Mirena is only funded for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and not funded for women using Mirena for contraception. Even if you meet the funding criteria for HMB you will still need to pay the doctor’s fees for Mirena to be fitted.

MIRENA is an intrauterine system containing 52 mg levonorgestrel, which is slowly released over 5 years at an initial rate of 20 mcg/24 hours. MIRENA is a Prescription Medicine for contraception. MIRENA is also a treatment for unexplained heavy menstrual bleeding and provides protection of the lining of the womb when oestrogen therapy is prescribed for menopausal symptoms. MIRENA must not be used during pregnancy, if there is any sign of pelvic or genital tract infection, inflammation or cancer, if there is womb or cervical abnormality, undiagnosed abnormal bleeding or active liver disease. MIRENA should be inserted by a doctor who has been trained in the insertion technique. Removal of MIRENA is recommended if the following medical conditions occur; an increased susceptibility to infections, acute infection not responding to treatment, migraine, jaundice, increased blood pressure, hormone-sensitive cancer or severe heart or blood vessel disease. MIRENA must be removed if pregnancy (which might be outside the womb) or puncture of the womb is suspected. The pattern of unwanted effects, which are more common in the first months of use, should be explained to you. Commonly reported unwanted effects include changes to menstrual patterns, back pain, mood or weight changes and benign ovarian cysts. If these continue or other side-effects occur, see your doctor for advice. The possibility of rare side-effects such as expulsion, puncture of the womb or pregnancy outside the womb should be discussed with your doctor. MIRENA is funded for patients who meet the Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Criteria. MIRENA is not funded for contraception. An insertion fee may also apply. A product of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, 3 Argus Place, Hillcrest, Auckland 0627. Phone 0800 80 45 45. TAPS NA7868. Last updated June 2011. L.NZ.07.2011.0041.