These Highlights Do Not Include All The Information Needed To Use Etonogestrel/ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring Safely And Effectively. See Full Prescribing Information For Etonogestrel/ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
fcf9da2a-bb91-4697-bfaa-c9d58855e275
34391-3
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL
Drug Facts
Composition & Product
Identifiers & Packaging
Description
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, CHCs, including Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. [See Contraindications (4) .]
Indications and Usage
FOR VAGINAL USE ONLY Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is indicated for use by females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy.
Dosage and Administration
One Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is inserted in the vagina. The ring must remain in place continuously for three weeks, followed by a one-week ring-free interval.
Warnings and Precautions
Vascular risks: Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if a thrombotic event occurs. Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery. Start no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. ( 5.1 ) Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): If patient exhibits signs or symptoms of TSS, consider the possibility of this diagnosis and initiate appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. ( 5.2 ) Liver disease: Discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if jaundice develops. ( 5.3 ) High blood pressure: If used in women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if blood pressure rises significantly. ( 5.5 ) Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects: Monitor prediabetic and diabetic women. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. ( 5.9 ) Headache: Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if indicated. ( 5.10 ) Uterine bleeding: Evaluate irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. ( 5.11 )
Contraindications
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions: A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who are known to: Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Have diabetes mellitus with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or migraine headaches with aura [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Liver tumors, benign or malignant or liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use CHCs during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone-sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, to any of the components of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Adverse Reactions (6) ] Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of CHCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling. Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Vascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Adverse reactions commonly reported by CHC users are: Irregular uterine bleeding Nausea Breast tenderness Headache
Drug Interactions
Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.
Storage and Handling
Product: 50090-5959 NDC: 50090-5959-0 1 d in a POUCH / 1 in a BOX
How Supplied
Product: 50090-5959 NDC: 50090-5959-0 1 d in a POUCH / 1 in a BOX
Medication Information
Warnings and Precautions
Vascular risks: Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if a thrombotic event occurs. Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery. Start no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. ( 5.1 ) Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): If patient exhibits signs or symptoms of TSS, consider the possibility of this diagnosis and initiate appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. ( 5.2 ) Liver disease: Discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if jaundice develops. ( 5.3 ) High blood pressure: If used in women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if blood pressure rises significantly. ( 5.5 ) Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects: Monitor prediabetic and diabetic women. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. ( 5.9 ) Headache: Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if indicated. ( 5.10 ) Uterine bleeding: Evaluate irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. ( 5.11 )
Indications and Usage
FOR VAGINAL USE ONLY Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is indicated for use by females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy.
Dosage and Administration
One Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is inserted in the vagina. The ring must remain in place continuously for three weeks, followed by a one-week ring-free interval.
Contraindications
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions: A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who are known to: Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Have diabetes mellitus with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or migraine headaches with aura [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Liver tumors, benign or malignant or liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use CHCs during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone-sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, to any of the components of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Adverse Reactions (6) ] Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of CHCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling. Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Vascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Adverse reactions commonly reported by CHC users are: Irregular uterine bleeding Nausea Breast tenderness Headache
Drug Interactions
Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.
Storage and Handling
Product: 50090-5959 NDC: 50090-5959-0 1 d in a POUCH / 1 in a BOX
How Supplied
Product: 50090-5959 NDC: 50090-5959-0 1 d in a POUCH / 1 in a BOX
Description
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, CHCs, including Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. [See Contraindications (4) .]
Section 42229-5
No Hormonal Contraceptive Use in the Preceding Cycle:
The woman should insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the first day of her menstrual bleeding. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may also be started on Days 2-5 of the woman's cycle, but in this case a barrier method, such as male condoms with spermicide, should be used for the first seven days of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use in the first cycle.
Section 42230-3
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Patient Information Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring |
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What is the most important information I should know about Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring? Do not use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from combination hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke. |
Hormonal birth control methods help to lower the chances of becoming pregnant. They do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.
What is Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is a flexible birth control vaginal ring used to prevent pregnancy.
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring contains a combination of a progestin and estrogen, 2 kinds of female hormones. Birth control methods that contain both an estrogen and a progestin are called combination hormonal contraceptives (CHCs).
How well does Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring work?
Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions for using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. The better you follow the directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant.
Based on the results of a US clinical study, approximately 1 to 3 women out of 100 women may get pregnant during the first year they use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
The following chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who use different methods of birth control. Each box on the chart contains a list of birth control methods that are similar in effectiveness. The most effective methods are at the top of the chart. The box on the bottom of the chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who do not use birth control and are trying to get pregnant.
Who should not use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Do not use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring if you:
- smoke and are over 35 years old
- have or have had blood clots in your arms, legs, eyes, or lungs
- have an inherited problem with your blood that makes it clot more than normal
- have had a stroke
- have had a heart attack
- have certain heart valve problems or heart rhythm problems that can cause blood clots to form in the heart
- have high blood pressure that medicine can't control
- have diabetes with kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage
- have certain kinds of severe migraine headaches with aura, numbness, weakness, or changes in vision, or have any migraine headaches if you are over age 35
- have liver disease, including liver tumors
- take any Hepatitis C drug combination containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. This may increase levels of the liver enzyme "alanine aminotransferase" (ALT) in the blood
- have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is not for pregnant women.
- have or have had breast cancer or any cancer that is sensitive to female hormones
- are allergic to etonogestrel, ethinyl estradiol or any of the ingredients in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. See the list of ingredients in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at the end of this leaflet.
Hormonal birth control methods may not be a good choice for you if you have ever had jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) caused by pregnancy or related to previous use of hormonal birth control.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any of the conditions listed above. Your healthcare provider can suggest another method of birth control.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Before you use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring tell your healthcare provider if you:
- have any medical conditions
- smoke
- are pregnant or think you are pregnant
- recently had a baby
- recently had a miscarriage or abortion
- have a family history of breast cancer
- have or have had breast nodules, fibrocystic disease, an abnormal breast x-ray, or abnormal mammogram
- use tampons and have a history of toxic shock syndrome
- have been diagnosed with depression
- have had liver problems including jaundice during pregnancy
- have or have had elevated cholesterol or triglycerides
- have or have had gallbladder, liver, heart, or kidney disease
- have diabetes
- have a history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) caused by pregnancy (also called cholestasis of pregnancy)
- have a history of scanty or irregular menstrual periods
- have any condition that makes the vagina become irritated easily
- have or have had high blood pressure
- have or have had migraines or other headaches or seizures
- are scheduled for surgery. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may increase your risk of blood clots after surgery. You should stop using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at least 4 weeks before you have surgery and not restart it until at least 2 weeks after your surgery.
- are scheduled for any laboratory tests. Certain blood tests may be affected by hormonal birth control methods.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Hormonal birth control methods that contain estrogen, like Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, may decrease the amount of milk you make. A small amount of hormones from Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may pass into your breast milk. Consider another non-hormonal method of birth control until you are ready to stop breastfeeding.
- have (or have ever had) an allergic reaction while using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, including hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing (anaphylaxis and/or angioedema).
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and herbal products you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Some medicines and herbal products may make hormonal birth control less effective, including, but not limited to:
- certain anti-seizure medicines (such as barbiturates, carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, rufinamide and topiramate)
- medicine to treat fungal infections (griseofulvin)
- certain combinations of HIV medicines, (such as nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir)
- certain hepatitis C (HCV) medicines (such as boceprevir and telaprevir)
- non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (such as efavirenz and nevirapine)
- medicine to treat tuberculosis (such as rifampicin and rifabutin)
- medicine to treat high blood pressure in the vessels of the lung (bosentan)
- medicine to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (aprepitant)
- St John's wort
Use an additional barrier contraceptive method (such as a male condom with spermicide) when you take medicines that may make Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring less effective. Since the effect of another medicine on Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may last up to 28 days after stopping the medicine, it is necessary to use the additional barrier contraceptive method for that long to help prevent you from becoming pregnant. While using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, you should not use certain female barrier contraceptive methods such as a vaginal diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom as your back-up method of birth control because Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may interfere with the correct placement and position of a diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom.
Some medicines and grapefruit juice may increase the level of ethinyl estradiol in your blood if used together, including:
- the pain reliever acetaminophen
- ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- medicines that affect how your liver breaks down other medicines (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and diltiazem)
- certain HIV medicines (atazanavir/ritonavir and indinavir)
- non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (such as etravirine)
- medicines to lower cholesterol such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin
Hormonal birth control methods may interact with lamotrigine, a medicine used for seizures. This may increase the risk of seizures, so your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose of lamotrigine.
Women on thyroid replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone.
Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you take any of the medicines listed above. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
- Read the Instructions for Use at the end of this Patient Information that comes with your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for information about the right way to use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
- Use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
- Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is used in a 4-week cycle.
- Insert 1 Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the vagina and keep it in place for 3 weeks (21 days). Regularly check that Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is in your vagina (for example, before and after intercourse) to ensure that you are protected from pregnancy.
- Remove the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for a 1-week break (7 days). During the 1-week break (7 days), you will usually have your menstrual period.
Note: Insert and remove Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the same day of the week and at the same time:- For example, if you insert your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on a Monday at 8:00 am, you should remove it on the Monday 3 weeks later at 8:00 am.
- After your 1-week (7 days) break, you should insert a new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the next Monday at 8:00 am.
- While using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, you should not use certain female barrier contraceptive methods such as a vaginal diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom as your back-up method of birth control because Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may interfere with the correct placement and position of a diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom.
- Ring breakage has occurred when also using a vaginal product such as a lubricant or treatment for infection (see "What should I do if my Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring comes out of my vagina?"). Use of spermicides or vaginal yeast products will not make Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring less effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Use of tampons will not make Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring less effective or stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring from working.
