The restricted PBS listing for levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (Mirena) was extended on 1 August 2007 to include women in whom oral therapies for idiopathic menorrhagia are ineffective or contraindicated.
1 This device was previously restricted for contraceptive use only.
The PBAC recommended extending the listing based on cost-minimisation compared with hysterectomy. Treatment with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device may not be a lasting alternative to hysterectomy for menorrhagia.
2 However, it offers women a more conservative option that will allow them to become pregnant on removal of the device.
