NuvaRing® is a contraceptive in the form of a ring that you place into your vagina as directed to prevent pregnancy. This contraceptive is a brand of etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol that combines estrogen and progestin hormones. You can keep the ring inside of your vagina for 3 weeks, then remove it for a 1-week break.
ETONOGESTREL; ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (et oh noe JES trel; ETH in il es tra DYE ole) prevents ovulation and pregnancy. It belongs to a group of medications called contraceptives. It is a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): EluRyng, NuvaRing
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Insert the ring into your vagina as directed. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The ring will remain place for 3 weeks and is then removed for a 1-week break. A new ring is inserted 1 week after the last ring was removed, on the same day of the week. Check often to make sure the ring is still in place. If the ring was out of the vagina for an unknown amount of time, you may not be protected from pregnancy. Perform a pregnancy test and call your care team. Do not use more often than directed.
A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Contact your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
You will need to use the ring exactly as directed. It is very important to follow the schedule every cycle. If you do not use the ring as directed, you may not be protected from pregnancy. If the ring should slip out, is lost, or if you leave it in longer or shorter than you should, contact your care team for advice.
Do not take this medication with the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You will need a regular breast and pelvic exam and Pap smear while on this medication.
Check with your care team to see if you need an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you use this ring. Male condoms (made with natural rubber latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane) and spermicides may be used. Do not use a diaphragm, cervical cap, or a female condom, as the ring can interfere with these birth control methods and their proper placement.
If you have any reason to think you are pregnant, stop using this medication right away and contact your care team.
If you are using this medication for hormone related problems, it may take several cycles of use to see improvement in your condition.
Smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are using hormonal birth control, especially if you are older than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.
Some women are prone to getting dark patches on the skin of the face (cholasma). Your risk of getting chloasma with this medication is higher if you had chloasma during a pregnancy. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
This medication can make your body retain fluid, making your fingers, hands, or ankles swell. Your blood pressure can go up. Contact your care team if you feel you are retaining fluid.
If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop using this medication before the surgery. Consult your care team for advice.
This medication does not protect you against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted infections.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store unopened medication for up to 4 months at room temperature at 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Do not store above 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication 4 months after the dispense date or the expiration date, whichever comes first. A ring may only be used for 1 cycle (1 month). After the 3-week cycle, a used ring is removed and should be placed in the re-closable foil pouch and discarded in the trash out of reach of children and pets. Do NOT flush down the toilet.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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