- If Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been left inside your vagina for more than 4 weeks (28 days), you may not be protected from pregnancy and you should see your healthcare provider to be sure you are not pregnant. Until you know the results of your pregnancy test, you should use an extra method of birth control, such as male condoms with spermicide, until the new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been in place for 7 days in a row.
- Do not use more than 1 Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at a time. Too much hormonal birth control medicine in your body may cause nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding.
Your healthcare provider should examine you at least 1 time a year to see if you have any signs of side effects from using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
What are the possible side effects of using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may cause serious side effects, including:
blood clots. Like pregnancy, combination hormonal birth control methods increase the risk of serious blood clots (see following graph), especially in women who have other risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, or age greater than 35. This increased risk is highest when you first start using a combination hormonal birth control method or when you restart the same or different combination hormonal birth control method after not using it for a month or more. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk of getting a blood clot before using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring or before deciding which type of birth control is right for you.
In some studies of women who used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, the risk of getting a blood clot was similar to the risk in women who used combination birth control pills.
Other studies have reported that the risk of blood clots was higher for women who use combination birth control pills containing desogestrel (a progestin similar to the progestin in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring) than for women who use combination birth control pills that do not contain desogestrel.
It is possible to die or be permanently disabled from a problem caused by a blood clot, such as heart attack or stroke. Some examples of serious blood clots are blood clots in the:
- legs (deep vein thrombosis)
- lungs (pulmonary embolus)
- eyes (loss of eyesight)
- heart (heart attack)
- brain (stroke)
To put the risk of developing a blood clot into perspective: If 10,000 women who are not pregnant and do not use hormonal birth control are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these women will develop a blood clot. The figure below shows the likelihood of developing a serious blood clot for women who are not pregnant and do not use hormonal birth control, for women who use hormonal birth control, for pregnant women, and for women in the first 12 weeks after delivering a baby.
Likelihood of Developing a Serious Blood Clot (Venous Thromboembolism [VTE])
*CHC=combination hormonal contraception
**Pregnancy data based on actual duration of pregnancy in the reference studies. Based on a model assumption that pregnancy duration is nine months, the rate is 7 to 27 per 10,000 WY.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:
- leg pain that does not go away
- sudden shortness of breath
- sudden blindness, partial or complete
- severe pain or pressure in your chest
- sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches
- weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or trouble speaking
- yellowing of the skin or eyeballs
Other serious risks include:
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Some of the symptoms are much the same as the flu, but they can become serious very quickly. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency treatment right away if you have the following symptoms:
- sudden high fever
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- a sunburn-like rash
- muscle aches
- dizziness
- fainting or feeling faint when standing up
- allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing (anaphylaxis and/or angioedema)
- liver problems, including liver tumors
- high blood pressure
- gallbladder problems
- accidental insertion into bladder
- symptoms of a problem called angioedema if you already have a family history of angioedema
The most common side effects of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring are:
- tissue irritation inside your vagina or on your cervix
- headache (including migraine)
- mood changes (including depression, especially if you had depression in the past). Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any thoughts of harming yourself.
- Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring problems, including the ring slipping out or causing discomfort
- nausea and vomiting
- vaginal discharge
- weight gain
- vaginal discomfort
- breast pain, discomfort, or tenderness
- painful menstrual periods
- abdominal pain
- acne
- less sexual desire
Some women have spotting or light bleeding during Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use. If these symptoms occur, do not stop using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. The problem will usually go away. If it doesn't go away, check with your healthcare provider.
Other side effects seen with Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring include breast discharge; vaginal injury (including pain, discomfort, and bleeding) associated with broken rings; and penis discomfort of the partner (such as irritation, rash, itching).
Less common side effects seen with combination hormonal birth control include:
- Blotchy darkening of your skin, especially on your face
- High blood sugar, especially in women who already have diabetes
- High fat (cholesterol, triglycerides) levels in the blood
There have been reports of the ring becoming stuck to the vaginal tissue and having to be removed by a healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if you are unable to remove your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring and throw away used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Rings?
- Store Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Store Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at room temperature for up to 4 months after you receive it. Throw Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring away if the expiration date on the label has passed.
- Do not store Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring above 86°F (30°C).
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Place the used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the re-closable foil pouch and properly throw it away in your household trash out of the reach of children and pets. Do not flush your used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring down the toilet.
Keep Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in the Patient Information. Do not use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring to other people. It may harm them.
This leaflet summarizes the most important information about Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring that is written for health professionals.
For more information on Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring call 1-844-674-3200.
What are the ingredients in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Active ingredients: etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol
Inactive ingredients: ethylene vinylacetate copolymers (28% and 9% vinylacetate) and magnesium stearate.
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is not made with natural rubber latex.
Does hormonal birth control cause cancer?
It is not known if hormonal birth control causes breast cancer. Some studies, but not all, suggest that there could be a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer among current users with longer duration of use.
If you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use hormonal birth control because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones.
Women who use hormonal birth control methods may have a slightly higher chance of getting cervical cancer. However, this may be due to other reasons such as having more sexual partners.
What should I know about my period when using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
When you use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring you may have bleeding and spotting between periods, called unplanned bleeding. Unplanned bleeding may vary from slight staining between menstrual periods to breakthrough bleeding, which is a flow much like a regular period. Unplanned bleeding occurs most often during the first few months of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use, but may also occur after you have been using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for some time. Such bleeding may be temporary and usually does not indicate any serious problems. It is important to continue using the ring on schedule. If the unplanned bleeding or spotting is heavy or lasts for more than a few days, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider.
What if I miss my regular scheduled period when using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Some women miss periods on hormonal birth control, even when they are not pregnant. Consider the possibility that you may be pregnant if:
- you miss a period and Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring was out of the vagina for more than 3 hours during the 3 weeks (21 days) of ring use
- you miss a period and waited longer than 1 week to insert a new ring
- you have followed the instructions and you miss 2 periods in a row
- you have left Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in place for longer than 4 weeks (28 days)
What if I want to become pregnant?
You may stop using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring whenever you wish. Consider a visit with your healthcare provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup before you stop using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
Section 43683-2
| Warnings and Precautions (5.14) | 4/2022 |
Section 59845-8
|
Instructions for Use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring |
Read these Instructions for Use before you start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your treatment.
How should I start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
If you are not currently using hormonal birth control, you have 2 ways to start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. Choose the best way for you:
- First Day Start: Insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the first day of your menstrual period. You will not need to use another birth control method since you are using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the first day of your menstrual period.
- Day 2 to Day 5 Cycle Start: You may choose to start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on days 2 to 5 of your menstrual period. Make sure you also use an extra method of birth control (barrier method), such as male condoms with spermicide for the first 7 days of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use in the first cycle.
If you are changing from a birth control pill or patch to Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring:
If you have been using your birth control method correctly and are certain that you are not pregnant, you can change to Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring any day. Do not start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring any later than the day you would start your next birth control pill or apply your patch.
If you are changing from a progestin-only birth control method, such as a minipill, implant or injection or from an intrauterine system (IUS):
- You may switch from a minipill on any day. Start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the day that you would have taken your next minipill.
- You should switch from an implant or the IUS and start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the day that you remove the implant or IUS.
- You should switch from an injectable and start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the day when your next injection would be due.
If you are changing from a minipill, implant or injection or from an intrauterine system (IUS), you should use an extra method of birth control, such as a male condom with spermicide during the first 7 days of using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
If you start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring after an abortion or miscarriage:
- Following a first trimester abortion or miscarriage: You may start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring within 5 days following a first trimester abortion or miscarriage (the first 12 weeks of pregnancy). You do not need to use an additional birth control method.
- If you do not start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring within 5 days after a first trimester abortion or miscarriage, use a non-hormonal birth control method, such as male condoms and spermicide, while you wait for your period to start. Begin Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at the time of your next menstrual period. Count the first day of your menstrual period as "Day 1" and start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring one of the following 2 ways below.
- First Day Start: Insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the first day of your menstrual period. You will not need to use another birth control method since you are using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the first day of your menstrual period.
- Day 2 to Day 5 Cycle Start: You may choose to start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on Days 2 to 5 of your menstrual period. Make sure you also use an extra method of birth control (barrier method), such as male condoms with spermicide for the first 7 days of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use in the first cycle.
- Following a second trimester abortion or miscarriage: You may start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring no sooner than 4 weeks (28 days) after a second trimester abortion (after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy).
If you are starting Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring after childbirth:
- You may start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring no sooner than 4 weeks (28 days) after having a baby if you are not breastfeeding.
- If you have not gotten your menstrual period after childbirth, you should talk to your healthcare provider. You may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
- Use another birth control method such as male condoms with spermicide for the first 7 days in addition to Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
If you are breastfeeding you should not use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. Use other birth control methods until you are no longer breastfeeding.
Step 1. Choose a position for insertion of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
- Choose the position that is comfortable for you. For example, lying down, squatting, or standing with 1 leg up (See Figures A, B, and C).
Positions for Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring insertion
| Figure A | Figure B | Figure C |
Step 2. Open the pouch to remove your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
- Each Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring comes in a re-sealable foil pouch.
- Wash and dry your hands before removing Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring from the foil pouch.
- Open the foil pouch at either notch near the top.
- Keep the foil pouch so you can place your used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in it before you throw it away in your household trash.
Step 3. Prepare Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for insertion.
- Hold Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring between your thumb and index finger and press the sides of the ring together (See Figures D and E).
| Figure D | Figure E |
Step 4. Insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring into your vagina.
