Ethinyl Estradiol/Etonogestrel Vaginal System (ETONOGESTREL/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL RING - VAGINAL)

For birth control.

Generic Name: Ethinyl Estradiol/Etonogestrel

Instructions

This medicine is for use in the vagina. DO NOT take this medicine by mouth.

Do not wait more than 7 days before inserting a new ring even if your menstrual periods has not stopped by then.

Do not flush the ring down the toilet. Place it in the original foil container and throw it away out of reach of children and pets.

This medicine needs to be placed into the vagina. Please ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use this medicine correctly.

Your menstrual period should occur 2-3 days after removing the vaginal ring. If your period does not start, contact your doctor.

If you accidentally leave the ring in for more than 3 weeks, please contact your doctor for instructions.

The first time you use this medicine, you may need extra birth control protection for the first week while your body adjusts to this new medicine.

Some brands of this medicine must be stored in the refrigerator while others may be kept at room temperature. Please speak with your pharmacist about how you should store your medicine.

Throw the vaginal ring away if the expiration date on the label has passed.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Cautions

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine may increase the risk of some types of cancer in women. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for serious blood clots. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks from using this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Avoid smoking while on this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Ask your doctor how to do a breast self-exam. Check monthly. Report any changes to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about getting a complete physical exam every year while on this medicine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • bloating
  • breast pain or swelling
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • headaches
  • high blood pressure
  • brown colored patches on the face
  • nausea and vomiting
  • vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods
  • vaginal itching or yeast infection
  • weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • breast lumps
  • chest or jaw pain
  • depression or feeling sad
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • fever
  • severe or persistent headache
  • sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • muscle pain
  • red, burning, or itchy skin
  • shortness of breath
  • symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
  • cramping of the uterus or bleeding from the vagina
  • sudden change or loss of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.