Impact of a new levonorgestrel intrauterine system, Levosert(®), on heavy menstrual bleeding: results of a one-year randomised controlled trial

Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2014 Jun;19(3):169-79. doi: 10.3109/13625187.2014.894184. Epub 2014 Mar 26.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate a new levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) called Levosert(®) for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in comparison to the reference product Mirena(®).

Methods: A multicentre, randomised, controlled trial, in non-menopausal women diagnosed with functional HMB (defined as menstrual blood loss [MBL] ≥ 80 mL) randomised to either Levosert(®) or Mirena(®) and followed for up to one year. MBL was evaluated using a validated modified version of the Wyatt pictogram.

Results: A total of 280 women were randomised (141 to Levosert(®) and 139 to Mirena(®)). During the one-year treatment period, both Levosert(®) and Mirena(®) dramatically decreased MBL and increased haemoglobin and ferritin levels. There were no statistically significant differences between Levosert(®) and Mirena(®) regarding any of the parameters evaluated during the study. Similar bleeding patterns were observed in both groups. Levosert(®) was inserted with the same ease as Mirena(®). Both treatments were associated with identical expulsion rates and no perforations occurred in either treatment group.

Conclusion: Levosert(®), a new LNG-IUS designed to release the same daily amount of LNG as Mirena(®), is highly effective in the treatment of HMB. No differences were observed between Levosert(®) and Mirena(®) regarding all evaluated outcomes, including safety profile.

Keywords: Heavy menstrual bleeding; Intrauterine system; Levonorgestrel; Levosert®; Mirena®.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Volume
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Ferritins / blood
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intrauterine Device Expulsion
  • Intrauterine Devices, Medicated* / adverse effects
  • Levonorgestrel / administration & dosage*
  • Menorrhagia / blood
  • Menorrhagia / drug therapy*
  • Single-Blind Method

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic
  • Hemoglobins
  • Levonorgestrel
  • Ferritins