NuvaRing (Ethinyl Estradiol)

Description

NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring) is a vaginal ring that contains two hormones called estrogen and progestin; NuvaRing is used to prevent pregnancy in women.

Directions

The instructions that come with your NuvaRing prescription should be followed. Read the information that comes with your prescription. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about NuvaRing.

NuvaRing is made of a polymer containing 11.7 mg of etonogestrel and 2.7 mg of ethinyl estradiol, delivering about 0.12 mg of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg of ethinyl estradiol per day.

First, pick a comfortable position for the insertion of the NuvaRing. Compress the ring and insert it into the vagina. You may use the applicator for NuvaRing if you wish. Keep the ring in place for three weeks. Take it out at the start of the fourth week and keep it out for one week. After you take it out, place it in a foil pouch and dispose of it appropriately. Keep it out of reach from children and animals. Avoid flushing the ring in the toilet. Insert a new ring one week after the last ring was taken out, regardless of menstrual bleeding.

Ingredients

Each ring contains 11.7 mg of etonogestrel and 2.7 mg of ethinyl estradiol.

Contraindications

• Do not use NuvaRing if you are at risk for blood clotting conditions. You may be at risk if you are older than 35 years old and smoke, currently have or have a history of a blood clot in the veins or lungs, have cerebrovascular disease, have coronary artery disease, have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic heart rhythm diseases, have inherited or acquired conditions in which your blood clots more than normal, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, have diabetes with vascular disease, have headaches with focal neurological symptoms, have migraines with aura, or if you have migraines and you are older than 35 years old.

• Do not use NuvaRing if you have liver tumors.

• Do not use NuvaRing if you have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.

• Do not use NuvaRing if you are pregnant.

• Do not use NuvaRing if you have or have had breast cancer or other hormonally-sensitive cancers.
• Do not use NuvaRing if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the ring.
• Do not use NuvaRing if you have Hepatitis C and take ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir as this could cause an increase in ALT. ALT is a liver enzyme.

Cautions

• Consult with your doctor before using NuvaRing and discuss the following:
• Your allergies
• Your medications
• NuvaRing's effectiveness may be reduced or breakthrough bleeding may be increased by the use of certain medications and herbal supplements, including CYP3A4. Patients who take these medications are recommended to use back-up or a different birth control method. Ask your doctor if you are unsure whether or not you take these medications.
• Your medical conditions
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
• NuvaRing poses vascular risks and should be stopped if these occur. NuvaRing should be stopped at least 4 weeks before and continue through 2 weeks after major surgery. In women who are not breastfeeding, NuvaRing may be started 4 weeks after delivery.
• Toxic Shock Syndrome may occur during the use of NuvaRing. Treatment should be administered if this occurs.
• Liver problems may occur during the use of NuvaRing and should be stopped if you develop yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes.
• High blood pressure may occur during the use of NuvaRing. Check your blood pressure regularly. Your doctor may tell you to stop using NuvaRing if your blood pressure significantly goes up.
• Glucose tolerance may be decreased with the use of NuvaRing. Some women may also experience changes in lipids with the use of NuvaRing and may require a different birth control method.
• The risk of pancreatitis may be increased in women with high levels of triglycerides or a family history of high levels of triglycerides.
• Gallbladder disease may occur or worsen with the use of NuvaRing.
• If you have a significant change in headaches, tell your doctor. He or she may stop NuvaRing treatment.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding may occur with the use of NuvaRing, or you may not have periods with the use of NuvaRing.

Side Effects

NuvaRing side effects include vaginal inflammation, headache, mood changes, depression, device-related events such as expulsion, discomfort, or foreign body sensation, nausea, vomiting, vaginal discharge, weight gain, vaginal discomfort, breast pain, breast discomfort, breast tenderness, painful periods, stomach pain, acne, and decreased sexual drive.

Reference:

NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring). Jersey City, NJ: Organon & Co.; 2022.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....