Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel (Vaginal)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 9, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• NuvaRing

Available Dosage Forms:

• Insert, Extended Release

Therapeutic Class: Contraceptive

Pharmacologic Class: Progestin

Uses for ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel

Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a flexible birth control vaginal ring that contains two types of hormones, etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.

No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than vaginal rings. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.

Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel will not prevent HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.

Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination have not been performed in the pediatric population. However, pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel in teenagers are not expected. Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel may be used for birth control in teenage females but should not be used before the start of menstruation.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol combination have not been performed in the geriatric population. Ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel is not indicated for use in elderly women.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or othe..