Etonogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring

NuvaRing®
Other name(s): contraceptive ring Logo

Brand name(s): NuvaRing®
Other name(s): contraceptive ring

What side effects can this medication cause?

Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• swelling, redness, irritation, burning, itching, or infection of the vagina
• white or yellow vaginal discharge
• vaginal bleeding or spotting when it is not time for your period. (Call your doctor if the bleeding lasts longer than a few days or happens in more than one cycle.)
• headache
• runny nose
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• changes in appetite
• weight gain or loss
• stomach cramps or bloating
• nervousness
• breasts that are large, tender, or produce a liquid
• growth of hair on face
• loss of hair on scalp
• acne
• changes in sexual desire

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them call your doctor immediately:

• pain in the back of the lower leg
• sharp, sudden, or crushing chest pain
• heaviness in chest
• coughing up blood
• sudden shortness of breath
• sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting
• sudden problems with speech
• weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• sudden loss of vision
• double vision, blurred vision, or other changes in vision
• bulging eyes
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, especially if you also have fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, and/or light-colored bowel movements
• depression, especially if you also have trouble sleeping, tiredness, loss of energy, or other mood changes
• pain, tenderness, or swelling of the abdomen (area between the chest and the waist)
• stomach pain that worsens after eating
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• diarrhea
• painful, difficult, or frequent urination
• brown patches on the skin, especially the face
• rash

Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring may increase the chance that you will develop liver tumors. These tumors are not a form of cancer, but they can break and cause serious bleeding inside the body. The contraceptive ring may also increase the chance that you will develop breast or liver cancer, or have a heart attack, a stroke, or a serious blood clot. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using the contraceptive ring.

Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Last Revised: 01/01/2005

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