etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol-vaginal ring (cont.)
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach cramps and bloating, dizziness, vaginal discomfort/irritation, increased vaginal discharge, or breast tenderness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: 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/odor, swelling, severe headache, mental/mood changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: pain in the groin or lower legs, trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing up of blood, severe stomach pain, vision or eye problems, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, one-sided weakness, tingling/weakness/numbness in the arms/legs, sudden speech problems, lumps in the breast. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This product should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this product, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: history of blood clots (e.g., in the legs, groin, lungs), history of heart disease or stroke, heart valve disease, severe high blood pressure, diabetes (especially affecting the circulation), severe headaches, recent major surgery, long periods of sitting or lying down (e.g., immobility such as being bedridden), liver problems, history of yellowing eyes/skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or while using birth control pills, cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer), undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, currently pregnant, heavy tobacco use (if 35 years old or greater). Before using this product, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: 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). Do not smoke cigarettes. Hormonal birth control products (e.g., pills, injections, devices) combined with smoking cigarettes significantly increase your risk for strokes, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attacks; especially in women older than 35 years of age. Ask your doctor or pharmacist or consult the patient information leaflet that comes with this product for more details. It may take a long time for you to become pregnant after you stop using the ring. Consult your doctor. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor(s) that you are using this product. The drugs in this ring may cause blotchy, dark areas on your skin (melasma) and sunlight may intensify this effect. If this occurs, avoid prolonged sun exposure, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Use a sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. If you are near-sighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop vision problems or may have problems wearing your contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur. If you miss a menstrual period and/or interrupt the dosing schedule, check to be sure that you are not pregnant. This product must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. The medication from this ring passes into breast milk. This may affect milk production and may have undesirable effects on the nursing infant. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this product.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Hormonal Methods of Birth Control - Read about hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives, the patch, birth control injection, and vaginal ring. The hormones used in hormonal birth control are estrogen and/or progesterone.
- Pregnancy Planning - The goals of pregnancy planning are to create a healthy environment for the fetus and to prevent birth defects and other pregnancy related problems.
- Birth Control - There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization. No birth control method, except abstinence, is considered to be 100% effective.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Interactive Slideshows