Skyla

Dosing Over Time

Skyla contains 13.5 mg of levonorgestrel (LNG) released in vivo at a rate of approximately 14 mcg/day after 24 days. This rate decreases progressively to approximately 6 mcg/day after 1 year and to 5 mcg/day after 3 years. The average in vivo release rate of LNG is approximately 8 mcg/day over the first year of use and 6 mcg/day over a period of 3 years. [See Clinical Pharmacology .]

Skyla must be removed by the end of the third year and can be replaced at the time of removal with a new Skyla if continued contraceptive protection is desired.

Skyla can be physically distinguished from other intrauterine systems (IUSs) by the combination of the visibility of the silver ring on ultrasound and the brown color of the removal threads.

Skyla is supplied in a sterile package within an inserter that enables single-handed loading (see Figure 1). Do not open the package until required for insertion [see Description ( 11.2)]. Do not use if the seal of the sterile package is broken or appears compromised. Use strict aseptic techniques throughout the insertion procedure [see Warnings and Precautions ].

. Insertion Instructions

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Obtain a complete medical and social history to determine conditions that might influence the selection of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) for contraception. If indicated, perform a physical examination, and appropriate tests for any forms of genital or other sexually transmitted infections. [See Contraindications and Warnings and Precautions .] Because irregular bleeding/spotting is common during the first months of Skyla use, exclude endometrial pathology (polyps or cancer) prior to the insertion of Skyla in women with persistent or uncharacteristic bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ].

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Follow the insertion instructions exactly as described to ensure proper placement and avoid premature release of Skyla from the inserter. Once released, Skyla cannot be re-loaded.

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Skyla should be inserted by a trained healthcare provider. Healthcare providers should become thoroughly familiar with the insertion instructions before attempting insertion of Skyla.

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Insertion may be associated with some pain and/or bleeding or vasovagal reactions (for example, syncope, bradycardia) or with seizure, especially in patients with a predisposition to these conditions. Consider administering analgesics prior to insertion.

Insertion Procedure

Proceed with insertion only after completing the above steps and ascertaining that the patient is appropriate for Skyla. Ensure use of aseptic technique throughout the entire procedure.

Step 1–Opening of the package

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Open the package (Figure 1). The contents of the package are sterile.

Figure 1. Opening the Skyla Package

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Using sterile gloves, lift the handle of the sterile inserter and remove from the sterile package.

Step 2–Load Skyla into the insertion tube

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Push the slider forward as far as possible in the direction of the arrow, thereby moving the insertion tube over the Skyla T-body to load Skyla into the insertion tube (Figure 2). The tips of the arms will meet to form a rounded end that extends slightly beyond the insertion tube.

Figure 2. Move slider all the way to the forward position to load Skyla

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Maintain forward pressure with your thumb or forefinger on the slider. DO NOT move the slider downward at this time as this may prematurely release the threads of Skyla. Once the slider is moved below the mark, Skyla cannot be re-loaded.

Step 3–Setting the Flange

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Holding the slider in this forward position, set the upper edge of the flange to correspond to the uterine depth (in centimeters) measured during sounding (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Setting the flange

Step 4–Skyla is now ready to be inserted

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Continue holding the slider in this forward position. Advance the inserter through the cervix until the flange is approximately 1.5–2 cm from the cervix and then pause (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Advancing insertion tube until flange is 1.5 to 2 cm from the cervix

Do not force the inserter. If necessary, dilate the cervical canal.

Step 5–Open the arms

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While holding the inserter steady, move the slider down to the mark to release the arms of Skyla (Figure 5). Wait 10 seconds for the horizontal arms to open completely.

Figure 5. Move the slider back to the mark to release and open the arms

Step 6–Advance to fundal position

Advance the inserter gently towards the fundus of the uterus until the flange touches the cervix. If you encounter fundal resistance do not continue to advance. Skyla is now in the fundal position (Figure 6). Fundal positioning of Skyla is important to prevent expulsion.

Figure 6. Move Skyla into the fundal position

Step 7–Release Skyla and withdraw the inserter

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Holding the entire inserter firmly in place, release Skyla by moving the slider all the way down (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Move the slider all the way down to release Skyla from the insertion tube

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Continue to hold the slider all the way down while you slowly and gently withdraw the inserter from the uterus.

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Using a sharp, curved scissor, cut the threads perpendicular, leaving about 3 cm visible outside of the cervix [cutting threads at an angle may leave sharp ends (Figure 8)]. Do not apply tension or pull on the threads when cutting to prevent displacing Skyla.

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Figure 8. Cutting the threads

 

Skyla insertion is now complete. Prescribe analgesics, if indicated. Record the Skyla lot number in the patient records.