- Insert the folded Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring into your vagina and gently push it further up into your vagina using your index finger (See Figures F and G).
- When you insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring it may be in different positions in your vagina, but Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring does not have to be in an exact position for it to work (See Figures H and I).
- Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may move around slightly within your vagina. This is normal. Although some women may be aware of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the vagina, most women do not feel it when it is in place.
| Figure F | ||
| Figure G | Figure H | Figure I |
Inserting Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring ( Figure F, Figure G) and positioning Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring ( Figure H, Figure I)
Note:
- If the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring feels uncomfortable, you may not have pushed the ring into your vagina far enough. Use your finger to gently push the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring as far as you can into your vagina. There is no danger of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring being pushed too far up in the vagina or getting lost (See Figure G).
- Some women have accidentally inserted Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring into their bladder. If you have pain during or after insertion and you cannot find Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in your vagina, call your healthcare provider right away.
- Regularly check that Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is in your vagina (for example, before and after intercourse) to ensure you are protected from pregnancy.
Step 5. How do I remove Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Choose the position that is most comfortable for you (See Figures A, B, and C).
- Put your index finger into your vagina and hook it through the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. Gently pull downward and forward to remove the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring and pull it out (See Figure J).
Step 6. Throw away the used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
- Place the used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the re-sealable foil pouch and put it in a trash can out of the reach of children and pets.
- Do not throw Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the toilet.
What else should I know about using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
What if I leave Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in too long?
- If you leave Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in your vagina for up to 4 weeks (28 days) you will still be getting pregnancy protection. Remove your old Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for 1 week (7 days) and insert a new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring 1 week (7 days) later (See Steps 1 through 4).
- If you leave Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in your vagina longer than 4 weeks (28 days), remove the ring and check to make sure you are not pregnant.
If you are not pregnant, insert a new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring (See Steps 1 through 4). You must use another birth control method, such as male condoms with spermicide, until the new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been used for 7 days in a row.
What should I do if my Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring comes out of my vagina?
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring can slip or accidentally come out (expelled) of your vagina, for example, during sexual intercourse, bowel movements, use of tampons, or if it breaks.
- Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may break causing the ring to lose its shape. If the ring stays in your vagina this should not lower Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring's effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.
- If Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring breaks and slips out of your vagina, throw the broken ring in your household trash out of the reach of children and pets.
- Insert a new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring (See Steps 1 through 4).
- You should pay attention when removing a tampon to be sure that your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is not accidentally pulled out.
- Be sure to insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring before inserting a tampon.
- If you accidentally pull out your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring while using tampons, rinse your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in cool to lukewarm (not hot) water and insert it again right away.
- Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring can be pushed out of (expelled from) your vagina, for example, during sexual intercourse or during a bowel movement.
- If the expelled ring has been out of your vagina for less than 3 hours, rinse the expelled Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in cool to lukewarm (not hot) water and insert it again right away.
- If the expelled Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been out of your vagina for more than 3 continuous hours:
- During Weeks 1 and 2, you may not be protected from pregnancy. Reinsert the ring as soon as you remember (See Steps 1 through 4). Use another birth control method, such as male condoms with spermicide, until the ring has been in place for 7 days in a row.
-
During Week 3, do not reinsert the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring that has been out of your vagina; but throw it away in your household trash away from children and pets. Use another birth control method, such as male condoms with spermicide, until the new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been used for 7 days in a row, following one of the two options below:
-
-Option 1. Insert a new ring right away to start your next 21 Day Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use cycle. You may not have your regular period, but you may have spotting or vaginal bleeding.
-
-Option 2. Insert a new ring no later than 7 days from the time the previous ring was removed or expelled. During this time, you may have your period.
-
- If Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring was out of the vagina for an unknown amount of time, you may not be protected from pregnancy. Perform a pregnancy test prior to inserting a new ring and consult your healthcare provider.
This Patient Information and Instructions for Use have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
10 Overdosage
There have been no reports of serious ill effects from overdose of CHCs. Overdosage may cause withdrawal bleeding in females and nausea. If the ring breaks, it does not release a higher dose of hormones. In case of suspected overdose, all Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring rings should be removed and symptomatic treatment given.
15 References
- Dinger, J et. al., Cardiovascular risk associated with the use of an etonogestrel-containing vaginal ring. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2013; 122(4): 800-808.
- Sidney, S. et. al., Recent combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) and the risk of thromboembolism and other cardiovascular events in new users. Contraception 2013; 87: 93–100.
- Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) and the risk of cardiovascular endpoints. Sidney, S. (primary author) http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM277384.pdf, accessed 23-Aug-2013.
5.10 Headache
If a woman using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring if indicated.
Consider discontinuation of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the case of an increased frequency or severity of migraine during CHC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event) [see Contraindications (4)].
5.18 Chloasma
Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
11 Description
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is a non-biodegradable, flexible, transparent, colorless to almost colorless, combination contraceptive vaginal ring containing two active components, a progestin, etonogestrel (13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one) and an estrogen, ethinyl estradiol (19-nor-17α-pregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol). When placed in the vagina, each ring releases on average 0.120 mg/day of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg/day of ethinyl estradiol over a three-week period of use. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is made of ethylene vinylacetate copolymers (28% and 9% vinylacetate) and magnesium stearate and contains 11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is not made with natural rubber latex. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has an outer diameter of 54 mm and a cross-sectional diameter of 4 mm. The molecular weights for etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol are 324.46 and 296.40, respectively.
The structural formulas are as follows:
| C22H28O2 | C20H24O2 |
5.13 Depression
Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if depression recurs to a serious degree.
5.16 Monitoring
A woman who is using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring should have a yearly visit with her healthcare provider for a blood pressure check and for other indicated healthcare.
5.7 Vaginal Use
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may not be suitable for women with conditions that make the vagina more susceptible to vaginal irritation or ulceration. Vaginal/cervical erosion or ulceration in women using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been reported. In some cases, the ring adhered to vaginal tissue, necessitating removal by a healthcare provider and in some instances (i.e., when the tissue had grown over the ring), removal was achieved by cutting the ring without incising the overlying vaginal tissue.
Some women are aware of the ring on occasion during the 21 days of use or during intercourse, and sexual partners may feel Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the vagina.
8.4 Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for postpubertal adolescents under the age of 18 and for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.
8.5 Geriatric Use
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population.
14 Clinical Studies
In three large one-year clinical trials enrolling 2,834 women aged 18-40 years, in North America, Europe, Brazil, and Chile, the racial distribution was 93% Caucasian, 5.0% Black, 0.8% Asian, and 1.2% Other. Women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were excluded from these studies.
Based on pooled data from the three trials, 2,356 women aged < 35 years completed 23,515 evaluable cycles of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use (cycles in which no back-up contraception was used). The pooled pregnancy rate (Pearl Index) was 1.28 (95% CI [0.8, 1.9]) per 100 women-years of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use. In the US study, the Pearl Index was 2.02 (95% CI [1.1, 3.4]) per 100 women-years of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use.
Study data indicate the return of ovulation and spontaneous menstrual cycles in most women within a month after discontinuation of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use.
4 Contraindications
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions:
- A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who are known to:
- Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
- Have diabetes mellitus with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
- Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or migraine headaches with aura [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
- Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
- Liver tumors, benign or malignant or liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]
- Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
- Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use CHCs during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]
- Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone-sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)]
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, to any of the components of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Adverse Reactions (6)]
- Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
6 Adverse Reactions
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of CHCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling.
- Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Vascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
Adverse reactions commonly reported by CHC users are:
- Irregular uterine bleeding
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
7 Drug Interactions
Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.
8.7 Renal Impairment
The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has not been studied.
8.6 Hepatic Impairment
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has not been studied. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of CHC use until markers of liver function return to normal. [See Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3).]
1 Indications and Usage
FOR VAGINAL USE ONLY
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is indicated for use by females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy.
5.5 High Blood Pressure
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications (4)]. For women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if blood pressure rises significantly.
An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women using CHCs and this increase is more likely in older women and with extended duration of use. The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentrations of progestin.
5.8 Gallbladder Disease
Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among CHC users. Use of CHCs may also worsen existing gallbladder disease.
A past history of CHC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent CHC use. Women with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for CHC-related cholestasis.
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Combination hormonal contraceptives act by suppression of gonadotropins. Although the primary effect of this action is inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus (which increase the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduce the likelihood of implantation).
5.14 Malignant Neoplasms
Breast Cancer
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is contraindicated in females who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive [see Contraindications (4)].
Epidemiology studies have not found a consistent association between use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and breast cancer risk. Studies do not show an association between ever (current or past) use of COCs and risk of breast cancer. However, some studies report a small increase in the risk of breast cancer among current or recent users (<6 months since last use) and current users with longer duration of COC use [see Postmarketing Experience (6.2)].
Cervical Cancer
Some studies suggest that CHCs are associated with an increase in the risk of cervical cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia. However, there is controversy about the extent to which these findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.
5 Warnings and Precautions
- Vascular risks: Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if a thrombotic event occurs. Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery. Start no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. (5.1)
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): If patient exhibits signs or symptoms of TSS, consider the possibility of this diagnosis and initiate appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. (5.2)
- Liver disease: Discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if jaundice develops. (5.3)
- High blood pressure: If used in women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if blood pressure rises significantly. (5.5)
- Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects: Monitor prediabetic and diabetic women. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. (5.9)
- Headache: Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if indicated. (5.10)
- Uterine bleeding: Evaluate irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. (5.11)
5.17 Hereditary Angioedema
In women with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.
2 Dosage and Administration
One Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is inserted in the vagina. The ring must remain in place continuously for three weeks, followed by a one-week ring-free interval.
