Nuvaring Vaginal Ring Information:

Nuvaring is a contraceptive ring which contains a progestin and estrogen combination used to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills. The hormones are released from the ring slowly over time. Nuvaring is pinched between the index finger and thumb and inserted into the vagina far enough that you cant feel it. Position of the ring will not change its effectiveness. There is no risk of Nuvaring being pushed too far or of getting lost in the vagina. Your cervix will stop Nuvaring from going any further than it should. During the first ring cycle, additional method of birth control may be necessary for the first 7 days of use. Do not leave the ring in place for longer than 4 weeks, if kept in longer, your body may not have enough hormones to protect you from pregnancy. If you are taking antifungals, aprepitant, bosentan, barbiturates (such as phenobarbital or butalbital), carbamazepine, felbamate, griseofulvin, HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir or lopinavir), hydantoins (such as phenytoin), modafinil, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, penicillin antibiotics (such as ampicillin), phenylbutazone, rifampin, tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline), topiramate, troglitazone, or troleandomycin you may need to take an additional form of birth control. These medicines may decrease the effectiveness of birth control bills. Smoking cigarettes while using this medicine may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Do NOT smoke while using this medicine. The risk of heart problems increases with age (in women greater than 35 years of age) and with frequent smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day).

Nuvaring Vaginal Ring Side Effects:

Nuvaring may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make the patches even darker. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Nuvaring should not be used if you suspect that you could be pregnant, the medicines of Nuvaring are excreted in breast milk. Side effects that may disappear during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach cramps, and bloating, dizziness, vaginal discomfort or irritation, increased vaginal discharge, or breast tenderness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your physician. Check with your physician if you experience weight changes; problem wearing contact lenses; changes in vaginal bleeding (eg. Spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged bleeding or complete stoppage of bleeding); unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor; swelling; severe headache; or mental/mood changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden severe headache or leg pain, one-sided weakness, coughing up blood, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, sudden speech problems, lumps in the breast, or severe stomach pain. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but if you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Nuvaring Vaginal Ring Directions:

Follow the directions for using Nuvaring provided by your physician. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Nuvaring, ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist before using Nuvaring. Follow all instructions on how to use this Nuvaring and also the best time (during your menstrual cycle) to start using it. Wear each ring for 3 continuous weeks, and then remove it for a 1 week period. A new ring is inserted one week after the last ring is removed and a new cycle begins again. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Wash and dry your hands. Open the foil pouch container. Remove the ring and save the pouch to discard the ring after it is used. Insert the ring into your vagina. When correctly placed, you should not feel the ring and it will not interfere with sexual intercourse. Remove the ring on the fourth week on the same day of the week and about the same time as you placed it. This will be the start of a one week (7 days) ring-free break. Put the used ring in the original foil pouch and throw away in a trash container. DO NOT FLUSH the used ring down the toilet. Your menstrual period should usually start within 2 to 3 days after the ring is removed. If your period does not begin during the ring-free week, consult your doctor. At the end of the fourth week, insert a new ring on the same day of the week and about the same time as during the last cycle. You must insert the new ring one week after the last one was removed, even if your menstrual bleeding has not stopped. DO NOT GO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS without a ring. Doing so may make this product less effective. If the ring falls out of the vagina, rinse it with cool to lukewarm (not hot) water and re-insert as soon as possible. Do not go more than 3 hours without the ring in place. If the ring is out for more than 3 hours, you may not be protected from pregnancy. In this case, rinse the ring, re-insert as soon as possible, and use a back-up method of birth control (e.g., condoms, spermicide) until the ring has been in place for 7 straight days. If you have left the ring in place for longer than than recommended, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for instructions on what you should do. Prior to dispensing, pharmacists will STORE THIS MEDICINE in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Patients should STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and light. DO NOT USE AFTER the expiration date. If the use of this product is interrupted (removed or falls out) or if you forget to insert or remove this product at the recommended time, consult your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule. If the hormone ring has been removed for longer than 3 hours, the use of a back-up method of birth control is recommended.