Mirena - Launched In 2001, Yet To Gain Recognition

EHM News Bureau

Mirena, launched by German Remedies, is an intrauterine system (IUS) and a non-invasive and non-surgical option for menorrhagia, which occurs due to the imbalance between the hormones called estrogen and progesterone. This results in heavy bleeding during menstruation causing lot of trouble to patients. Conventional treatments for menorrhagia include: oral tablets, injectables, Dilatation & Curettage, Endometrial Ablation (removal of uterine lining with help of laser), and operation where the uterus is removed (hysterectomy).

A better alternative is Mirena, which is painlessly inserted in the uterus and releases 20 micrograms/day of levonorgestrel into the uterine cavity for a period of five years. With Mirena, amount of blood loss and the number of bleeding days decrease and the haemoglobin level increases. What after five years? "It can again be replaced by another Mirena after five years," avers Dr Nozer Sheriar, Gynecologist, Breach Candy Hospital.

Why Mirena? Because it does not involve the pain and agony, which is a package deal with conventional methods. "This method is temporary, but as good as the permanent one, with a success rate of 99.5 per cent," says Dr Sheriar. What is not highlighted is the fact that Mirena is also an excellent method of contraception. With Mirena, 20 per cent of women stop menstruating. When the female wants to concieve, she can just get it removed.

Mirena, which costs Rs 7,500, has been used all over the world for more than 10 years now. However, German Remedies launched Mirena (a research product of Schering AG), only in 2001 in India. Why did it take so long to come in India? "India was not considered as a healthcare hub in the international market before. It is only recently that we are recognised on a global level," reasons Tania Roy, Product Manager-Evona, German Remedies. "Also, earlier doctors were reluctant to approach their patients with Mirena as they thought patients would find it costly," adds Dr Sheriar. Even now, a handful of individual doctors use Mirena, 35 in Mumbai and 500 in India. Apart from this, many army hospitals, hospitals in Western Railways and BARC have started providing this option recently. Making patients accept Mirena is a gradual process; long sessions of counselling are needed, as there are slight side effects of it.