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EspañolNuvaring overview
BRAND NAMES:
EluRyng, NuvaRing
Generic Names:
Etonogestrel-ethinyl estradiol
Uses:
Prevents pregnancy
Therapeutic Classes:
Contraceptive
Forms:
Vaginal ring
How it’s taken:
Inserted into the vagina
What is Nuvaring used for?
NuvaRing is a birth control medication. NuvaRing is a small flexible ring that releases medications when placed inside a woman’s vagina. NuvaRing contains the female sex hormones progestin and estrogen.
It works by releasing a low dose of estrogen and progestin in order to prevent pregnancy.
NuvaRing is a birth control ring that is inserted into the vagina once every 4 weeks.
NuvaRing lowers the chances of getting pregnant. However, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
You should not use NuvaRing if you are over 35 years old and smoke cigarettes. Smoking can increase the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems, such as death from heart attack or stroke.
NuvaRing isn’t the best birth control option for women who are breastfeeding because it can lower your milk supply. If you’re breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider about other birth control options.
What form(s) does Nuvaring come in
Vaginal ring
11.7 milligrams (mg) etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol
What are common Nuvaring doses?
Insert NuvaRing on the first day of menstrual bleeding. Keep it in place for 3 weeks (21 days). After 3 weeks, remove NuvaRing for 1 week (7 days). During this week, you will usually have a menstrual period.
Common Nuvaring prescriptions
NuvaRing
0.12-0.015mg/24hr ring
How to take Nuvaring
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light for up to 4 months. Place the used vaginal ring in the re-sealable foil pouch and throw it in the trash. Do not flush the ring down the toilet.
Once the ring is in place, you should not be able to feel it. If you feel uncomfortable, the ring may not be inserted far enough. Gently push the ring farther into your vagina. If you feel pain, talk to your doctor.
In some cases, you may need to use a second form of birth control during the first 7 days to avoid pregnancy. Check with your doctor about if you should use a second form of birth control, such as a barrier method. Do not use a diaphragm, because the ring may affect how the diaphragm fits.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Check for the presence of the ring inside your vagina regularly (including before and after having sex).
This medicine is in a ring that is put into your vagina. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to put in the ring. The ring should be left in place for 3 weeks. It will then be removed and another one will be inserted 1 week later. During the week without the ring, you will usually have your menstrual period.
What to do if you miss a dose of Nuvaring
If NuvaRing has slipped out and it has been out for less than 3 hours, rinse it in cool or lukewarm water and reinsert it. You should still be protected from pregnancy.
If NuvaRing has been out for more than 3 hours, insert a new ring. You must use an extra method of birth control until the NuvaRing has been in place for 7 days in a row. Do not use a diaphragm.
If you leave the vaginal ring in place for more than 4 weeks, you may not be protected from pregnancy. Make sure that you are not pregnant before you insert a new ring. You must use an additional form of birth control (not a diaphragm) until the new ring has been in place for 7 days in a row.
If you forget to insert a new ring after the ring-free week, call your doctor for instructions.
Nuvaring contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to etonogestrel or ethinyl estradiol, if you are pregnant, if you take certain drugs for Hepatitis C, or if you have vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor. Do not use it if you have liver disease or tumors, breast cancer, problems with blood clots, or certain heart problems.
Nuvaring warnings
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you recently had a baby, miscarriage, or abortion. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, cervical cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, migraines, heart or blood vessel disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a history of depression or chloasma (skin discoloration on the face). Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you are having a surgery that requires inactivity for a long time.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots
Toxic shock syndrome
Liver problems
High blood pressure
Gallbladder disease
High cholesterol or fats in the blood
Increased risk of breast or cervical cancer
This medicine may cause skin discoloration. Use sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
You might have spotting or irregular bleeding when you first start using this medicine. You might have unplanned bleeding if you miss a dose or are late taking it. However, if you have heavy bleeding, call your doctor.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests. This medicine may also affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Nuvaring interactions
Do not use this medicine together with medicine to treat hepatitis C virus infection, including ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir.
Some foods and medicines can affect how etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Acetaminophen, aprepitant, ascorbic acid, atorvastatin, bosentan, clofibric acid, cyclosporine, morphine, prednisolone, salicylic acid, St John's wort, temazepam, theophylline, tizanidine
Medicine for HIV/AIDS (including boceprevir, telaprevir)
Medicine to treat an infection (including fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, rifabutin, rifampicin, voriconazole)
Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, felbamate, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rufinamide, topiramate)
Thyroid medicine
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
Ask your doctor before you use other products or medicines in your vagina. You may need to remove the ring first.
Nuvaring side effects
NuvaRing can cause mild to serious side effects. If you develop any of the following side effects, get medical help immediately.
Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Severe chest pain or pressure
Unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding or heavy bleeding
Breast lumps, tenderness, pain, swelling, or discharge
Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Vision loss, double vision
Sudden high fever, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, muscle aches, sunburn-like rash
Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes
Redness, pain, itching, or burning sensation inside your vagina
Less serious side effects include:
Depression, mood changes
Headaches
Darkened skin on your face
Irritation inside the vagina or on the cervix
Vaginal discharge or discomfort
Weight gain
Painful menstrual periods
Stomach pain
Acne
Low sexual desire