Etonogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.
Last Reviewed: Jul 23, 2024
Etonogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Drug Details
Therapeutic Class:
Combination contraceptive vaginal ring
Forms:
Vaginal ring
Administration:
By insertion into the vagina
Therapeutic Uses:
Birth control
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Drug Class
Etonogestrel (eh-toh-noh-jess-trell) and ethinyl estradiol (eh-thi-nil eh-strah-dye-ohl) are female sex hormones (progestin and estrogen hormones).
Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Age Range
Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol is approved for use in females of reproductive age. This medication is not indicated before menarche (first menstrual period).
Etonogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Uses
Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Uses
Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol is a combined hormonal contraceptive and it is used to prevent pregnancy.
There may be other uses of ethinyl estradiol - etonogestrel—your healthcare professionals can give you further drug information.
Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Mechanism of Action
Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring works by preventing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary). These hormones also cause changes in the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Additionally, they cause changes in the endometrium (lining of the uterus) to lower the chances that a fertilized egg will be implanted.
Note: Combination hormonal contraceptive use does not protect against sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV infection, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Doses
Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring should be inserted in the vagina and left in place continuously for 3 weeks. Thereafter, it should be removed for a 1-week break, during which time you will experience withdrawal bleeding. You should insert a new ring exactly 1 week after removing the last ring.
Etonogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Directions
How To Use Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing)
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, use etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol as directed. Leave the vaginal ring in place for 3 consecutive weeks and then remove it for 1 week. Replace it with a new ring after a 1-week break to maintain contraceptive effectiveness.
You can insert the vaginal ring in whatever position you find comfortable (standing with one leg up, squatting, or lying down). The exact positioning of the ring inside the vagina is not important for contraceptive efficacy. To remove the ring, hook your index finger around the front rim of the ring and pull it out. You should experience a withdrawal bleed 2-3 days after removing the ring. Place a new ring in your vagina exactly one week later, on the same day of the week that you removed the old ring, even if your menstrual bleeding has not stopped. Discard the used ring in its foil pouch.
Read the prescription label and patient information leaflet carefully and use etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol exactly as prescribed. Do not change the schedule for inserting and removing the vaginal ring without your doctor’s approval.
When you first start using an etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring, you may need to use a backup birth control method, such as a male condom or spermicide, for 7 days to protect against an unwanted pregnancy.
Do not use a female condom, cervical cap, or diaphragm when you have a contraceptive ring in place. Never insert more than one contraceptive ring at any given time.
Your vaginal ring will stay in place until you remove it. However, it may occasionally fall out during sexual intercourse or a bowel movement. If this happens, rinse it with cool or lukewarm water (do not wash it with hot water). Replace it within 3 hours. If more than 3 hours have passed since it fell out, replace it with a new ring. Remove the replacement ring on your originally scheduled day and go back to your regular schedule. If you cannot replace your contraceptive ring within 3 hours, you will need to use a backup method of birth control (a non-hormonal method such as male condoms with spermicide) until you replace the ring and have had it in place for 7 days.
Different brands of hormonal contraceptive vaginal rings may contain different hormones and doses. Do not switch to another brand without checking with your doctor. If you want to change to a different birth control method, your doctor will tell you how and when in your menstrual cycle to make the switch.
Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol contraceptive ring will work only as long as you use it regularly. Do not stop using it without talking to your doctor.
Missed dose: If you do not insert the vaginal ring on schedule, you will need a backup method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. If you leave the vaginal ring in place for one extra week (a total of four weeks), remove it, leave it out for one week, and then insert a new contraceptive ring. If you have left the vaginal ring in place for more than 4 weeks, you should do a pregnancy test and use an additional method of non-hormonal contraception (male condoms or spermicide) until you have placed a new contraceptive ring and it has been in place for at least 7 days.
Storage: Store etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol contraceptive ring at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.
Unused medicine: Unused or expired etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol vaginal rings should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol is through your local waste disposal company or a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about the etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring, talk to your healthcare professionals for medical advice.
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Etonogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Side Effects
Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Side Effects
Common side effects of etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring are listed below. Tell your doctor if these side effects are severe or continue after a few days.
