An important change to the label of one of the most effective methods of contraception will see thousands of women protected from unintended pregnancy for up to eight years.^1,2

The Therapeutic Goods Administration-approved Product Information for MIRENA has been updated, extending the contraceptive lifespan of the hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) from five to eight years.¹ The duration of use for other indications remains unchanged.

According to Professor Deborah Bateson, Professor of Practice at the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, and former Medical Director at Family Planning NSW, the development will be warmly welcomed by medical professionals and may help boost the comparatively low rate of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use in Australia.

“MIRENA is now the longest-acting hormonal contraceptive, providing women up to eight years of contraception, with the option of removal at any time,”^1,3