Nuvaring (Etonogestrel/ Ethinyl Estradiol)

What is Nuvaring?

Nuvaring is a combination of two female hormones, namely ehtinyl estradiol and etonogesrel. It is a vaginal ring form of contraception that prevents the ovulation process.

What is Nuvaring used for?

Nuvaring is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy.

How does Nuvaring work?

The hormones in Nuvaring prevent ovulation; thicken the cervical mucus and uterine lining making it difficult for the sperm to reach the uterus. If the egg has been fertilized, the hormones prevent it from attaching itself to the uterus, thereby preventing pregnancy.

How to use Nuvaring

Follow the instructions of your doctor strictly when using Nuvaring. Start using Nuvaring from that day of your menstrual cycle that is instructed by your doctor. Leave the ring in place for about 3weeks and then on exactly the same day and about the same time, remove it.

For the next insertion, wait for a week. Even if you have not finished your period, insert the ring on exactly the same day as the first insertion.

If the ring falls off during intercourse or otherwise, clean the ring with warm water and place it back into the vagina.

Nuvaring warnings and precautions

Do not use the contraceptive if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or have a history of blood clotting and stroke, circulation problems due to diabetes, experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, have breast or uterine cancer,  high blood pressure, liver or kidney diseases, heat valve disorder, or jaundice due to consumption of  birth control pills.

You will need a dose adjustment if you have a history of chronic heart disease like angina, heart attack, high cholesterol, gall bladder disease, diabetes, epilepsy, irregular menstrual cycle, vaginal irritation, toxic shock syndrome, prolapsed uterus, bladder or rectum, fibrocystic breast disease, lumps and nodules, severe constipation and migraine. Therefore, inform your doctor about any such problem, before starting to take Nuvaring.

Abstain from smoking and drinking if you are 35 years of age or above.

Use effective contraceptives during intercourse especially in the first seven days of application of Nuvaring. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant as it can harm an unborn baby and cause birth defects. If you are a nursing mother, do not use Nuvaring as it can pass through breast milk and harm the child. It is also known to lower milk production.

What do I do if I have missed a Nuvaring dose?

If you have missed a Nuvaring dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue the 3 week cycle or restart a new one after finishing with your periods for the month.

What do I do if I have taken a Nuvaring overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Nuvaring, you will have to immediately rush to the doctor.

Nuvaring interactions

The drugs that can make NuvaRing less effective are acetaminophen (Tylenol), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), griseofulvin (Grisactin, Grifulvin V, Fulvicin PG); rifampin (Rifadin); modafinil (Provigil); St. John’s wort; seizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), topiramate (Topamax), or primidone (Mysoline); barbiturates such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or HIV medicines such as atazanavir (Reyataz), tipranavir (Aptivus), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), or nelfinavir (Viracept). Inform your doctor beforehand when you are being prescribed this drug.

Nuvaring side effects

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects from Nuvaring: sudden numbness or weakness, sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes; problems with vision,  speech, or balance; chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating,  general ill feeling, a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches, nausea, stomach ache,  low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;  breast lump, symptoms of depression.

Less serious Nuvaring side effects may include mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, breast pain, tenderness, swelling, freckles, darkening of facial skin, increased (bodily) hair growth, loss of scalp hair, changes in weight or appetite, problems with contact lenses, vaginal itching and abnormal discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive, headache, nervousness, dizziness, or fatigue.