NuvaRing (Ethinyl Estradiol)

Description

NUVARING contains 2 types of hormones (estrogen and progestin), which work together to prevent pregnancy. These are the same hormones are found in birth control pills, and they work the same way in your body even though they are administered differently. These hormones release from the ring slowly over time, are then absorbed and distributed into your bloodstream.

NUVARING is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Directions

NuvaRing is a small, comfortable vaginal ring that's easy to insert and remove. The exact position of NuvaRing is not important for it to be effective. Once inserted, NuvaRing should stay in place. NuvaRing can be accidentally expelled, for example, while removing a tampon, during intercourse, or with straining during a bowel movement.

To insert the NUVARING, follow these instructions:

• Holding NUVARING between your thumb & index finger, press the sides together. Insert NUVARING while lying down, squatting, or standing with one leg up-whatever is most comfortable for you.
• Gently push the folded ring into your vagina. The exact position of NUVARING is not important for it to be effective. If you feel discomfort, it is probably not inserted back far enough into the vagina. Use your finger to gently push the NUVARING farther into your vagina.

Once inserted, keep NUVARING in place for 3 weeks in a row.

Ingredients

ETONOGESTREL (et-oh-noe-JES-trel) and ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (ETH-in-il ess-tra-DYE-ole)

Cautions

Patients who have the following conditions should not use NUVARING.

• do not use if you are pregnant
• if you are allergic to ethinyl estradiol or etonogestrel
• have 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
• severe migraine headaches
• a heart valve disorder
• a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills

To ensure NUVARING is right for you, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack
• 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
• migraine headache

Side Effects

The most common side effects reported by NUVARING users are:

• vaginal infections and irritation
• vaginal secretion
• headache
• weight gain
• nausea

In addition to the risks and side effects above, users of hormonal birth control methods have also reported the following side effects:

• vomiting
• change in appetite
• abdominal cramps and bloating
• breast tenderness or enlargement
• irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
• changes in menstrual cycle
• temporary infertility after treatment
• fluid retention (edema)
• spotty darkening of the skin, particularly on the face
• rash
• weight changes
• depression
• intolerance to contact lenses
• nervousness
• dizziness
• loss of scalp hair

Contact your doctor immediately if you get any of the serious side effects:

• sharp chest pain, coughing blood, or sudden shortness of breath
• pain in the calf (back of lower leg; possible clot in the leg)
• crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest
• sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, problems with vision or speech, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg
• sudden partial or complete loss of vision
• jaundice with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, or light-colored bowel movements
• severe pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen
• breast lumps
• Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting that happens in more than 1 menstrual cycle or lasts for more than a few days
• urgent, frequent, burning and/or painful urination, and cannot locate the ring in the vagina
• swelling (edema) of your fingers or ankles
• difficulty in sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, or a change in mood

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about additional side effects that you may experience.