- Vaginal symptoms such as discomfort or the sensation of a foreign body in the vagina
- Vaginal redness, swelling, burning, itching, irritation, or infection
- White or yellow vaginal discharge
- Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods
- Headache
- Breast tenderness, discomfort, or pain
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight changes
- Acne
- Changes in libido (sexual desire)
Rarely, etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring can cause more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you develop the following serious adverse reactions:
- Back pain or lower leg pain
- Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sudden, severe chest pain or chest heaviness
- Sudden problems with speech
- Sudden severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, or fainting
- Focal neurological symptoms (weakness or numbness on one side of the body)
- Vision changes including double vision or blurred vision
- Dark patches in facial skin (forehead, cheeks, upper lip, chin)
- Stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, light stools
- High fever, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness when standing up, skin rash, muscle pain
- Depression, mood changes, low energy, difficulty sleeping
- Skin rash, hives, itching
- Swelling in the limbs
- Persistent urinary symptoms
The above list may not include all the potential adverse effects of etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol. Contact your healthcare professional if your side effects are unusual or severe or they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol (NuvaRing) Overdose: In case of an overdose of etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol, call your doctor immediately. You can also call the local poison control center or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if a person cannot be awakened, has trouble breathing, has collapsed, or has had a seizure. Signs and symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and bleeding.
Source: FDA
Etonogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Warnings
Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Ethinyl estradiol - etonogestrel can cause serious adverse effects in certain high-risk people. Talk to your doctor about alternative methods of birth control if you are at a high risk of complications from combination hormonal birth control. Some of the potential risks of etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol are listed below. Note: There are several health risks associated with the use of third generation oral contraceptives (including etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol which are present in NuvaRing). These risks include thromboembolism (blood clots), heart attack, and stroke. There is no data to suggest that the risks associated with ethinyl estradiol concentrations observed with the vaginal route of administration (contraceptive ring) are any different from serum ethinyl estradiol concentrations achieved with oral contraceptives taken by mouth.
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Precautions Before Starting Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing)
Tell your doctor if you have had allergic reactions to etonogestrel, ethinyl estradiol, any of the active or inactive ingredients in the vaginal ring, other hormonal contraceptives, or any other drugs. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.
Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products, especially St. John’s Wort. This can help avoid possible drug interactions between etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol and your other medications.
Give your doctor a complete medical history. Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions, such as blood clots, cerebrovascular disease, stroke, chest pain, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart rhythm abnormalities, heart valve problems, high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney problems, problems with blood vessels, nerves, or eyes, circulation problems, headaches, vision changes, liver disease, liver tumors, jaundice, bleeding disorders, abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast problems (fibrocystic breast disease, breast nodules, abnormal mammogram), personal or family history of breast cancer, other types of cancers, hereditary angioedema, seizures, depression, dark patches on the skin (melasma), prolapsed (dropped) bladder, rectum, or uterus, conditions that make your vagina more prone to irritation, toxic shock syndrome, thyroid disease, or gallbladder disease. Also tell your doctor if you have recently delivered a baby or suffered a miscarriage or abortion.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or could be pregnant. You should not use etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring if you are pregnant. Also, you should not use the vaginal ring if you are nursing an infant with breast milk as it can affect breast milk production.
Precautions During Use of Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing)
Keep all your medical and lab appointments while on etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol. Your doctor may want to perform a physical examination and/or order certain laboratory tests.
In case of a missed menstrual period, if you have not followed the prescribed method of using the vaginal ring (i.e., you left the vaginal ring out for more than 3 hours or had a ring-free interval of more than one week), you should do a pregnancy test after the first missed menstrual period. Discontinue use of the vaginal ring if a pregnancy is confirmed. If you used the vaginal ring as prescribed, do a pregnancy test after two consecutive missed periods. If you retain the vaginal ring for one extra week (a total of four weeks), remove it, allow a ring-free one-week period, and insert a new ring. If you retained the vaginal ring for more than 4 weeks, do a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy before inserting a new ring.
Tell your health care professionals you are using a contraceptive ring before any surgery, including dental procedures. You may need to temporarily stop using the ring to lower your risk of blood clots before and after certain surgical procedures.
If you note any vision changes or difficulty in wearing contact lenses, see your eye doctor.
Hormonal contraceptive use can lead to dark patches (hyperpigmentation) of the facial skin. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you’ve had skin discoloration (melasma) from hormonal contraceptives or during pregnancy in the past. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen to protect your skin from sunlight.
Talk to your doctor if you develop symptoms of severe depression or mood changes while using etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol.
Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Drug Interactions
The use of hormonal contraceptives with certain other medicines can affect how the medications work. Using certain combinations of drugs together can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Your doctor may change the doses of your medications, switch you to different medications, and/or monitor you carefully for adverse effects if there are known interactions between etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol and your other medicines.
