a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and 2.0% had a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. The frequencies of reported adverse drug reactions represent crude incidences.

The most common adverse reactions (occurring in ≥ 5% users) were vulvovaginitis (24%), ovarian cyst (22%), abdominal pain/pelvic pain (21%), headache/migraine (15%), acne/seborrhea (15%), dysmenorrhea/uterine spasm (10%), breast pain/breast discomfort (10%), and increased bleeding (8%).

In the combined studies, 22% discontinued prematurely due to an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reactions (>1%) leading to discontinuation were increased bleeding (4.5%), abdominal pain/pelvic pain (4.2%), device expulsion (3.1%), acne/seborrhea (2.3%), and dysmenorrhea/uterine spasm (1.3%).

Common adverse reactions (occurring in ≥1% users) are summarized in Table 4 (presented as crude incidences).

a Ovarian cysts were reported as adverse events if they were abnormal, non-functional cysts and/or had a diameter >3 cm on ultrasound examination

b Not all bleeding alterations were captured as adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

In the clinical trials, serious adverse reactions occurring in more than a single subject included: ectopic pregnancy/ruptured ectopic pregnancy (10 subjects); pelvic inflammatory disease (6 subjects); missed abortion/incomplete spontaneous abortion/spontaneous abortion (4 subjects); ovarian cyst (3 subjects); abdominal pain (4 subjects); depression/affective disorder (4 subjects); and uterine perforation/embedded device (myometrial perforation) (3 subjects).

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of LNG-releasing IUSs. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

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Arterial thrombotic and venous thromboembolic events, including cases of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and stroke

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Device breakage

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Hypersensitivity (including rash, urticaria, and angioedema)

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Increased blood pressure

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of Kyleena have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for postpubertal females under the age of 18 as for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Kyleena has not been studied in women over age 65 and is not approved for use in this population.

11.1 Kyleena

Kyleena consists of a T-shaped polyethylene frame (T-body) with a steroid reservoir (hormone elastomer core) around the vertical stem. The white T-body has a loop at one end of the vertical stem and two horizontal arms at the other end. The reservoir consists of a whitish or pale yellow cylinder, made of a mixture of LNG and silicone (polydimethylsiloxane), containing a total of 19.5 mg LNG. The reservoir is covered by a semi-opaque silicone membrane, composed of polydimethylsiloxane and colloidal silica. A ring composed of 99.95% pure silver is located at the top of the vertical stem close to the horizontal arms and is visible by ultrasound. The polyethylene of the T-body is compounded with barium sulfate, which makes it radiopaque. A monofilament blue polypropylene removal thread is attached to a loop at the end of the vertical stem of the T-body. The polypropylene of the removal thread contains <0.5% phthalocyaninato(2-) copper as a colorant (see Figure 10).

The components of Kyleena, including its packaging, are not manufactured using natural rubber latex.

Figure 10. Kyleena

11.2 Inserter

Kyleena is packaged sterile within an inserter. The inserter (Figure 11), which is used for insertion of Kyleena into the uterine cavity, consists of a symmetric two-sided body and slider that are integrated with flange, lock, pre-bent insertion tube and plunger. The outer diameter of the insertion tube is 3.8 mm. The vertical stem of Kyleena is loaded in the insertion tube at the tip of the inserter. The arms are pre-aligned in the horizontal position. The removal threads are contained within the insertion tube and handle. Once Kyleena has been placed, the inserter is discarded.

Figure 11. Diagram of Inserter

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The local mechanism by which continuously released LNG contributes to the contraceptive effectiveness of Kyleena has not been conclusively demonstrated. Studies of Kyleena and similar LNG IUS prototypes have suggested several mechanisms that prevent pregnancy: thickening of cervical mucus preventing passage of sperm into the uterus, inhibition of sperm capacitation or survival, and alteration of the endometrium.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Kyleena has mainly local progestogenic effects in the uterine cavity. The local concentrations of LNG lead to morphological changes including stromal pseudodecidualization, glandular atrophy, a leukocytic infiltration and a decrease in glandular and stromal mitoses.

In clinical trials with Kyleena, ovulation was assessed based on serum progesterone values >2.5 ng/mL in one study and serum progesterone values >2.5 ng/mL together with serum estradiol levels <27.24 pg/mL in another study. Evidence of ovulation by these criteria was seen in 23 out of 26 women in the first year, in 19 out of 20 women in the second year, and in all 16 women in the third year. In the fourth year, evidence of ovulation was observed in the one woman remaining in the subset and in the fifth year, no women remained in this subset.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

[See Warnings and Precautions (5.9).]