Skyla Side Effects

Generic name: levonorgestrel

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 29, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Skyla Side Effects associated with levonorgestrel. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Skyla.

Applies to levonorgestrel: intrauterine insert extended release.

Other dosage forms:

• oral tablet

Serious side effects of Skyla

Along with its needed effects, levonorgestrel (the active ingredient contained in Skyla) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking levonorgestrel:

More common

• absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
• longer or heavier menstrual periods
• mild bloating
• stomach or pelvic pain or spasm
• stopping of menstrual bleeding
• unusually heavy or unexpected menstrual bleeding
• uterine bleeding between menstrual periods
• vaginal bleeding or spotting

Less common

• blurred vision
• cramps
• dizziness
• headache
• heavy bleeding
• itching of the vagina or genital area
• nervousness
• pain
• pain during sexual intercourse
• pale skin
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat
• swelling
• thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor
• trouble breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• white or brownish vaginal discharge

Rare

• chills
• confusion
• dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
• fast heartbeat
• fast, weak pulse
• fever
• pale, cold, clammy skin
• rapid, shallow breathing
• sudden increase in stomach or shoulder pain
• sweating
• unusual or large amount of vaginal bleeding

Incidence not known

• clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
• dimpling of the breast skin
• dull or aching stomach pain
• foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• increased blood pressure
• increased urge to urinate
• inverted nipple
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• lump in the breast or under the arm
• pain during urination
• persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
• redness or swelling of the breast
• severe stomach pain or cramping
• sharp pain on insertion
• shivering fever
• sores on the skin of the breast that does not heal

Other side effects of Skyla

Some side effects of levonorgestrel may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• blemishes on the skin
• breast pain or discomfort
• dandruff
• depression
• nausea or vomiting
• oily skin
• pimples

Less common

• back pain
• breast tenderness
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• full or bloated feeling
• hair loss
• hives or welts, itching, or rash
• increased hair growth, especially on the face
• increased weight
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• pressure in the stomach
• redness of the skin
• skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing
• swelling of the stomach area
• thinning of the hair

For healthcare professionals

Applies to levonorgestrel: intrauterine device, oral tablet, subcutaneous implant.

General

The most commonly reported adverse effects are alterations of menstrual bleeding patterns, nausea, abdominal/pelvic pain, headache/migraine, dizziness, fatigue, amenorrhea, ovarian cysts, genital discharge, acne/seborrhea, breast tenderness, and vulvovaginitis.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Irregular menstrual bleeding (67%), infrequent menstrual bleeding (up to 57%), ovarian cyst (31.2%), menstrual changes (up to 31.9%), decreased uterine bleeding (23.4%), prolonged menstrual bleeding (22%), vulvovaginitis (20.2%), amenorrhea (18.4%), genital discharge (up to 14.9%), heavier menstrual bleeding (13.8%),vaginal infections (13.6%), vulvovaginal infections (13.3%), lighter menstrual bleeding (12.5%), increased scheduled uterine bleeding (11.9%), breast tenderness (10.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dysmenorrhea, breast pain/discomfort, upper genital tract infection, genital tract bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, dyspareunia, pelvic discomfort/pain, delay of menses more than 7 days, vaginal discharge, bleeding not related to menses
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Uterine spasm, cervicitis/Papanicolaou smear normal class II, change in vaginal secretion
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Uterine perforation
• Frequency not reported: Breast enlargement, vaginal candidiasis, changes in cervical erosion, changes in cervical secretion, ectopic pregnancy
• Postmarketing reports: Oligomenorrhea, irregular menstruation^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 23.1%), abdominal/pelvic pain (up to 22.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, vomiting
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal distension
• Frequency not reported: Bloating, abdominal cramps^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (16.9%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Partial/complete IUS expulsion, weight increased
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Edema, change in body weight
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Face edema
• Frequency not reported: Decreased weight, sepsis, group A streptococcal sepsis
• Postmarketing reports: IUS breakage, procedural bleeding^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 16.8%), dizziness (11.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Migraine
• Postmarketing reports: Stroke, syncope, IUS insertion related vasovagal reaction or seizure^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression/depressed mood, mood changes, mood swings, decreased libido, nervousness
• Frequency not reported: Changes in libido^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Acne/seborrhea (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Alopecia, hirsutism
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, eczema, pigmentation changes/hyperpigmentation
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Rash, urticaria
• Frequency not reported: Chloasma, melasma
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Increased blood pressure, arterial/venous thrombotic events, pulmonary emboli, deep vein thrombosis, stroke^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Frequency not reported: Benign/malignant liver tumors
• Postmarketing reports: Breast cancer^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Contact lens intolerance^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Diabetes mellitus^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reaction
• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

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Further information

Skyla side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer