Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive

What is this medication?

INTRAUTERINE COPPER (IN truh YOO tuh ryn KOP er) prevents pregnancy. It belongs to a group of medications known as contraceptives.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): ParaGard T380A

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Abnormal Pap smear
• Cancer of the breast, uterus, or cervix
• Endometritis
• Genital or pelvic infection now or in the past
• Have more than one sexual partner or your partner has more than one partner
• History of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy
• Immune system problems
• IUD in place
• Use intravenous drugs
• Uterus of unusual shape
• Vaginal bleeding that has not been explained
• Wilson's disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to copper, barium sulfate, or polyethylene, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This device is placed inside the uterus by your care team.

A patient package insert for the product will be given each time it is inserted. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. The sheet may change often.

Talk to your care team about use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. The device will need to be replaced every 10 years if you wish to continue using this type of birth control.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Tell your care team about all the medications you take.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular check-ups. Tell your care team if you or your partner becomes HIV positive or gets a sexually transmitted disease.

If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop using this medication right away and contact your care team.

This medication does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted diseases.

You can check the placement of the IUD yourself by reaching up to the top of your vagina with clean fingers to feel the threads. Do not pull on the threads. It is a good habit to check placement after each menstrual period. Call your care team right away if you feel more of the IUD than just the threads or if you cannot feel the threads at all.

The IUD may come out by itself. You may become pregnant if the device comes out. If you notice that the IUD has come out use a backup birth control method like condoms and call your care team.

Using tampons will not change the position of the IUD and are okay to use during your period.

This IUD can be safely scanned with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) only under specific conditions. Before you have an MRI, tell your care team that you have an IUD in place, and which type of IUD you have in place.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Low red blood cell counts—trouble breathing; feeling faint; lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)—fever, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, pain or trouble passing urine, spotting, bleeding during or after sex
• Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor
• Vaginal pain, irritation, or sores

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Back pain
• Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
• Menstrual cramps
• Muscle cramps, pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This does not apply.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.