What is Nuvaring/Etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol Used for?
NuvaRing is a once a month application birth control ring that releases a low dose of estrogen and progestin hormones for a constant three week period. NuvaRing prevents pregnancy by inhibiting the maturation of eggs in the uterus.
How should Nuvaring/Etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol be stored?
Store at room temperature. Protect from moisture, heat, and light.
General Information
How should I take Nuvaring/Etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
Once inserted, NuvaRing is left in the vagina for three weeks. At the end of the three weeks, NuvaRing is removed for 7 days and during that week is when the menstrual period occurs. At the end of the 7 days, a new NuvaRing is inserted and the process begins again.
When should Nuvaring/Etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol not be taken?
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.
What precautions should I follow when taking Nuvaring/Etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain) or a history of heart attack; if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides, kidney disease, a history of depression, gallbladder disease, diabetes, seizures or epilepsy, a history of irregular menstrual cycles, toxic shock syndrome, or easy vaginal irritation; prolapsed (dropped) uterus, bladder, or rectum; a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram; severe constipation; or migraine headaches.
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Nuvaring/Etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
When first using this medication, use back-up contraception such as condoms or a spermicide. Avoid using a diaphragm with the NuvaRing. When using the NuvaRing, it must be worn for 3 full weeks and a week without the ring or else it will not prevent pregnancy if NuvaRing is worn only during intercourse. When the ring is inserted and removed is very important for it to be an effective form of birth control. When taking hormones such as birth control, it will increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35 years old.
What are the side effects of Nuvaring/Etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol?
Most severe: Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance; chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; a breast lump; or symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).
Most common: Mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps; breast pain, tenderness, or swelling; freckles or darkening of facial skin; increase hair growth, loss of scalp hair; changes in weight or appetite; problems with contact lenses; vaginal itchin
Others: None