3 Dosage Forms and Strengths
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is a non-biodegradable, flexible, transparent, colorless to almost colorless, combination contraceptive vaginal ring, with an outer diameter of 54 mm and a cross-sectional diameter of 4 mm. It is made of ethylene vinylacetate copolymers and magnesium stearate, and contains 11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol. When placed in the vagina, each ring releases on average 0.120 mg/day of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg/day of ethinyl estradiol over a three-week period of use. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is not made with natural rubber latex.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of COCs and never-users of COCs reported no association between ever use of COCs and breast cancer risk, with effect estimates ranging from 0.90 - 1.12 (Figure 2).
Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 2). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 - 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8-10 years of COC use.
| RR = relative risk; OR = odds ratio; HR = hazard ratio. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are females that never used COCs. |
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema
Nervous system disorders: stroke/cerebrovascular accident
Vascular disorders: arterial events (including arterial thromboembolism and myocardial infarction), aggravation of varicose veins
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: urticaria, chloasma
Reproductive system and breast disorders: penile disorders, including local reactions on penis (in male partners of women using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring), galactorrhea
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: device breakage (including with concomitant use of intravaginal antimycotic, antibiotic, and lubricant products)
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: vaginal injury (including associated pain, discomfort, and bleeding) associated with ring breakage
8 Use in Specific Populations
- Nursing mothers: Not recommended; can decrease milk production. (8.2)
5.2 Toxic Shock Syndrome (tss)
Cases of TSS have been reported by Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring users. TSS has been associated with tampons and certain barrier contraceptives, and, in some cases the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring users were also using tampons. A causal relationship between the use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring and TSS has not been established. If a patient exhibits signs or symptoms of TSS, consider the possibility of this diagnosis and initiate appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
5.6 Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions of anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported during use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. If anaphylaxis and/or angioedema is suspected, Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring should be discontinued and appropriate treatment administered. [See Contraindications (4).]
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Trials with a duration of 6 to 13 28-day cycles provided safety data. In total, 2,501 women, aged 18 to 41 contributed 24,520 cycles of exposure.
Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 2%): vaginitis (13.8%), headache (including migraine) (11.2%), mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, mood altered, depressed mood, affect lability) (6.4%), device-related events (e.g., expulsion/discomfort/foreign body sensation) (6.3%), nausea/vomiting (5.9%), vaginal discharge (5.7%), increased weight (4.9%), vaginal discomfort (4.0%), breast pain/discomfort/tenderness (3.8%), dysmenorrhea (3.5%), abdominal pain (3.2%), acne (2.4%), and decreased libido (2.0%).
Adverse Reactions (≥ 1%) Leading to Study Discontinuation: 13.0% of the women discontinued from the clinical trials due to an adverse reaction; the most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were device-related events (2.7%), mood changes (1.7%), headache (including migraine) (1.5%) and vaginal symptoms (1.2%).
Serious Adverse Reactions: deep vein thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)], anxiety, cholelithiasis, and vomiting.
Etonogestrel/ethinyl Estradiol
5.15 Effect On Binding Globulins
The estrogen component of CHCs may raise the serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, and cortisol-binding globulin. The dose of replacement thyroid hormones or cortisol therapy may need to be increased.
17 Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).
Counsel patients regarding the following:
7.2 Effects of Chcs On Other Drugs
CHCs containing ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole) and increase their plasma concentrations. CHCs have been shown to decrease plasma concentrations of acetaminophen, clofibric acid, morphine, salicylic acid and temazepam. A significant decrease in the plasma concentrations of lamotrigine has been shown, likely due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control; therefore, dosage adjustments of lamotrigine may be necessary.
Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone because serum concentrations of thyroid-binding globulin increase with use of CHCs.
2.5 Use With Other Vaginal Products
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may interfere with the correct placement and position of certain female barrier methods such as a diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom. These methods are not recommended as back-up methods with Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use.
Pharmacokinetic data show that the use of tampons has no effect on the systemic absorption of the hormones released by Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
16 How Supplied/storage and Handling
Product: 50090-5959
NDC: 50090-5959-0 1 d in a POUCH / 1 in a BOX
7.4 Interference With Laboratory Tests
The use of contraceptive steroids may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins.
5.12 Inadvertent Urinary Bladder Insertion
There have been reports of inadvertent insertions of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring into the urinary bladder, which required cystoscopic removal. Assess for ring insertion into the urinary bladder in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring users who present with persistent urinary symptoms and are unable to locate the ring.
2.3 Deviations From the Recommended Regimen
To prevent loss of contraceptive efficacy, advise women not to deviate from the recommended regimen. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring should be left in the vagina for a continuous period of three weeks. Advise women to regularly check for the presence of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the vagina (for example, before and after intercourse).
5.9 Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects
Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who are using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. CHCs may decrease glucose tolerance.
Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. Some women will have adverse lipid changes while on CHCs.
Women with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may be at an increased risk of pancreatitis when using CHCs.
2.4 in the Event of A Missed Menstrual Period
- If the woman has not adhered to the prescribed regimen (Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been out of the vagina for more than three hours or the preceding ring-free interval was extended beyond one week), consider the possibility of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period and discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if pregnancy is confirmed.
- If the woman has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, rule out pregnancy.
- If the woman has retained one Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for longer than four weeks, rule out pregnancy.
5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems
Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if an arterial thrombotic or venous thromboembolic event (VTE) occurs. Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately. [See Adverse Reactions (6).]
If feasible, stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at least four weeks before and through two weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of thromboembolism, and during and following prolonged immobilization.
Start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week.
The use of CHCs increases the risk of VTE. Known risk factors for VTE include smoking, obesity, and family history of VTE, in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of CHCs [see Contraindications (4)].
Two epidemiologic studies1, 2, 3 that assessed the risk of VTE associated with the use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring are described below.
In these studies, which were required or sponsored by regulatory agencies, Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring users had a risk of VTE similar to Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) users (see Table 1 for adjusted hazard ratios). A large prospective, observational study, the Transatlantic Active Surveillance on Cardiovascular Safety of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring (TASC), investigated the risk of VTE for new users, and women who were switching to or restarting Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring or COCs in a population that is representative of routine clinical users. The women were followed for 24 to 48 months. The results showed a similar risk of VTE among Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring users (VTE incidence 8.3 per 10,000 WY) and women using COCs (VTE incidence 9.2 per 10,000 WY). For women using COCs that did not contain the progestins desogestrel (DSG) or gestodene (GSD), VTE incidence was 8.9 per 10,000 WY.
A retrospective cohort study using data from 4 health plans in the US (FDA-funded Study in Kaiser Permanente and Medicaid databases) showed the VTE incidence for new users of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring to be 11.4 events per 10,000 WY, for new users of a levonorgestrel (LNG)-containing COC 9.2 events per 10,000 WY, and for users of other COCs available during the course of the study
| Epidemiologic Study (Author, Year of Publication) Population Studied |
Comparator Product(s) | Hazard Ratios (HR) (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|
| TASC (Dinger, 2012) |
||
| Initiators, including new users, switchers and restarters | All COCs available during the course of the study Includes low-dose COCs containing the following progestins: chlormadinone acetate, cyproterone acetate, desogestrel, dienogest, drospirenone, ethynodiol diacetate, gestodene, levonorgestrel, norethindrone, norgestimate, or norgestrel
|
HR Adjusted for age, BMI, duration of use, VTE history : 0.8(0.5-1.5) |
| COCs available excluding DSG- or GSD -containing OCs | HR: 0.8 (0.4-1.7) |
|
| FDA-funded Study in Kaiser Permanente and Medicaid databases (Sidney, 2011) |
||
| First use of a combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) during the study period | COCs available during the course of the study Includes low-dose COCs containing the following progestins: norgestimate, norethindrone, or levonorgestrel
|
HR Adjusted for age, site, year of entry into study : 1.1(0.6-2.2) |
| LNG/0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol | HR: 1.0 (0.5-2.0) |
An increased risk of thromboembolic and thrombotic disease associated with the use of CHCs is well-established. Although the absolute VTE rates are increased for users of CHCs compared to non-users, the rates associated with pregnancy are even greater, especially during the post-partum period (see Figure 1).
The frequency of VTE in women using CHCs has been estimated to be 3 to 12 cases per 10,000 women-years.
The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of CHC use and after restarting a CHC following a break of at least four weeks. The risk of VTE due to CHCs gradually disappears after use is discontinued.
Figure 1 shows the risk of developing a VTE for women who are not pregnant and do not use CHCs, for women who use CHCs, for pregnant women, and for women in the postpartum period. To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: If 10,000 women who are not pregnant and do not use CHCs are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these women will develop a VTE.
| *CHC=combination hormonal contraception **Pregnancy data based on actual duration of pregnancy in the reference studies. Based on a model assumption that pregnancy duration is nine months, the rate is 7 to 27 per 10,000 WY. |
Several epidemiology studies indicate that third generation oral contraceptives, including those containing desogestrel (etonogestrel, the progestin in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, is the biologically active metabolite of desogestrel), may be associated with a higher risk of VTE than oral contraceptives containing other progestins. Some of these studies indicate an approximate two-fold increased risk. However, data from other studies have not shown this two-fold increase in risk.
Use of CHCs also increases the risk of arterial thromboses such as strokes and myocardial infarctions, especially in women with other risk factors for these events. CHCs have been shown to increase both the relative and attributable risks of cerebrovascular events (thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes). In general, the risk is greatest among older (>35 years of age), hypertensive women who also smoke.
Use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors.
