This link will take you to the international Mirena website. It tells you everything you need to know and more. Disclaimer: Please note that information on Mirena on the following site is intended for international use. Women should consult their New Zealand doctor or pharmacist for specific information on uses, costs, legal issues, approved use and other details specific to New Zealand. [The datasheet and CMI on the Medsafe website at www.medsafe.govt.nz have the official information on Mirena for NZ.]

Click here to look for New Zealand doctors who both specialise in, and can prescribe Mirena. Doctors in this directory have agreed to be listed on our site. (If you are a doctor and want to have your name and practice added, please phone 0800 80 45 45).

Femalelife is our main website and includes Consumer Information on Mirena. If you want information on sexuality, contraception and how to take good care of your body from your first period until your family is complete, this is the place to go.

In most instances Mirena is not funded for contraception in New Zealand. Mirena costs approximately $300-$350*, which is just 19 cents per day or approximately $5.00 per month. Mirena provides contraceptive cover for up to five years. Mirena may also save you time and money on doctor and pharmacy fees. With Mirena your periods are likely to become shorter and lighter and you may find you spend less on sanitary protection.

Mirena is funded for those women who suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding and who meet the PHARMAC Special Authority Criteria. For further information on the funding and availability of Mirena in New Zealand, phone 0800 80 45 45 or discuss with your doctor.

* An insertion charge is also likely to be applied for Mirena regardless of what it is inserted for, please discuss this with your doctor.

MIRENA is an intrauterine system containing 52mg levonorgestrel, which is slowly released over 5 years at an initial rate of 20mcg/24 hours. MIRENA is a Prescription Medcine for contraception and/or a treatment for unexplained heavy menstrual bleeding. MIRENA must not be used during pregnancy or if there is any sign of pelvic or genital tract abnormality, infection, inflammation or cancer. MIRENA should be inserted by a practitioner trained in the insertion technique. Removal of MIRENA should be considered for conditions associated with an increased susceptibility to infections, an acute infection that does not respond to treatment, migraine, jaundice, increased blood pressure, hormone sensitive cancer or severe cardiovascular disease. MIRENA must be removed if pregnancy (which might be ectopic) or perforation is suspected. The pattern of unwanted effects, which are more common in the first months of use, should be explained to you. Unwanted effects include an altered bleeding pattern, spotting, breakthrough bleeding, benign ovarian cysts, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, abdominal or back pain, nausea, bloating or headaches. If these or other side effects occur see your doctor for advice. MIRENA is funded for patients who meet the Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Criteria. MIRENA is not funded for contraception – a prescription charge will apply. An insertion fee may also apply. Consult your doctor to see if MIRENA is right for you. For further information contact Bayer Schering Pharma, Bayer New Zealand Limited, PO Box 2825, Shortland St, Auckland 1140, click here or visit www.medsafe.govt.nz.