Copper

Prevents pregnancy. This is an intrauterine device (IUD), which is a reversible form of birth control.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Device

• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• The IUD is usually inserted by your doctor during your monthly period.
• Your IUD has a thread. You cannot see this string, and it will not cause problems when you have sex. Check your IUD after each monthly period. You may not be protected against pregnancy if you cannot feel the thread Do the following to check the placement of your IUD:
  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
  • Check by reaching up to the top of your vagina with clean fingers to feel the 2 threads. Never pull on the string.
• You will need to have your device replaced every 10 years or sooner if it comes out of your uterus unexpectedly.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you have had any problems, infections, or other conditions that affected your reproductive system. There are many problems that could make an IUD not right for you, including ectopic pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you had a baby, miscarriage, or abortion in the past 3 months. Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood circulation problems (including a slow heartbeat), seizures, infection (including HIV/AIDS), or a history of fainting.
• There is a small chance that you could get pregnant when using an IUD, just as there is with any birth control. If you get pregnant, your doctor may remove your IUD to lower the risk of miscarriage or other problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)
  • Increased risk of serious infections, including sepsis
  • Increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometritis
  • Perforation (hole in the wall of your uterus), embedment (attached to the wall of the uterus), or expulsion (partially or completely fall out of the uterus)
• You may have dizziness, slow heart rate, or seizures immediately after placing or removing Paragard®. Tell your doctor if you had these conditions before.
• You may have heavier and longer periods with spotting in between. Check with your doctor right away if it still continues.
• You could have less bleeding or even stop having periods by the end of the first year. Call your doctor if you have a change from your regular bleeding pattern after you have had your IUD for awhile, including more bleeding or if you miss a period (and you were having periods even with your IUD).
• An IUD can slip partly or all the way out of your uterus. If this happens, use condoms or another form of birth control, and call your doctor right away.
• This IUD will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Tell your doctor before you have an MRI test.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloating, stomach or pelvic pain, spasm, tenderness, or cramping that is sudden or severe
• Heavy bleeding from your vagina
• Pain during sex, or if your partner feels the hard plastic of the IUD during sex
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Vaginal discharge that has a bad smell, fever, chills, sores on your genitals

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness after IUD is placed

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088