Nuvaring Contraceptive Ring

Buy NuvaRing

NuvaRing is a contraceptive vaginal ring designed to prevent pregnancy. 

Like other hormonal contraceptives, NuvaRing will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To protect yourself from STDs and also pregnancy, you must use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom.

How NuvaRing works

NuvaRing contains the 2 female sex hormones etonogestrel and ethinylestradiol. The ring slowly releases these hormones into the blood, preventing the release of an egg cell from the ovaries.

The ring works in the same way as the combined hormonal contraceptive pill, but without taking the pill every day. The ring is used for 3 weeks consecutively.

Directions

Always use NuvaRing exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as your doctor / Chemist4U pharmacist has told you. 

Before using NuvaRing, ensure that the product is still in date. Wash your hands before you insert or remove the ring.

Choose a comfortable position and remove the ring from the sachet. Hold the ring between your thumb and index finger, press the opposite sides together and insert the ring inside the vagina. If you feel uncomfortable, gently push the ring further inside the vagina or adjust the position of it. The position of the ring is not important.

After 3 weeks, you can remove NuvaRing from your vagina. Hook the index finger under the front rim of the ring and pull it out. 

Dispose of the ring with regular household waste, preferably in the resealable sachet. Do not flush this product down the toilet. Do not throw away unused or out-of-date rings via wastewater or household waste. You must ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused rings or rings no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. 

Do not replace NuvaRing for 1 week after you have removed it. Once the ring is removed, you can expect to experience bleeding. After 1 week, you can insert a new ring, even if you are still bleeding.

If you forget to insert a new ring after a week, please refer to the patient information leaflet for advice. You must also refer to the patient information leaflet if the ring is expelled from the vagina or if it breaks.

When you can start using NuvaRing

If you have not used hormonal contraception in the last month

Insert the ring on the first day of your period. You will be immediately protected against pregnancy. You can also insert the ring on days 2-5; however, you must use additional barrier contraception (condom) for 7 days.

You have used a combined pill in the last month

You can start using NuvaRing the day after your current pill's tablet-free period. If your pack also contains inactive tablets, you can start using the ring the day after you finish your inactive tablets.

If you have used a transdermal patch in the last month

You can start using NuvaRing the day after your patch-free break. You can stop using the patch on any day and start using the ring.

Side effects

NuvaRing may cause side effects in some people, but these won’t affect everybody. Common side effects may include: 

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Yeast infection 
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Depressive mood
• Low sex drive
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Breast pain 
• Pelvic pain
• Painful periods

For more information on potential side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet. If you experience any side effects, including any not included in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious side effects

Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, symptoms of which include swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties and/or loss of consciousness. 

Breast cancer has been found more often in women who use hormonal contraceptives; however, this is still very rare. The risk of developing breast cancer decreases when you stop hormonal contraception.

Liver tumours have been reported in women who use hormonal contraception, but this is rare. You must contact your doctor if you have any unusual severe stomach pain.

In rare cases, a blood clot might form. The risk of a blood clot developing is higher in women who use hormonal contraception in comparison to women who don’t. 

The symptoms of a blood clot include:

• Swelling surrounding the area where the blood clot has formed 
• A change in the colour of your skin, usually reddening of the skin or a blue tinge
• Mild or intense pain in the area where the blood clot has formed
• Warm skin in the area where the blood clot has formed
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain 
• Swollen and painful veins

If you notice the symptoms of a blood clot, seek emergency medical attention immediately. 

Warnings

NuvaRing may be unsuitable for certain people. Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or if:

• You have ever had a blood clot in your legs, lungs or other organs 
• You have a disorder affecting your blood clotting e.g. protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin-III, factor V Leiden or antiphospholipid antibodies
• You need an operation, or you will be off your feet for an extended period
• You have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• You have or have ever had angina pectoris 
• You have ever had a transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• You have severe diabetes with blood vessel damage
• You have very high blood pressure
• You have high cholesterol or high triglycerides
• You have hyperhomocysteinaemia 
• You have or have ever experienced migraines with aura
• You have or have had pancreatitis 
• You have or have had severe liver disease, and your liver is still not functioning properly
• You have or have ever had a benign or malignant tumour in the liver
• You have, have ever had or are suspected to have breast or genital cancer
• You have unexplained vaginal bleeding 

Talk to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before using this product if: 

• A close relative has or has ever had breast cancer
• You have epilepsy
• You have gallbladder disease
• You have liver disease
• You have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis 
• You have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• You have haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)
• You have sickle-cell anaemia 
• You have hypertriglyceridaemia
• You need an operation and will be off your feet for a long time 
• You have recently given birth
• You have inflammation in the veins under the skin
• You have varicose veins
• You have a condition that appeared for the first time or worsened during pregnancy or use of hormones
• You have or have ever had chloasma 
• You have a condition that makes it difficult to use Nuvaring e.g. constipation or prolapse of the uterine cervix

Using/taking other medicines

If you are taking or have recently taken any medication, including medication obtained without a prescription, talk to your GP or pharmacist before using this product. 

You must tell your healthcare provider if you are taking the following medication:

• Epilepsy medicines e.g. primidone, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbamazepine, topiramate and felbamate
• Tuberculosis medication e.g. rifampicin 
• HIV medication e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine and efavirenz
• Hepatitis C medication e.g. boceprevir and telaprivir 
• Medication for high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs e.g. bosentan 
• The herbal remedy St John’s wort 

Age restrictions 

We cannot supply this product from our clinic to anyone under the age of 18.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

This product should not be used during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using NuvaRing. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, you must ask your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice before using any new product.

Storage information

Store in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging.

Do not use Nuvaring if it was dispensed more than 4 months ago. The dispensing date is stated on the carton and sachet of the product. 

Important information

Make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before using this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after using this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before using this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist if this product is right for you.

Store out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.