Patient Follow-up

Reexamine and evaluate patients 4 to 6 weeks after insertion and once a year thereafter, or more frequently if clinically indicated.

Removal of Skyla

Removal Procedure

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Remove Skyla by applying gentle traction on the threads with forceps (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Removal of Skyla

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If the threads are not visible, determine location of Skyla by ultrasound [see Warnings and Precautions ].

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If Skyla is found to be in the uterine cavity on ultrasound exam, it may be removed using a narrow forceps, such as an alligator forceps. This may require dilation of the cervical canal. After removal of Skyla, examine the system to ensure that it is intact. If unable to remove with gentle traction, determine Skyla location and exclude perforation by ultrasound or other imaging [see Warnings and Precautions ].

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Removal may be associated with some:

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pain and/or bleeding or vasovagal reactions (for example, syncope, bradycardia) or seizure, especially in patients with a predisposition to these conditions.

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breakage or embedment of Skyla in the myometrium that can make removal difficult [see Warnings and Precautions ]. Analgesia, paracervical anesthesia, cervical dilation, alligator forceps or other grasping instrument, or hysteroscopy may be used to assist in removal.

Continuation of Contraception after Removal

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If pregnancy is not desired and if a woman wishes to continue using Skyla, a new system can be inserted immediately after removal any time during the cycle.

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If a patient with regular cycles wants to start a different contraceptive method, time removal and initiation of the new method to ensure continuous contraception. Either remove Skyla during the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle and start the new method immediately thereafter or start the new method at least 7 days prior to removing Skyla if removal is to occur at other times during the cycle.

If a patient with irregular cycles or amenorrhea wants to start a different contraceptive method, start the new method at least 7 days before removal.

Pregnancy

Lactation

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy of Skyla have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for postpubertal females under the age of 18 as for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.

Geriatric Use

Skyla has not been studied in women over age 65 and is not approved for use in this population.

Risk of Ectopic Pregnancy

Evaluate women for ectopic pregnancy if they become pregnant with Skyla in place because the likelihood of a pregnancy being ectopic is increased with Skyla. Approximately one-half of pregnancies that occur with Skyla in place are likely to be ectopic. Also consider the possibility of ectopic pregnancy in the case of lower abdominal pain, especially in association with missed menses or if an amenorrheic woman starts bleeding.

The incidence of ectopic pregnancy in clinical trials with Skyla, which excluded women with a history of ectopic pregnancy, was approximately 0.1% per year. The risk of ectopic pregnancy in women who have a history of ectopic pregnancy and use Skyla is unknown. Women with a previous history of ectopic pregnancy, tubal surgery or pelvic infection carry a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy may result in loss of fertility.

Risks with Intrauterine Pregnancy

If pregnancy occurs while using Skyla, remove Skyla because leaving it in place may increase the risk of spontaneous abortion and preterm labor. Removal of Skyla or probing of the uterus may also result in spontaneous abortion. In the event of an intrauterine pregnancy with Skyla, consider the following:

Sepsis

Severe infection or sepsis, including Group A streptococcal sepsis (GAS), have been reported following insertion of a LNG-releasing IUS. In some cases, severe pain occurred within hours of insertion followed by sepsis within days. Because death from GAS is more likely if treatment is delayed, it is important to be aware of these rare but serious infections. Aseptic technique during insertion of Skyla is essential in order to minimize serious infections such as GAS.

Pelvic Infection

Perforation

Perforation (total or partial, including penetration/embedment of Skyla in the uterine wall or cervix) may occur most often during insertion, although the perforation may not be detected until sometime later. The incidence of perforation during clinical trials was < 0.1%.

The risk of uterine perforation is increased in women who have recently given birth, and in women who are breastfeeding at the time of insertion. In a large postmarketing safety study conducted in the US, the risk of uterine perforation was highest when insertion occurred within ≤ 6 weeks postpartum, and also higher with breastfeeding at the time of insertion [see Adverse Reactions ].

The risk of perforation may be increased if Skyla is inserted when the uterus is fixed, retroverted or not completely involuted.

If perforation occurs, locate and remove Skyla. Surgery may be required. Delayed detection or removal of Skyla in case of perforation may result in migration outside the uterine cavity, adhesions, peritonitis, intestinal perforations, intestinal obstruction, abscesses and erosion of adjacent viscera. In addition, perforation may reduce contraceptive efficacy and result in pregnancy.

Expulsion

Partial or complete expulsion of Skyla may occur resulting in the loss of efficacy. Expulsion may be associated with symptoms of bleeding or pain, or it may be asymptomatic and go unnoticed. Skyla typically decreases menstrual bleeding over time; therefore, an increase of menstrual bleeding may be indicative of an expulsion. Consider further diagnostic imaging, such as x-ray, if expulsion is suspected based on ultrasound [see Warnings and Precautions ]. In clinical trials, a 3-year expulsion rate of 3.2% (54 out of 1,665 subjects) was reported.

The risk of expulsion is increased with insertions immediately after delivery and appears to be increased with insertion after second-trimester abortion based on limited data. In a large postmarketing safety study conducted in the US, the risk of expulsion was lower with breastfeeding status [see Adverse Reactions ].

Remove a partially expelled Skyla. If expulsion has occurred, a new Skyla can be inserted any time the provider can be reasonably certain the woman is not pregnant.

Ovarian Cysts

Because the contraceptive effect of Skyla is mainly due to its local effects within the uterus, ovulatory cycles with follicular rupture usually occur in women of fertile age using Skyla. Ovarian cysts (reported as adverse reactions if they were abnormal, non-functional cysts and/or had a diameter >3 cm on ultrasound examination) were reported at least once over the course of clinical trials in 13.2% of women using Skyla, and 0.3% of subjects discontinued because of an ovarian cyst. Most ovarian cysts are asymptomatic, although some may be accompanied by pelvic pain or dyspareunia. In most cases the ovarian cysts disappear spontaneously during two to three months observation. Evaluate persistent ovarian cysts. Surgical intervention is not usually required.

Bleeding Pattern Alterations

Skyla can alter the bleeding pattern and result in spotting, irregular bleeding, heavy bleeding, oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea. During the first 3–6 months of Skyla use, the number of bleeding and spotting days may be higher and bleeding patterns may be irregular. Thereafter, the number of bleeding and spotting days usually decreases but bleeding may remain irregular.

In Skyla clinical trials, amenorrhea developed by the end of the first year of use in approximately 6% of Skyla users. A total of 77 subjects out of 1,672 (4.6%) discontinued due to uterine bleeding complaints. Table 2 shows the bleeding patterns as documented in the Skyla clinical trials based on 90-day reference periods. Table 3 shows the number of bleeding and spotting days based on 28-day cycle equivalents.

1Defined as subjects with no bleeding/spotting throughout the 90-day reference period

2Defined as subjects with 1 or 2 bleeding/spotting episodes in the 90-day reference period

3Defined as subjects with more than 5 bleeding/spotting episodes in the 90-day reference period

4Defined as subjects with bleeding/spotting episodes lasting more than 14 days in the 90-day reference period. Subjects with prolonged bleeding may also be included in one of the other categories (excluding amenorrhea)

5Defined as subjects with 3 to 5 bleeding/spotting episodes and less than 3 bleeding/spotting-free intervals of 14 or more days.

If a significant change in bleeding develops during prolonged use, take appropriate diagnostic measures to rule out endometrial pathology. Consider the possibility of pregnancy if menstruation does not occur within six weeks of the onset of a previous menstruation. Once pregnancy has been excluded, repeated pregnancy tests are generally not necessary in amenorrheic women unless indicated, for example, by other signs of pregnancy or by pelvic pain.

Breast Cancer

Women who currently have or have had breast cancer, or have a suspicion of breast cancer, should not use hormonal contraception, including Skyla because some breast cancers are hormone-sensitive [see Contraindications ].

Spontaneous reports of breast cancer have been received during postmarketing experience with a LNG-releasing IUS. Observational studies of the risk of breast cancer with use of a LNG-releasing IUS do not provide conclusive evidence of increased risk.

Clinical Considerations for Use and Removal

Use Skyla with caution after careful assessment if any of the following conditions exist, and consider removal of the system if any of them arise during use:

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Coagulopathy or use of anticoagulants

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Migraine, focal migraine with asymmetrical visual loss or other symptoms indicating transient cerebral ischemia

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Exceptionally severe headache

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Marked increase of blood pressure

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Severe arterial disease such as stroke or myocardial infarction

In addition, consider removing Skyla if any of the following conditions arise during use:

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Uterine or cervical malignancy

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Jaundice

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If the threads are not visible or are significantly shortened they may have broken or retracted into the cervical canal or uterus. Consider the possibility that the system may have been displaced, (for example, expelled or perforated the uterus) [see Warnings and Precautions ]. Exclude pregnancy and verify the location of Skyla, for example, by sonography, X-ray, or by gentle exploration of the cervical canal with a suitable instrument. If Skyla is displaced, remove it. A new Skyla may be inserted at that time or during the next menses if it is certain that conception has not occurred. If Skyla is in place with no evidence of perforation, no intervention is indicated.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safety Information

Non-clinical testing has demonstrated that Skyla is MR Conditional. A patient with Skyla can be safely scanned in an MR system meeting the following conditions:

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Static magnetic field of 3.0 T or less

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Maximum spatial field gradient of 36,000 gauss/cm (360 T/m)

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Maximum MR system reported, whole body averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4W/kg (First Level Controlled Operating Mode)

Under the scan conditions defined above, the Skyla IUS is expected to produce a maximum temperature rise of less than 2°C after 15 minutes of continuous scanning.