2.1 How to Use Etonogestrel/ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring must be used as directed [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. One Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is inserted in the vagina. The ring is to remain in place continuously for three weeks. It is removed for a one-week break, during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs. A new ring is inserted one week after the last ring was removed.
The user can choose the insertion position that is most comfortable to her, for example, standing with one leg up, squatting, or lying down. The ring is to be compressed and inserted into the vagina. The exact position of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring inside the vagina is not critical for its function. The vaginal ring must be inserted on the appropriate day and left in place for three consecutive weeks. This means that the ring should be removed three weeks later on the same day of the week as it was inserted and at about the same time.
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring can be removed by hooking the index finger under the forward rim or by grasping the rim between the index and middle finger and pulling it out. The used ring should be placed in the sachet (foil pouch) and discarded in a waste receptacle out of the reach of children and pets (do not flush in toilet).
After a one-week break, during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs, a new ring is inserted on the same day of the week as it was inserted in the previous cycle. The withdrawal bleed usually starts on Day 2-3 after removal of the ring and may not have finished before the next ring is inserted. In order to maintain contraceptive effectiveness, the new ring must be inserted exactly one week after the previous one was removed even if menstrual bleeding has not finished.
Warning: Cigarette Smoking and Serious Cardiovascular Events
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, CHCs, including Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. [See Contraindications (4).]
2.2 How to Start Using Etonogestrel/ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring
IMPORTANT: Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to the first use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
5.4 Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations With Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment
During clinical trials with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen that contains ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with and without dasabuvir, ALT elevations greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), including some cases greater than 20 times the ULN, were significantly more frequent in women using ethinyl estradiol-containing medications, such as CHCs. Discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see Contraindications (4)]. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.
7.3 Concomitant Use With Hcv Combination Therapy – Liver Enzyme Elevation
Do not co-administer Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Structured Label Content
Section 42229-5 (42229-5)
No Hormonal Contraceptive Use in the Preceding Cycle:
The woman should insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the first day of her menstrual bleeding. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may also be started on Days 2-5 of the woman's cycle, but in this case a barrier method, such as male condoms with spermicide, should be used for the first seven days of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use in the first cycle.
Section 42230-3 (42230-3)
|
Patient Information Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring |
|
What is the most important information I should know about Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring? Do not use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from combination hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke. |
Hormonal birth control methods help to lower the chances of becoming pregnant. They do not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections.
What is Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is a flexible birth control vaginal ring used to prevent pregnancy.
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring contains a combination of a progestin and estrogen, 2 kinds of female hormones. Birth control methods that contain both an estrogen and a progestin are called combination hormonal contraceptives (CHCs).
How well does Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring work?
Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions for using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. The better you follow the directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant.
Based on the results of a US clinical study, approximately 1 to 3 women out of 100 women may get pregnant during the first year they use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
The following chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who use different methods of birth control. Each box on the chart contains a list of birth control methods that are similar in effectiveness. The most effective methods are at the top of the chart. The box on the bottom of the chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for women who do not use birth control and are trying to get pregnant.
Who should not use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Do not use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring if you:
- smoke and are over 35 years old
- have or have had blood clots in your arms, legs, eyes, or lungs
- have an inherited problem with your blood that makes it clot more than normal
- have had a stroke
- have had a heart attack
- have certain heart valve problems or heart rhythm problems that can cause blood clots to form in the heart
- have high blood pressure that medicine can't control
- have diabetes with kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage
- have certain kinds of severe migraine headaches with aura, numbness, weakness, or changes in vision, or have any migraine headaches if you are over age 35
- have liver disease, including liver tumors
- take any Hepatitis C drug combination containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir. This may increase levels of the liver enzyme "alanine aminotransferase" (ALT) in the blood
- have unexplained vaginal bleeding
- are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is not for pregnant women.
- have or have had breast cancer or any cancer that is sensitive to female hormones
- are allergic to etonogestrel, ethinyl estradiol or any of the ingredients in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. See the list of ingredients in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at the end of this leaflet.
Hormonal birth control methods may not be a good choice for you if you have ever had jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) caused by pregnancy or related to previous use of hormonal birth control.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any of the conditions listed above. Your healthcare provider can suggest another method of birth control.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Before you use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring tell your healthcare provider if you:
- have any medical conditions
- smoke
- are pregnant or think you are pregnant
- recently had a baby
- recently had a miscarriage or abortion
- have a family history of breast cancer
- have or have had breast nodules, fibrocystic disease, an abnormal breast x-ray, or abnormal mammogram
- use tampons and have a history of toxic shock syndrome
- have been diagnosed with depression
- have had liver problems including jaundice during pregnancy
- have or have had elevated cholesterol or triglycerides
- have or have had gallbladder, liver, heart, or kidney disease
- have diabetes
- have a history of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) caused by pregnancy (also called cholestasis of pregnancy)
- have a history of scanty or irregular menstrual periods
- have any condition that makes the vagina become irritated easily
- have or have had high blood pressure
- have or have had migraines or other headaches or seizures
- are scheduled for surgery. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may increase your risk of blood clots after surgery. You should stop using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at least 4 weeks before you have surgery and not restart it until at least 2 weeks after your surgery.
- are scheduled for any laboratory tests. Certain blood tests may be affected by hormonal birth control methods.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Hormonal birth control methods that contain estrogen, like Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, may decrease the amount of milk you make. A small amount of hormones from Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may pass into your breast milk. Consider another non-hormonal method of birth control until you are ready to stop breastfeeding.
- have (or have ever had) an allergic reaction while using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, including hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing (anaphylaxis and/or angioedema).
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and herbal products you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Some medicines and herbal products may make hormonal birth control less effective, including, but not limited to:
- certain anti-seizure medicines (such as barbiturates, carbamazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, rufinamide and topiramate)
- medicine to treat fungal infections (griseofulvin)
- certain combinations of HIV medicines, (such as nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir)
- certain hepatitis C (HCV) medicines (such as boceprevir and telaprevir)
- non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (such as efavirenz and nevirapine)
- medicine to treat tuberculosis (such as rifampicin and rifabutin)
- medicine to treat high blood pressure in the vessels of the lung (bosentan)
- medicine to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (aprepitant)
- St John's wort
Use an additional barrier contraceptive method (such as a male condom with spermicide) when you take medicines that may make Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring less effective. Since the effect of another medicine on Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may last up to 28 days after stopping the medicine, it is necessary to use the additional barrier contraceptive method for that long to help prevent you from becoming pregnant. While using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, you should not use certain female barrier contraceptive methods such as a vaginal diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom as your back-up method of birth control because Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may interfere with the correct placement and position of a diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom.
Some medicines and grapefruit juice may increase the level of ethinyl estradiol in your blood if used together, including:
- the pain reliever acetaminophen
- ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- medicines that affect how your liver breaks down other medicines (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and diltiazem)
- certain HIV medicines (atazanavir/ritonavir and indinavir)
- non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (such as etravirine)
- medicines to lower cholesterol such as atorvastatin and rosuvastatin
Hormonal birth control methods may interact with lamotrigine, a medicine used for seizures. This may increase the risk of seizures, so your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose of lamotrigine.
Women on thyroid replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone.
Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you take any of the medicines listed above. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
- Read the Instructions for Use at the end of this Patient Information that comes with your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for information about the right way to use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
- Use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
- Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is used in a 4-week cycle.
- Insert 1 Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the vagina and keep it in place for 3 weeks (21 days). Regularly check that Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is in your vagina (for example, before and after intercourse) to ensure that you are protected from pregnancy.
- Remove the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for a 1-week break (7 days). During the 1-week break (7 days), you will usually have your menstrual period.
Note: Insert and remove Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the same day of the week and at the same time:- For example, if you insert your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on a Monday at 8:00 am, you should remove it on the Monday 3 weeks later at 8:00 am.
- After your 1-week (7 days) break, you should insert a new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the next Monday at 8:00 am.
- While using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, you should not use certain female barrier contraceptive methods such as a vaginal diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom as your back-up method of birth control because Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may interfere with the correct placement and position of a diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom.
- Ring breakage has occurred when also using a vaginal product such as a lubricant or treatment for infection (see "What should I do if my Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring comes out of my vagina?"). Use of spermicides or vaginal yeast products will not make Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring less effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Use of tampons will not make Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring less effective or stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring from working.
- If Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been left inside your vagina for more than 4 weeks (28 days), you may not be protected from pregnancy and you should see your healthcare provider to be sure you are not pregnant. Until you know the results of your pregnancy test, you should use an extra method of birth control, such as male condoms with spermicide, until the new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been in place for 7 days in a row.
- Do not use more than 1 Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at a time. Too much hormonal birth control medicine in your body may cause nausea, vomiting, or vaginal bleeding.
Your healthcare provider should examine you at least 1 time a year to see if you have any signs of side effects from using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
What are the possible side effects of using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may cause serious side effects, including:
blood clots. Like pregnancy, combination hormonal birth control methods increase the risk of serious blood clots (see following graph), especially in women who have other risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, or age greater than 35. This increased risk is highest when you first start using a combination hormonal birth control method or when you restart the same or different combination hormonal birth control method after not using it for a month or more. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk of getting a blood clot before using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring or before deciding which type of birth control is right for you.
In some studies of women who used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, the risk of getting a blood clot was similar to the risk in women who used combination birth control pills.
Other studies have reported that the risk of blood clots was higher for women who use combination birth control pills containing desogestrel (a progestin similar to the progestin in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring) than for women who use combination birth control pills that do not contain desogestrel.
