ParaGard Disease Interactions

The use of copper for intrauterine contraception is contraindicated when there are abnormalities of the uterus resulting in distortion of the uterine cavity, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, or current behavior suggesting a high risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, known or suspected uterine or cervical malignancy, postpartum endometritis or postabortal endometritis in the past 3 months, known or suspected uterine or cervical malignancy, genital bleeding of unknown etiology, or mucopurulent cervicitis.

The use of copper for intrauterine contraception should not be placed in women with AIDS unless they are clinically stable on antiretroviral therapy. Little is known about the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) in women who have illnesses causing serious immunocompromise. Therefore, these women should be carefully monitored for infection if they choose to use an IUD.

It is not recommended to administer copper to a patient with Wilson's Disease, a genetic disease of copper metabolism.

Certain copper injectable formulations contain aluminum that may be toxic. Aluminum may reach toxic levels with prolonged parenteral administration if kidney function is impaired. Patients with impaired kidney function who receive parenteral levels of aluminum at greater than 4 to 5 mcg/kg/day accumulate aluminum at levels associated with central nervous system and bone toxicity. Tissue loading may occur at even lower rates of administration. Care is recommended when using this agent in patients with renal disease.

The trace elements, copper and manganese, are excreted in the bile. Copper and manganese doses may need to be adjusted, reduced, or omitted in patients with liver disease or biliary obstruction.

The trace metals manganese, chromium, copper, selenium, and zinc are absorbed in the GI tract from dietary sources and following administration of oral supplements. GI absorption may be decreased in patients with malabsorption syndromes. Therefore, larger dosages may be required when these supplements are given orally. Parenteral administration may be appropriate.