In non-clinical testing, the image artifact caused by the IUS extended up to 5 mm from the IUS when imaged with a gradient echo pulse sequence and a 3.0 T MRI system.

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

The data described below reflect exposure to Skyla in 1,672 patients in two contraception studies, including 1,383 exposed for one year and 993 who completed the three year studies. The population was generally healthy, 18 to 40-year old females requesting contraception and predominately Caucasian (82.6%). The data cover more than 40,000 cycles of exposure. The frequencies of reported adverse drug reactions represent crude incidences.

Most common adverse reactions (occurring in ≥ 5% users) were increased bleeding (7.8%), vulvovaginitis (20.2%), abdominal/pelvic pain (18.9%), acne/seborrhea (15.0%), ovarian cyst (13.2%), headache (12.4%), dysmenorrhea (8.6%), breast pain/discomfort (8.6%) and nausea (5.5%).

In the contraception studies, 18% discontinued prematurely due to an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation (in >1% of users) were uterine bleeding complaints (4.6%), device expulsion (3.2%), acne/seborrhea (2.9%), abdominal pain (2.5%) dysmenorrhea/uterine spasms (2.0%) and pelvic pain (1.8%).

Other common adverse reactions (occurring in ≥ 1% users) by System Organ Class (SOC): The frequencies of adverse reactions observed in clinical trials are summarized in Table 4 by SOC (presented as crude incidences).

Postmarketing Experience

Skyla

Skyla consists of a T-shaped polyethylene frame (T-body) with a steroid reservoir (hormone elastomer core) around the vertical stem. The white T-body has a loop at one end of the vertical stem and two horizontal arms at the other end. The reservoir consists of a whitish or pale yellow cylinder, made of a mixture of LNG and silicone (polydimethylsiloxane), containing a total of 13.5 mg LNG. The reservoir is covered by a semi-opaque silicone membrane, composed of polydimethylsiloxane and colloidal silica. A ring composed of 99.95% pure silver is located at the top of the vertical stem close to the horizontal arms and is visible by ultrasound. The polyethylene of the T-body is compounded with barium sulfate, which makes it radiopaque. A monofilament brown polyethylene removal thread is attached to a loop at the end of the vertical stem of the T-body. The polyethylene of the removal thread contains iron oxide as a colorant (see Figure 10).

The components of Skyla, including its packaging, are not manufactured using natural rubber latex.

Figure 10. Skyla

Inserter

Skyla is packaged sterile within an inserter. The inserter (Figure 11), which is used for insertion of Skyla into the uterine cavity, consists of a symmetric two-sided body and slider that are integrated with flange, lock, pre-bent insertion tube and plunger. The outer diameter of the insertion tube is 3.8 mm. The vertical stem of Skyla is loaded in the insertion tube at the tip of the inserter. The arms are pre-aligned in the horizontal position. The removal threads are contained within the insertion tube and handle. Once Skyla has been placed, the inserter is discarded.

Figure 11. Diagram of Inserter

Mechanism of Action

The local mechanism by which continuously released LNG contributes to the contraceptive effectiveness of Skyla has not been conclusively demonstrated. Studies of Skyla and similar LNG IUS prototypes have suggested several mechanisms that prevent pregnancy: thickening of cervical mucus preventing passage of sperm into the uterus, inhibition of sperm capacitation or survival, and alteration of the endometrium.

Pharmacodynamics

Skyla has mainly local progestogenic effects in the uterine cavity. The local concentrations of LNG lead to morphological changes including stromal pseudodecidualization, glandular atrophy, a leukocytic infiltration and a decrease in glandular and stromal mitoses.

In clinical trials with Skyla, ovulation was assessed based on serum progesterone values >2.5 ng/mL in one study and serum progesterone values >2.5 ng/mL together with serum estradiol levels <27.24 pg/mL in another study. Evidence of ovulation by these criteria was seen in 34 out of 35 women in the first year, in 26 out of 27 women in the second year, and in all 26 women in the third year.

Pharmacokinetics

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

[See Warnings and Precautions .]