NuvaRing vaginal ring is a flexible combination contraceptive vaginal ring. Ethinyl estradiol is a kind of estrogen (ES-troh-jen) and etonogestrel is a kind of progesterone (proe-JES-ter-one). These are both female hormones used for contraception. NuvaRing vaginal ring releases these hormones and is used to prevent pregnancy.
Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring will not protect a woman from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The use of latex (rubber) condoms or abstinence (not having intercourse) is recommended for protection from these diseases.
NuvaRing vaginal ring is available only from your doctor or other authorized health care professional in the following form:
Special precautions
Allergies— tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to NuvaRing , estrogens or progesterones. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy— NuvaRing vaginal ring use is not recommended during pregnancy or if you think you are pregnant. Before using this contraceptive ring, be sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding— the hormones contained in this contraceptive ring have been shown to cause unwanted effects in the nursing baby when they were administered orally to the nursing mother. It may be necessary for you to use another form of contraception or to stop breast-feeding while you are using this contraceptive ring. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of using this contraceptive ring with your doctor.
Children— Studies with this contraceptive ring have been done only in adult patients, and it is not expected to cause different side effects in children than it does in adults. NuvaRing vaginal ring is not intended for use in children or adolescents who have not yet started menstruating.
Older adults— many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known if this works the same way in younger adults as it does in older adults. There is no specific information comparing the use of NuvaRing vaginal ring in the elderly with use in other age groups. NuvaRing vaginal ring is not intended for use in women older than child-bearing age.
- Other medicines— although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Be sure to tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems— the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of NuvaRing vaginal ring. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding (nonmenstrual) — the use of NuvaRing vaginal ring may delay diagnosis or worsen this condition. The reason for the bleeding should be determined before etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is used.
- Breast cancer (now or in the past or if suspected) or
- Cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix or vagina (now or in the past) or
- Cancer that worsens when estrogen is present (now or in the past) or
- Confined to bed or inability to move for long period of time or
- Coronary artery disease (now or in the past) or
- Diabetes mellitus with blood vessel problems or
- Headache (severe) with changes in vision, loss of coordination, inability to move, numbness in arms or legs, or fainting or
- High blood pressure, severe or
- Jaundice while using birth control pills or
- Jaundice during pregnancy or
- Liver disease (active) or
- Liver tumors or
- Surgery (major) or
- Problems with circulation or blood clots, now or in the past, such as:
- Blood clots in your brain or
- Blood clots in your legs or
- Blood clots in your lungs or
- Blood clots in your eyes
- Problems with heart valves— these conditions may increase your chance of serious side effects.
- Coronary artery disease risk factors such as:
- Diabetes (sugar diabetes) or
- High blood pressure or
- High cholesterol or
- Obesity—these conditions may increase your chance of serious side effects when using etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring.
- Depression or
- Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) or
- Headache of type not experience before or
- High blood pressure or
- Kidney disease or
- Migraine headache or
- Problems with too much insulin in your blood or
- Problems with too much sugar in your blood—this medication may make this condition worse.
- Menstrual vaginal bleeding (lack of or heavy)—this problem may occur when contraceptive medicine is stopped, especially if it has happened in the past.
- Smoking cigarettes—Smoking may increase your chance of serious side effects, especially if you are over 35 years of age or smoke 15 cigarettes or more a day.
- Swollen ankles, feet, or hands—this medication may make this condition worse. This medicine may also make other medical problems worse when your body keeps too much water or fluid.
Side effects
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
• Incidence not determined
- abdominal fullness; abdominal pain or tenderness usually after eating a meal; blurred vision ; changes in skin color; chest pain or discomfort; confusion; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; gaseous abdominal pain; headache; inability to speak; nausea; nervousness; numbness of hands; pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back or neck; pain; pains in chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of legs; pounding in the ears; prominent superficial veins over affected area with tenderness and warmth; recurrent fever; seizures; severe headaches of sudden onset; shortness of breath; slow or fast heartbeat; sudden loss of coordination; sudden onset of slurred speech; sudden vision changes; sudden and severe weakness in arm and/or leg on one side ; sweating ; swelling; swelling of foot or leg on one side of the body; temporary blindness ; vomiting or vomiting of blood; yellow eyes or skin
• Symptoms of Overdose
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur
- Menstrual changes; nausea; vaginal bleeding; vomiting
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
• More Common
- Cough; fever; headache; itching of the vagina or genital area; pain during sexual intercourse; pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones; sore throat ; stuffy or runny nose; thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor; tightness of chest or wheezing; weight gain
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
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