Five Fast Facts about PARAGARD® (intrauterine copper contraceptive)

Brought to you by: PARAGARD®

Teva Women’s Health, Inc., the maker of PARAGARD® (intrauterine copper contraceptive), a copperreleasing device that is placed in a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years, recently conducted a survey of 1,000 U.S. women ages 18-34 to understand what some women know about IUDs (intrauterine device). Of the women surveyed, 80% believed they had an understanding of how an IUD works, but in reality, over half of women had misinformation about IUDs. To help educate women about the only IUD that is highly effective without the use of hormones, Teva Women’s Health, Inc. presents five fast facts about PARAGARD® below. PARAGARD® does not protect against HIV or STDs.

Important Safety Information

Do not use PARAGARD® if you have a pelvic infection, get infections easily or have certain cancers. Less than 1% of users get a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease. If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain, or if PARAGARD® comes out, tell your healthcare provider. If it comes out, use back-up birth control. Occasionally, PARAGARD® may attach to or in rare cases may go through the uterine wall and may also cause other problems. In some cases, surgical removal may be necessary. Although uncommon, pregnancy while using PARAGARD® can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility. Bleeding or spotting may increase at first but should decrease in 2 to 3 months. PARAGARD® does not protect against HIV or STDs.

1. PARAGARD® has no hormones

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Nearly a third of the women surveyed falsely believed all IUDs contain hormones. In fact, PARAGARD® is 100% hormone free and allows women to keep their menstrual cycle. The most common side effects of PARAGARD® are heavier, longer periods and spotting between periods; most of these side effects diminish after 2-3 months. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If a woman’s menstrual flow continues to be heavy or long, or spotting continues, or if she has other questions about side effects, she should contact her healthcare provider.

2. PARAGARD® (intrauterine copper contraceptive) is more than 99 percent effective

Nearly 70% of women surveyed did not know IUDs were among the most effective forms of reversible birth control. PARAGARD® is more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. PARAGARD® does not protect against HIV or STDs.

3. PARAGARD® can be removed by a healthcare professional at any time up to 10 years

92% of women were not aware that there is an IUD on the market that can be used for up to 10 years. PARAGARD® is indicated for intrauterine contraception for up to 10 years, but can be removed by a healthcare provider whenever a woman wants. Women who want to get pregnant can begin trying to get pregnant the same day PARAGARD® is removed by a healthcare provider. Occasionally, PARAGARD® may attach to or in rare cases may go through the uterine wall and may also cause other problems. In some cases, surgical removal may be necessary.

4. PARAGARD® is affordable

92% of women did not know that under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), women with insurance can pay little to no out-of-pocket cost for PARAGARD®. Women should talk to their doctors or call their insurance provider for information specific to their plan.

5. 42% of female healthcare providers surveyed use Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) as their own contraception.

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74% of the women surveyed revealed they would be more likely to get an IUD if they knew their healthcare provider had one. 42% of the 331 female healthcare providers included in a survey published in the journal, Contraception, use LARCs (IUDs 40%; implant 2%), as their form of contraception. Women should talk to their doctors about what type of contraception is right for them.

What is PARAGARD® (intrauterine copper contraceptive)?

PARAGARD® is a copper-releasing device that is placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Available by prescription only.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information about PARAGARD®, please see the full Prescribing Information, available here.