It is possible to die or be permanently disabled from a problem caused by a blood clot, such as heart attack or stroke. Some examples of serious blood clots are blood clots in the:
- legs (deep vein thrombosis)
- lungs (pulmonary embolus)
- eyes (loss of eyesight)
- heart (heart attack)
- brain (stroke)
To put the risk of developing a blood clot into perspective: If 10,000 women who are not pregnant and do not use hormonal birth control are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these women will develop a blood clot. The figure below shows the likelihood of developing a serious blood clot for women who are not pregnant and do not use hormonal birth control, for women who use hormonal birth control, for pregnant women, and for women in the first 12 weeks after delivering a baby.
Likelihood of Developing a Serious Blood Clot (Venous Thromboembolism [VTE])
*CHC=combination hormonal contraception
**Pregnancy data based on actual duration of pregnancy in the reference studies. Based on a model assumption that pregnancy duration is nine months, the rate is 7 to 27 per 10,000 WY.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:
- leg pain that does not go away
- sudden shortness of breath
- sudden blindness, partial or complete
- severe pain or pressure in your chest
- sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches
- weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or trouble speaking
- yellowing of the skin or eyeballs
Other serious risks include:
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Some of the symptoms are much the same as the flu, but they can become serious very quickly. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency treatment right away if you have the following symptoms:
- sudden high fever
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- a sunburn-like rash
- muscle aches
- dizziness
- fainting or feeling faint when standing up
- allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing (anaphylaxis and/or angioedema)
- liver problems, including liver tumors
- high blood pressure
- gallbladder problems
- accidental insertion into bladder
- symptoms of a problem called angioedema if you already have a family history of angioedema
The most common side effects of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring are:
- tissue irritation inside your vagina or on your cervix
- headache (including migraine)
- mood changes (including depression, especially if you had depression in the past). Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any thoughts of harming yourself.
- Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring problems, including the ring slipping out or causing discomfort
- nausea and vomiting
- vaginal discharge
- weight gain
- vaginal discomfort
- breast pain, discomfort, or tenderness
- painful menstrual periods
- abdominal pain
- acne
- less sexual desire
Some women have spotting or light bleeding during Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use. If these symptoms occur, do not stop using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. The problem will usually go away. If it doesn't go away, check with your healthcare provider.
Other side effects seen with Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring include breast discharge; vaginal injury (including pain, discomfort, and bleeding) associated with broken rings; and penis discomfort of the partner (such as irritation, rash, itching).
Less common side effects seen with combination hormonal birth control include:
- Blotchy darkening of your skin, especially on your face
- High blood sugar, especially in women who already have diabetes
- High fat (cholesterol, triglycerides) levels in the blood
There have been reports of the ring becoming stuck to the vaginal tissue and having to be removed by a healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if you are unable to remove your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring and throw away used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Rings?
- Store Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Store Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at room temperature for up to 4 months after you receive it. Throw Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring away if the expiration date on the label has passed.
- Do not store Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring above 86°F (30°C).
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Place the used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the re-closable foil pouch and properly throw it away in your household trash out of the reach of children and pets. Do not flush your used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring down the toilet.
Keep Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in the Patient Information. Do not use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring to other people. It may harm them.
This leaflet summarizes the most important information about Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring that is written for health professionals.
For more information on Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring call 1-844-674-3200.
What are the ingredients in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Active ingredients: etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol
Inactive ingredients: ethylene vinylacetate copolymers (28% and 9% vinylacetate) and magnesium stearate.
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is not made with natural rubber latex.
Does hormonal birth control cause cancer?
It is not known if hormonal birth control causes breast cancer. Some studies, but not all, suggest that there could be a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer among current users with longer duration of use.
If you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use hormonal birth control because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones.
Women who use hormonal birth control methods may have a slightly higher chance of getting cervical cancer. However, this may be due to other reasons such as having more sexual partners.
What should I know about my period when using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
When you use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring you may have bleeding and spotting between periods, called unplanned bleeding. Unplanned bleeding may vary from slight staining between menstrual periods to breakthrough bleeding, which is a flow much like a regular period. Unplanned bleeding occurs most often during the first few months of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use, but may also occur after you have been using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for some time. Such bleeding may be temporary and usually does not indicate any serious problems. It is important to continue using the ring on schedule. If the unplanned bleeding or spotting is heavy or lasts for more than a few days, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider.
What if I miss my regular scheduled period when using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
Some women miss periods on hormonal birth control, even when they are not pregnant. Consider the possibility that you may be pregnant if:
- you miss a period and Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring was out of the vagina for more than 3 hours during the 3 weeks (21 days) of ring use
- you miss a period and waited longer than 1 week to insert a new ring
- you have followed the instructions and you miss 2 periods in a row
- you have left Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in place for longer than 4 weeks (28 days)
What if I want to become pregnant?
You may stop using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring whenever you wish. Consider a visit with your healthcare provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup before you stop using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
Section 43683-2 (43683-2)
| Warnings and Precautions (5.14) | 4/2022 |
Section 59845-8 (59845-8)
|
Instructions for Use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring |
Read these Instructions for Use before you start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your treatment.
How should I start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
If you are not currently using hormonal birth control, you have 2 ways to start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. Choose the best way for you:
- First Day Start: Insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the first day of your menstrual period. You will not need to use another birth control method since you are using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the first day of your menstrual period.
- Day 2 to Day 5 Cycle Start: You may choose to start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on days 2 to 5 of your menstrual period. Make sure you also use an extra method of birth control (barrier method), such as male condoms with spermicide for the first 7 days of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use in the first cycle.
If you are changing from a birth control pill or patch to Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring:
If you have been using your birth control method correctly and are certain that you are not pregnant, you can change to Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring any day. Do not start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring any later than the day you would start your next birth control pill or apply your patch.
If you are changing from a progestin-only birth control method, such as a minipill, implant or injection or from an intrauterine system (IUS):
- You may switch from a minipill on any day. Start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the day that you would have taken your next minipill.
- You should switch from an implant or the IUS and start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the day that you remove the implant or IUS.
- You should switch from an injectable and start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the day when your next injection would be due.
If you are changing from a minipill, implant or injection or from an intrauterine system (IUS), you should use an extra method of birth control, such as a male condom with spermicide during the first 7 days of using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
If you start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring after an abortion or miscarriage:
- Following a first trimester abortion or miscarriage: You may start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring within 5 days following a first trimester abortion or miscarriage (the first 12 weeks of pregnancy). You do not need to use an additional birth control method.
- If you do not start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring within 5 days after a first trimester abortion or miscarriage, use a non-hormonal birth control method, such as male condoms and spermicide, while you wait for your period to start. Begin Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at the time of your next menstrual period. Count the first day of your menstrual period as "Day 1" and start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring one of the following 2 ways below.
- First Day Start: Insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the first day of your menstrual period. You will not need to use another birth control method since you are using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on the first day of your menstrual period.
- Day 2 to Day 5 Cycle Start: You may choose to start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring on Days 2 to 5 of your menstrual period. Make sure you also use an extra method of birth control (barrier method), such as male condoms with spermicide for the first 7 days of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use in the first cycle.
- Following a second trimester abortion or miscarriage: You may start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring no sooner than 4 weeks (28 days) after a second trimester abortion (after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy).
If you are starting Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring after childbirth:
- You may start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring no sooner than 4 weeks (28 days) after having a baby if you are not breastfeeding.
- If you have not gotten your menstrual period after childbirth, you should talk to your healthcare provider. You may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
- Use another birth control method such as male condoms with spermicide for the first 7 days in addition to Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
If you are breastfeeding you should not use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. Use other birth control methods until you are no longer breastfeeding.
Step 1. Choose a position for insertion of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
- Choose the position that is comfortable for you. For example, lying down, squatting, or standing with 1 leg up (See Figures A, B, and C).
Positions for Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring insertion
| Figure A | Figure B | Figure C |
Step 2. Open the pouch to remove your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
- Each Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring comes in a re-sealable foil pouch.
- Wash and dry your hands before removing Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring from the foil pouch.
- Open the foil pouch at either notch near the top.
- Keep the foil pouch so you can place your used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in it before you throw it away in your household trash.
Step 3. Prepare Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for insertion.
- Hold Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring between your thumb and index finger and press the sides of the ring together (See Figures D and E).
| Figure D | Figure E |
Step 4. Insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring into your vagina.
- Insert the folded Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring into your vagina and gently push it further up into your vagina using your index finger (See Figures F and G).
- When you insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring it may be in different positions in your vagina, but Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring does not have to be in an exact position for it to work (See Figures H and I).
- Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may move around slightly within your vagina. This is normal. Although some women may be aware of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the vagina, most women do not feel it when it is in place.
| Figure F | ||
| Figure G | Figure H | Figure I |
Inserting Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring ( Figure F, Figure G) and positioning Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring ( Figure H, Figure I)
Note:
- If the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring feels uncomfortable, you may not have pushed the ring into your vagina far enough. Use your finger to gently push the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring as far as you can into your vagina. There is no danger of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring being pushed too far up in the vagina or getting lost (See Figure G).
- Some women have accidentally inserted Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring into their bladder. If you have pain during or after insertion and you cannot find Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in your vagina, call your healthcare provider right away.
- Regularly check that Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is in your vagina (for example, before and after intercourse) to ensure you are protected from pregnancy.
Step 5. How do I remove Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Choose the position that is most comfortable for you (See Figures A, B, and C).
- Put your index finger into your vagina and hook it through the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. Gently pull downward and forward to remove the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring and pull it out (See Figure J).
Step 6. Throw away the used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
- Place the used Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the re-sealable foil pouch and put it in a trash can out of the reach of children and pets.
- Do not throw Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the toilet.
