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Nuvaring |
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What is Nuvaring and why is it prescribed? Nuvaring is a contraceptive device. Like oral contraceptives, it prevents pregnancy by providing a steady level of the female hormones estrogen and progestin. This eliminates the hormonal surge that ordinarily triggers the release of an egg. Hormonal contraceptives such as Nuvaring are extremely reliable when used exactly as directed. To make sure Nuvaring works properly, you must follow a strict schedule for insertion and removal. Each ring should be inserted and left in place for exactly 3 weeks, then removed. Exactly 1 week after removal, a new ring should be inserted for the following 3 weeks. Always insert and remove Nuvaring on the same day of the week, at approximately the same time of day. How should you take Nuvaring? Follow your doctors directions for taking Nuvaring. Wash and dry your hands and remove Nuvaring from its foil pouch. Choose the position that is most comfortable for you, such as lying down, squatting, or standing with one leg up. Hold Nuvaring between your thumb and index finger and press the opposite sides of the ring together. Gently push the folded ring into your vagina. The exact position of the ring is not important for it to work. If you feel discomfort, use your finger to gently push Nuvaring further into the vagina. Most women do not feel the ring once it is in place, although some are aware of it. Leave the ring in place for exactly 3 weeks, then remove it. Hook your index finger under the forward rim or hold the rim between your index finger and middle finger and pull the ring out. Place the used ring in the foil pouch it came in and dispose of it in the garbage, away from children and pets. Do not discard in the toilet. Your menstrual period will usually start 2 to 3 days after the ring is removed and may not have finished before it's time to insert the next ring. For continued pregnancy protection, you need to insert the new ring exactly 1 week after the old one was removed, even if your period has not stopped. If Nuvaring slips out, you'll still be protected against pregnancy provided the ring is replaced within 3 hours. You can use the old ring (after rinsing it with cool or lukewarm water) or insert a new ring. Remove the ring according to your original schedule. If you're unable to replace the ring within 3 hours, insert it as soon as possible and use an additional method of birth control for 7 days. If you forget and leave the ring in place for an extra week, remove it, take a one-week break, and reinsert a new one on day 7. If you leave the ring in place for more than 4 weeks you may not be adequately protected against pregnancy. If you miss a menstrual period, you should check to be sure you are not pregnant if any of the following circumstances apply: (1) If NuvaRing was out of the vagina for more than 3 hours during the 3 weeks of ring use, (2) If you waited longer than 1 week to insert a new ring after removing the old one, (3) If you followed the instructions but miss 2 periods in a row, or (4) If you have left NuvaRing in place for longer than 4 weeks. Store Nuvaring at room temperature and avoid sunlight. Discard unused rings after the expiration date marked on the label. Are there any Nuvaring side effects? Nuvaring side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Nuvaring side effects may include abdominal cramps, allergic rash, bloating, blood clots, breakthrough bleeding and spotting, breast secretions, change in menstrual flow, changes in the breast such as tenderness or enlargement, dark pigmentation of the skin, decreased milk production in nursing mothers, depression, emotional instability, gallbladder disease, headaches, heart attack, high blood pressure, intolerance to contact lenses, liver disease, liver tumors, migraine headaches, missed periods, nausea, problems with the ring, sinus inflammation, stroke, swelling, temporary infertility after discontinuing Nuvaring, upper respiratory tract infections, vaginal inflammation or discharge, vision problems, vomiting, weight gain or loss, yeast infections, and yellow tint to the skin. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Nuvaring? If Nuvaring is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nuvaring with Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Antibiotics (such as ampicillin and tetracycline), Anticonvulsants (such as Dilantin, Phenobarbital, Tegretol, Trileptal, Topamax, and Felbatol), Antifungals (such as Gris-PEG, Nizoral, Sporanox), Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Clofibrate (Atromid-S), Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), HIV drugs classified as protease inhibitors (Agenerase, Crixivan, Fortovase, Invirase, Kaletra, Norvir, Viracept), Morphine (Astramorph, Kadian, MS Contin), Phenylbutazone, Prednisolone (Prelone), Rifadin (rifampin), St. John's Wort, Temazepam, Theophylline (Theo-Dur), or Vitamin C. Are there any special warnings about Nuvaring? Hormonal contraceptives pose a slightly increased risk of blood clots and related disorders such as phlebitis, heart disease, heart attack, vision loss, and stroke. Smoking and advancing age increase this risk. The estrogen in hormonal contraceptives also appears to cause a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer while the contraceptives are in use. This increase subsides after the contraceptives are stopped. The risk of developing dangerous liver tumors also goes up very slightly. If you develop signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, you should stop using Nuvaring. Hormonal contraceptives can also hasten the development of gallbladder disease in susceptible women. If you have diabetes, hormonal contraceptives may worsen the problem. In a few women, they cause an increase in triglyceride levels as well. Especially in older women, hormonal contraceptives may foster an increase in blood pressure. If you already suffer from high blood pressure or kidney disease, it's best to avoid these drugs. If you do decide to use them and sustain an increase in blood pressure, you'll have to discontinue their use. Similarly, if Nuvaring triggers migraine headaches or makes them worse, you'll need to stop using this product. Hormonal contraceptives sometimes leave the user depressed. If you've suffered from depression in the past, use Nuvaring with caution. If you become depressed, alert your doctor immediately; you may need to discontinue use of Nuvaring. Remember that Nuvaring, like other forms of hormonal contraception, does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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