FDA Approves Bayer’s Skyla IUD For the Prevention of Pregnancy

Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Inc. Jan. 9 announced that the Food and Drug Administration has approved Skyla (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system), a new hormone-releasing system placed in the uterus for the prevention of pregnancy for up to three years.

Skyla is a small, flexible plastic T-shaped intrauterine device (IUD) containing 13.5 milligrams of a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel, the company said. Because Skyla slowly releases levonorgestrel into the uterus, only small amounts of the hormone enter the blood.

Women can have Skyla placed by a health care provider during an in-office visit, Bayer said. Skyla is intended for long-term use for up ...