You should not take the following medications with etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol:
- Combination of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir (Technivie) with or without dasabuvir (in Viekira Pak)
The following medications can also have interactions with etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
- Medications used to treat fungal infections, such as itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), fluconazole (Diflucan), griseofulvin (Gris-Peg), miconazole (Oravig), and voriconazole (Vfend)
- Medications prescribed for nausea and vomiting, such as aprepitant (Emend)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and clofibric acid
- Medications prescribed for seizure disorders, such as barbiturates, carbamazepine (Tegretol, Teril, others), topiramate (Topamax), lamotrigine (Lamictal), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), felbamate (Felbatol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
- Medications for pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as bosentan (Tracleer)
- Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf)
- HIV/AIDS medications such as darunavir (Prezista) with ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), etravirine (Intelence), efavirenz (Sustiva), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), lopinavir (Kaletra), nevirapine (Viramune), saquinavir (Invirase), tipranavir (Aptivus), and ritonavir (Norvir)
- Pain medications such as morphine (Kadian, Astramorph, others)
- Corticosteroids such as prednisolone (Orapred)
- Antibiotic treatment for tuberculosis, such as rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), rufinamide (Banzel)
- Insomnia medications such as temazepam (Restoril)
- Medications used to treat lung conditions, such as theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, others)
- Muscle relaxants such as tizanidine (Zanaflex)
- Thyroid hormone
The above list may not include all the possible interactions of etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Etonogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Pros & Cons
Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Pros and Cons
- Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring offers the convenience of continuous use for 3 weeks (there’s no need to take an oral contraceptive pill every day).
- You can insert and remove the vaginal ring at home.
- It is very effective in preventing pregnancy when used as directed.
- Available as a lower-cost generic.
- You need to remember to remove and insert the etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol contraceptive ring on schedule.
- The contraceptive ring can accidentally come out during sex or bowel movements.
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Combined hormonal contraceptives are not recommended for smokers above the age of 35 due to cardiovascular risks.
Etonogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Pharmacist Tips
Etonogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Tips from Pharmacists
It is important to follow the recommended schedule of 3 weeks in and 1 week out for contraceptive efficacy. Set a reminder in your phone to help you remember to take the vaginal ring out after 3 weeks and insert a new one a week later.
You will have withdrawal bleeding 2-3 days after you remove the contraceptive ring. Insert a new ring exactly one week after you remove the previous one even if your bleeding hasn’t stopped.
If you do not get withdrawal bleeding, i.e., you miss your period, you could be pregnant. If you have used the contraceptive ring as directed, do a pregnancy test after two consecutive missed periods. If you left the ring out for more than 3 hours or had a break of longer than one week, do a pregnancy test after one missed period.
It is common to have some light spotting or breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Tell your doctor if you develop depression, mood changes, or a new headache pattern while using the vaginal ring.
Take precautions to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV infection.
Etonogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Rx Savings Tips
Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Rx Savings Tips
Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol is a generic medication and is available at significantly lower prices than the brand name. Brand name NuvaRing and generic etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol contain the same medicines and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic offers better value. A BuzzRx etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol coupon can result in big savings on the brand name and generic forms of the drug. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol may be under $64.50 for one ring of 0.12 mg - 0.015 mg at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol discount coupon when you drop off your prescriptions at the pharmacy counter.
Lowest Price for Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) | |
Brand $167.73 | Generic $64.33 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. |
Etonogestrel-Ethinyl Estradiol Common Questions
Common Questions about Etonogestrel - Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing)
How effective is etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol?Etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol contraceptive ring is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy when it is used as directed. Only 1 or 2 women out of every 100 get pregnant after using the vaginal ring perfectly for a year. The contraceptive ring may be less effective with imperfect use (if you leave it out for more than 3 hours, leave it in for more than 4 weeks, or have a ring-free period of more than one week). |
Do you get your period on etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring?You should get withdrawal bleeding (a menstrual period) 2-3 days after you remove the vaginal ring. If you do not get your period, you could be pregnant. |
When should I first insert NuvaRing (etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol)?Your doctor will tell you when to first insert NuvaRing (etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol). It depends on whether you’ve used birth control before and the type of birth control method you used. If you have not used hormonal birth control in the previous cycle, you should insert NuvaRing on the first day of menstrual bleeding. |
Can I use tampons with NuvaRing?Yes, you can use tampons with NuvaRing (etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol). However, make sure you don’t displace the vaginal ring when removing the tampon. If this occurs, reinsert the contraceptive ring within 3 hours. If more than 3 hours have passed, insert a new contraceptive ring and remove it on the originally scheduled day. You may need a backup method of contraception if you leave the contraceptive ring out for more than 3 hours. |
Will my partner feel the NuvaRing?Most partners do not feel the vaginal ring. However, some people may feel it during sex, but it isn’t usually a problem. |
Am I protected from pregnancy during the week when NuvaRing is out?Yes, you remain protected from pregnancy during the one-week period when the NuvaRing is out. You should get your menstrual period during this time. Use the NuvaRing as directed to maintain contraceptive efficacy. |
What is the price of etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol without insurance?Without insurance, etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol can be as high as $219.99, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $64.33 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for etonogestrel - ethinyl estradiol. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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