ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel

Brand name(s):

ethinyl estradiol-etonogestrel, NuvaRing

What is the most important information I should know about ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel?

This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Avoid using a diaphragm with the ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel vaginal ring. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Taking hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35. The ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel vaginal ring will not prevent pregnancy if you wear it only during intercourse. You must wear the ring for 3 full weeks, followed by 1 full week without a ring. The timing of ring insertion and removal is very important for this medicine to be effective as a form of birth control.

Some drugs can make ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What is ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel?

Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel is a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.

Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel?

This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to ethinyl estradiol or etonogestrel, or if you have:

a history of stroke or blood clot;
circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes);
a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;
abnormal vaginal bleeding;
liver disease or liver cancer;
severe high blood pressure;
severe migraine headaches;
a heart valve disorder; or
a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Before using ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack;
high cholesterol or triglycerides;
kidney disease;
a history of depression;
gallbladder disease;
diabetes;
seizures or epilepsy;
a history of irregular menstrual cycles, toxic shock syndrome, or easy vaginal irritation;
prolapsed (dropped) uterus, bladder, or rectum;
a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram;
severe constipation; or
migraine headaches.

The hormones in birth control pills can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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