Common NuvaRing uses
This contraceptive ring contains a progestin and estrogen combination used to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones similar to those in birth control pills. The hormones release from the ring slowly over time.
 

Before using NuvaRing
WARNING: Smoking cigarettes while using this medicine increases your chance of having heart problems. 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 cigarettes per day or greater). Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking griseofulvin, many antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, macrolide, tetracyclines, sulfas, cephalosporins, chloramphenicol), many seizure medicines (e.g., phenytoin, barbiturates, primidone, carbamazepine), dapsone, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), modafinil, nevirapine, St. John's wort, bosentan, and certain HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., amprenavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking atorvastatin, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), acetaminophen, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), cyclosporine, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone), theophylline, temazepam, aspirin, morphine, clofibric acid, thyroid hormones, antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics), warfarin, or insulin. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including high cholesterol or triglyceride (fat) levels, recent pregnancy, depression, high blood pressure, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, thyroid problems, severe constipation, obesity, vaginal conditions (e.g., vaginal stenosis, cervical prolapse), any allergies (especially to hormones used in birth control pills, such as estrogen, or progestins), or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of blood clots (e.g., in the legs, groin, lungs), heart disease or stroke, heart valve disease, severe high blood pressure, diabetes (especially if you have circulation problems), severe headaches, recent major surgery, long periods of sitting or lying down, liver problems, jaundice during pregnancy or while using birth control pills, cancer (especially endometrial or breast), undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, currently pregnant, or heavy tobacco use (if 35 years old or greater). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
 

NuvaRing Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using this medicine. Follow all instructions on how to use this hormone ring 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.
 

NuvaRing Cautions
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. DURING YOUR FIRST RING CYCLE, additional method of birth control may be necessary for the first 7 days of use. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR or pharmacist to see if you need the additional birth control method. DO NOT LEAVE THE RING IN PLACE for longer than 4 weeks. If this happens, your body may not have enough hormones to protect your from pregnancy. Remove the ring and check to make sure you are not pregnant. If pregnant, contact your physician immediately. If not pregnant, insert a new ring and use a back-up method of birth control (e.g., condoms, spermicide) until the new ring has been in place for 7 straight days. TAKING CERTAIN ANTIBIOTICS or anticonvulsants while you are using this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of this medicine. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control until your next period. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. IF YOU WEAR CONTACT LENSES and you develop problems with them, contact your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. USE OF THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). THIS BIRTH CONTROL DEVICE MAY INTERFERE with the correct placement of a diaphragm. The use of a diaphragm as a back-up method of birth control is not recommended. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. THE MEDICINES IN THIS RING ARE EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you is using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
 

Possible NuvaRing side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away 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 doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience dark patches on the skin or face (melasma); weight changes (gain or loss); problem wearing contact lenses; changes in vaginal bleeding (e.g., 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.
 

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
 

If you take too much NuvaRing
Overdose with this product is highly unlikely. Do not use more than one ring at a time. If overdose is suspected, remove the ring and contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This product may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, unusual vaginal bleeding or irregular menstrual periods.
 

Additional NuvaRing information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. DO NOT USE AFTER the expiration date. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.