Nuvaring Vaginal Ring (Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Nuvaring is a contraceptive ring which contains a progestin and estrogen combination used to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills. The hormones are released from the ring slowly over time. Nuvaring is pinched between the index finger and thumb and inserted into the vagina far enough that you cant feel it. Position of the ring will not change its effectiveness. There is no risk of Nuvaring being pushed too far or of getting lost in the vagina. Your cervix will stop Nuvaring from going any further than it should. During the first ring cycle, additional method of birth control may be necessary for the first 7 days of use. Do not leave the ring in place for longer than 4 weeks, if kept in longer, your body may not have enough hormones to protect you from pregnancy. If you are taking antifungals, aprepitant, bosentan, barbiturates (such as phenobarbital or butalbital), carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir or lopinavir), hydantoins (such as phenytoin), modafinil, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, penicillin antibiotics (such as ampicillin), phenylbutazone, rifampin, tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline), topiramate, troglitazone, or troleandomycin you may need to take an additional form of birth control. These medicines may decrease the effectiveness of birth control bills. Smoking cigarettes while using this medicine may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Do NOT smoke while using this medicine. The risk of heart problems increases with age (in women greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day).

Nuvaring may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make the patches even darker. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Nuvaring should not be used if you suspect that you could be pregnant, the medicines of Nuvaring are excreted in breast milk. Side effects that may disappear during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach cramps, and bloating, dizziness, vaginal discomfort or irritation, increased vaginal discharge, or breast tenderness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your physician. Check with your physician if you experience weight changes; problem wearing contact lenses; changes in vaginal bleeding (eg. Spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged bleeding or complete stoppage of bleeding); unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor; swelling; severe headache; or mental/mood changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden severe headache or leg pain, one-sided weakness, coughing up blood, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, sudden speech problems, lumps in the breast, or severe stomach pain. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but if you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.