Marvelon 21 and Mirena

• Generic Name: desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Azurette, Cyclessa, Desogen, Isibloom, Kariva, Mircette, Reclipsen, Cyred

Desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a birth control pill that contains two types of hormones, desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, and when taken properly, prevents pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.

No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control pills. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.

This medicine does not prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: levonorgestrel
• Dosage Forms: intrauterine device
• Other Brand Names: Aftera, EContra EZ, EContra One-Step, Fallback Solo, My Choice, My Way, New Day, Next Choice One Dose, Opcicon One-Step, Plan B One-Step, React, Take Action, My Way, Next Choice, Kyleena, Liletta, Mirena, Skyla

The Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) contains levonorgestrel, a female hormone that can cause changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Mirena is a plastic device that is placed in the uterus where it slowly releases the hormone to prevent pregnancy up to 5 years.

Mirena is used to prevent pregnancy for up to 5 years. It can be used whether or not you have had a child. Mirena is also used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women who choose to use an intrauterine form of birth control.

Levonorgestrel is a progestin hormone and does not contain estrogen. The intrauterine device (IUD) releases levonorgestrel in the uterus, but only small amounts of the hormone reach the bloodstream. Mirena should not be used as emergency birth control.