What else should I know about using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring?
What if I leave Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in too long?
- If you leave Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in your vagina for up to 4 weeks (28 days) you will still be getting pregnancy protection. Remove your old Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for 1 week (7 days) and insert a new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring 1 week (7 days) later (See Steps 1 through 4).
- If you leave Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in your vagina longer than 4 weeks (28 days), remove the ring and check to make sure you are not pregnant.
If you are not pregnant, insert a new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring (See Steps 1 through 4). You must use another birth control method, such as male condoms with spermicide, until the new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been used for 7 days in a row.
What should I do if my Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring comes out of my vagina?
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring can slip or accidentally come out (expelled) of your vagina, for example, during sexual intercourse, bowel movements, use of tampons, or if it breaks.
- Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may break causing the ring to lose its shape. If the ring stays in your vagina this should not lower Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring's effectiveness at preventing pregnancy.
- If Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring breaks and slips out of your vagina, throw the broken ring in your household trash out of the reach of children and pets.
- Insert a new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring (See Steps 1 through 4).
- You should pay attention when removing a tampon to be sure that your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is not accidentally pulled out.
- Be sure to insert Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring before inserting a tampon.
- If you accidentally pull out your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring while using tampons, rinse your Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in cool to lukewarm (not hot) water and insert it again right away.
- Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring can be pushed out of (expelled from) your vagina, for example, during sexual intercourse or during a bowel movement.
- If the expelled ring has been out of your vagina for less than 3 hours, rinse the expelled Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in cool to lukewarm (not hot) water and insert it again right away.
- If the expelled Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been out of your vagina for more than 3 continuous hours:
- During Weeks 1 and 2, you may not be protected from pregnancy. Reinsert the ring as soon as you remember (See Steps 1 through 4). Use another birth control method, such as male condoms with spermicide, until the ring has been in place for 7 days in a row.
-
During Week 3, do not reinsert the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring that has been out of your vagina; but throw it away in your household trash away from children and pets. Use another birth control method, such as male condoms with spermicide, until the new Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been used for 7 days in a row, following one of the two options below:
-
-Option 1. Insert a new ring right away to start your next 21 Day Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use cycle. You may not have your regular period, but you may have spotting or vaginal bleeding.
-
-Option 2. Insert a new ring no later than 7 days from the time the previous ring was removed or expelled. During this time, you may have your period.
-
- If Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring was out of the vagina for an unknown amount of time, you may not be protected from pregnancy. Perform a pregnancy test prior to inserting a new ring and consult your healthcare provider.
This Patient Information and Instructions for Use have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
10 Overdosage (10 OVERDOSAGE)
There have been no reports of serious ill effects from overdose of CHCs. Overdosage may cause withdrawal bleeding in females and nausea. If the ring breaks, it does not release a higher dose of hormones. In case of suspected overdose, all Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring rings should be removed and symptomatic treatment given.
15 References (15 REFERENCES)
- Dinger, J et. al., Cardiovascular risk associated with the use of an etonogestrel-containing vaginal ring. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2013; 122(4): 800-808.
- Sidney, S. et. al., Recent combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) and the risk of thromboembolism and other cardiovascular events in new users. Contraception 2013; 87: 93–100.
- Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) and the risk of cardiovascular endpoints. Sidney, S. (primary author) http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM277384.pdf, accessed 23-Aug-2013.
5.10 Headache
If a woman using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring develops new headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe, evaluate the cause and discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring if indicated.
Consider discontinuation of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the case of an increased frequency or severity of migraine during CHC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event) [see Contraindications (4)].
5.18 Chloasma
Chloasma may occasionally occur, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
11 Description (11 DESCRIPTION)
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is a non-biodegradable, flexible, transparent, colorless to almost colorless, combination contraceptive vaginal ring containing two active components, a progestin, etonogestrel (13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one) and an estrogen, ethinyl estradiol (19-nor-17α-pregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol). When placed in the vagina, each ring releases on average 0.120 mg/day of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg/day of ethinyl estradiol over a three-week period of use. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is made of ethylene vinylacetate copolymers (28% and 9% vinylacetate) and magnesium stearate and contains 11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is not made with natural rubber latex. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has an outer diameter of 54 mm and a cross-sectional diameter of 4 mm. The molecular weights for etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol are 324.46 and 296.40, respectively.
The structural formulas are as follows:
| C22H28O2 | C20H24O2 |
5.13 Depression
Carefully observe women with a history of depression and discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if depression recurs to a serious degree.
5.16 Monitoring
A woman who is using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring should have a yearly visit with her healthcare provider for a blood pressure check and for other indicated healthcare.
5.7 Vaginal Use
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may not be suitable for women with conditions that make the vagina more susceptible to vaginal irritation or ulceration. Vaginal/cervical erosion or ulceration in women using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been reported. In some cases, the ring adhered to vaginal tissue, necessitating removal by a healthcare provider and in some instances (i.e., when the tissue had grown over the ring), removal was achieved by cutting the ring without incising the overlying vaginal tissue.
Some women are aware of the ring on occasion during the 21 days of use or during intercourse, and sexual partners may feel Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the vagina.
8.4 Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for postpubertal adolescents under the age of 18 and for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated.
8.5 Geriatric Use
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population.
14 Clinical Studies (14 CLINICAL STUDIES)
In three large one-year clinical trials enrolling 2,834 women aged 18-40 years, in North America, Europe, Brazil, and Chile, the racial distribution was 93% Caucasian, 5.0% Black, 0.8% Asian, and 1.2% Other. Women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were excluded from these studies.
Based on pooled data from the three trials, 2,356 women aged < 35 years completed 23,515 evaluable cycles of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use (cycles in which no back-up contraception was used). The pooled pregnancy rate (Pearl Index) was 1.28 (95% CI [0.8, 1.9]) per 100 women-years of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use. In the US study, the Pearl Index was 2.02 (95% CI [1.1, 3.4]) per 100 women-years of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use.
Study data indicate the return of ovulation and spontaneous menstrual cycles in most women within a month after discontinuation of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use.
4 Contraindications (4 CONTRAINDICATIONS)
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions:
- A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who are known to:
- Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Have uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
- Have diabetes mellitus with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
- Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or migraine headaches with aura [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
- Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
- Liver tumors, benign or malignant or liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]
- Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
- Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use CHCs during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]
- Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone-sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)]
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, to any of the components of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Adverse Reactions (6)]
- Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
6 Adverse Reactions (6 ADVERSE REACTIONS)
The following serious adverse reactions with the use of CHCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling.
- Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Vascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
Adverse reactions commonly reported by CHC users are:
- Irregular uterine bleeding
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
7 Drug Interactions (7 DRUG INTERACTIONS)
Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations.
8.7 Renal Impairment
The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has not been studied.
8.6 Hepatic Impairment
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has not been studied. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of CHC use until markers of liver function return to normal. [See Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3).]
1 Indications and Usage (1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE)
FOR VAGINAL USE ONLY
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is indicated for use by females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy.
5.5 High Blood Pressure
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is contraindicated in women with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications (4)]. For women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if blood pressure rises significantly.
An increase in blood pressure has been reported in women using CHCs and this increase is more likely in older women and with extended duration of use. The incidence of hypertension increases with increasing concentrations of progestin.
5.8 Gallbladder Disease
Studies suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease among CHC users. Use of CHCs may also worsen existing gallbladder disease.
A past history of CHC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent CHC use. Women with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for CHC-related cholestasis.
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Combination hormonal contraceptives act by suppression of gonadotropins. Although the primary effect of this action is inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus (which increase the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduce the likelihood of implantation).
5.14 Malignant Neoplasms
Breast Cancer
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is contraindicated in females who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive [see Contraindications (4)].
Epidemiology studies have not found a consistent association between use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and breast cancer risk. Studies do not show an association between ever (current or past) use of COCs and risk of breast cancer. However, some studies report a small increase in the risk of breast cancer among current or recent users (<6 months since last use) and current users with longer duration of COC use [see Postmarketing Experience (6.2)].
Cervical Cancer
Some studies suggest that CHCs are associated with an increase in the risk of cervical cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia. However, there is controversy about the extent to which these findings may be due to differences in sexual behavior and other factors.
5 Warnings and Precautions (5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS)
- Vascular risks: Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if a thrombotic event occurs. Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery. Start no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. (5.1)
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): If patient exhibits signs or symptoms of TSS, consider the possibility of this diagnosis and initiate appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. (5.2)
- Liver disease: Discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if jaundice develops. (5.3)
- High blood pressure: If used in women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if blood pressure rises significantly. (5.5)
- Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects: Monitor prediabetic and diabetic women. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. (5.9)
- Headache: Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if indicated. (5.10)
- Uterine bleeding: Evaluate irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. (5.11)
5.17 Hereditary Angioedema
In women with hereditary angioedema, exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema.
2 Dosage and Administration (2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION)
One Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is inserted in the vagina. The ring must remain in place continuously for three weeks, followed by a one-week ring-free interval.
3 Dosage Forms and Strengths (3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS)
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is a non-biodegradable, flexible, transparent, colorless to almost colorless, combination contraceptive vaginal ring, with an outer diameter of 54 mm and a cross-sectional diameter of 4 mm. It is made of ethylene vinylacetate copolymers and magnesium stearate, and contains 11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol. When placed in the vagina, each ring releases on average 0.120 mg/day of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg/day of ethinyl estradiol over a three-week period of use. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is not made with natural rubber latex.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of COCs and never-users of COCs reported no association between ever use of COCs and breast cancer risk, with effect estimates ranging from 0.90 - 1.12 (Figure 2).
Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure 2). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 - 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8-10 years of COC use.
| RR = relative risk; OR = odds ratio; HR = hazard ratio. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are females that never used COCs. |
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema
Nervous system disorders: stroke/cerebrovascular accident
Vascular disorders: arterial events (including arterial thromboembolism and myocardial infarction), aggravation of varicose veins
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: urticaria, chloasma
Reproductive system and breast disorders: penile disorders, including local reactions on penis (in male partners of women using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring), galactorrhea
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: device breakage (including with concomitant use of intravaginal antimycotic, antibiotic, and lubricant products)
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: vaginal injury (including associated pain, discomfort, and bleeding) associated with ring breakage
8 Use in Specific Populations (8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS)
- Nursing mothers: Not recommended; can decrease milk production. (8.2)
5.2 Toxic Shock Syndrome (tss) (5.2 Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS))
Cases of TSS have been reported by Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring users. TSS has been associated with tampons and certain barrier contraceptives, and, in some cases the Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring users were also using tampons. A causal relationship between the use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring and TSS has not been established. If a patient exhibits signs or symptoms of TSS, consider the possibility of this diagnosis and initiate appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
5.6 Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions of anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported during use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. If anaphylaxis and/or angioedema is suspected, Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring should be discontinued and appropriate treatment administered. [See Contraindications (4).]
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Trials with a duration of 6 to 13 28-day cycles provided safety data. In total, 2,501 women, aged 18 to 41 contributed 24,520 cycles of exposure.
Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 2%): vaginitis (13.8%), headache (including migraine) (11.2%), mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, mood altered, depressed mood, affect lability) (6.4%), device-related events (e.g., expulsion/discomfort/foreign body sensation) (6.3%), nausea/vomiting (5.9%), vaginal discharge (5.7%), increased weight (4.9%), vaginal discomfort (4.0%), breast pain/discomfort/tenderness (3.8%), dysmenorrhea (3.5%), abdominal pain (3.2%), acne (2.4%), and decreased libido (2.0%).
Adverse Reactions (≥ 1%) Leading to Study Discontinuation: 13.0% of the women discontinued from the clinical trials due to an adverse reaction; the most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were device-related events (2.7%), mood changes (1.7%), headache (including migraine) (1.5%) and vaginal symptoms (1.2%).
Serious Adverse Reactions: deep vein thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)], anxiety, cholelithiasis, and vomiting.
Etonogestrel/ethinyl Estradiol (ETONOGESTREL/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL)
5.15 Effect On Binding Globulins (5.15 Effect on Binding Globulins)
The estrogen component of CHCs may raise the serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, and cortisol-binding globulin. The dose of replacement thyroid hormones or cortisol therapy may need to be increased.
17 Patient Counseling Information (17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION)
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).
Counsel patients regarding the following:
7.2 Effects of Chcs On Other Drugs (7.2 Effects of CHCs on Other Drugs)
CHCs containing ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole) and increase their plasma concentrations. CHCs have been shown to decrease plasma concentrations of acetaminophen, clofibric acid, morphine, salicylic acid and temazepam. A significant decrease in the plasma concentrations of lamotrigine has been shown, likely due to induction of lamotrigine glucuronidation. This may reduce seizure control; therefore, dosage adjustments of lamotrigine may be necessary.
Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone because serum concentrations of thyroid-binding globulin increase with use of CHCs.
2.5 Use With Other Vaginal Products (2.5 Use with Other Vaginal Products)
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring may interfere with the correct placement and position of certain female barrier methods such as a diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom. These methods are not recommended as back-up methods with Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use.
Pharmacokinetic data show that the use of tampons has no effect on the systemic absorption of the hormones released by Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
16 How Supplied/storage and Handling (16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING)
Product: 50090-5959
NDC: 50090-5959-0 1 d in a POUCH / 1 in a BOX
7.4 Interference With Laboratory Tests (7.4 Interference with Laboratory Tests)
The use of contraceptive steroids may influence the results of certain laboratory tests, such as coagulation factors, lipids, glucose tolerance, and binding proteins.
5.12 Inadvertent Urinary Bladder Insertion
There have been reports of inadvertent insertions of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring into the urinary bladder, which required cystoscopic removal. Assess for ring insertion into the urinary bladder in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring users who present with persistent urinary symptoms and are unable to locate the ring.
2.3 Deviations From the Recommended Regimen (2.3 Deviations from the Recommended Regimen)
To prevent loss of contraceptive efficacy, advise women not to deviate from the recommended regimen. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring should be left in the vagina for a continuous period of three weeks. Advise women to regularly check for the presence of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring in the vagina (for example, before and after intercourse).
5.9 Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolic Effects
Carefully monitor prediabetic and diabetic women who are using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring. CHCs may decrease glucose tolerance.
Consider alternative contraception for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. Some women will have adverse lipid changes while on CHCs.
Women with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may be at an increased risk of pancreatitis when using CHCs.
2.4 in the Event of A Missed Menstrual Period (2.4 In the Event of a Missed Menstrual Period)
- If the woman has not adhered to the prescribed regimen (Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring has been out of the vagina for more than three hours or the preceding ring-free interval was extended beyond one week), consider the possibility of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period and discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if pregnancy is confirmed.
- If the woman has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, rule out pregnancy.
- If the woman has retained one Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring for longer than four weeks, rule out pregnancy.
5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems
Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if an arterial thrombotic or venous thromboembolic event (VTE) occurs. Stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring use if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately. [See Adverse Reactions (6).]
If feasible, stop Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring at least four weeks before and through two weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of thromboembolism, and during and following prolonged immobilization.
Start Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week.
The use of CHCs increases the risk of VTE. Known risk factors for VTE include smoking, obesity, and family history of VTE, in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of CHCs [see Contraindications (4)].
Two epidemiologic studies1, 2, 3 that assessed the risk of VTE associated with the use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring are described below.
In these studies, which were required or sponsored by regulatory agencies, Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring users had a risk of VTE similar to Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) users (see Table 1 for adjusted hazard ratios). A large prospective, observational study, the Transatlantic Active Surveillance on Cardiovascular Safety of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring (TASC), investigated the risk of VTE for new users, and women who were switching to or restarting Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring or COCs in a population that is representative of routine clinical users. The women were followed for 24 to 48 months. The results showed a similar risk of VTE among Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring users (VTE incidence 8.3 per 10,000 WY) and women using COCs (VTE incidence 9.2 per 10,000 WY). For women using COCs that did not contain the progestins desogestrel (DSG) or gestodene (GSD), VTE incidence was 8.9 per 10,000 WY.
A retrospective cohort study using data from 4 health plans in the US (FDA-funded Study in Kaiser Permanente and Medicaid databases) showed the VTE incidence for new users of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring to be 11.4 events per 10,000 WY, for new users of a levonorgestrel (LNG)-containing COC 9.2 events per 10,000 WY, and for users of other COCs available during the course of the study
| Epidemiologic Study (Author, Year of Publication) Population Studied |
Comparator Product(s) | Hazard Ratios (HR) (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|
| TASC (Dinger, 2012) |
||
| Initiators, including new users, switchers and restarters | All COCs available during the course of the study Includes low-dose COCs containing the following progestins: chlormadinone acetate, cyproterone acetate, desogestrel, dienogest, drospirenone, ethynodiol diacetate, gestodene, levonorgestrel, norethindrone, norgestimate, or norgestrel
|
HR Adjusted for age, BMI, duration of use, VTE history : 0.8(0.5-1.5) |
| COCs available excluding DSG- or GSD -containing OCs | HR: 0.8 (0.4-1.7) |
|
| FDA-funded Study in Kaiser Permanente and Medicaid databases (Sidney, 2011) |
||
| First use of a combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) during the study period | COCs available during the course of the study Includes low-dose COCs containing the following progestins: norgestimate, norethindrone, or levonorgestrel
|
HR Adjusted for age, site, year of entry into study : 1.1(0.6-2.2) |
| LNG/0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol | HR: 1.0 (0.5-2.0) |
An increased risk of thromboembolic and thrombotic disease associated with the use of CHCs is well-established. Although the absolute VTE rates are increased for users of CHCs compared to non-users, the rates associated with pregnancy are even greater, especially during the post-partum period (see Figure 1).
The frequency of VTE in women using CHCs has been estimated to be 3 to 12 cases per 10,000 women-years.
The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of CHC use and after restarting a CHC following a break of at least four weeks. The risk of VTE due to CHCs gradually disappears after use is discontinued.
Figure 1 shows the risk of developing a VTE for women who are not pregnant and do not use CHCs, for women who use CHCs, for pregnant women, and for women in the postpartum period. To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: If 10,000 women who are not pregnant and do not use CHCs are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these women will develop a VTE.
| *CHC=combination hormonal contraception **Pregnancy data based on actual duration of pregnancy in the reference studies. Based on a model assumption that pregnancy duration is nine months, the rate is 7 to 27 per 10,000 WY. |
Several epidemiology studies indicate that third generation oral contraceptives, including those containing desogestrel (etonogestrel, the progestin in Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, is the biologically active metabolite of desogestrel), may be associated with a higher risk of VTE than oral contraceptives containing other progestins. Some of these studies indicate an approximate two-fold increased risk. However, data from other studies have not shown this two-fold increase in risk.
Use of CHCs also increases the risk of arterial thromboses such as strokes and myocardial infarctions, especially in women with other risk factors for these events. CHCs have been shown to increase both the relative and attributable risks of cerebrovascular events (thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes). In general, the risk is greatest among older (>35 years of age), hypertensive women who also smoke.
Use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring with caution in women with cardiovascular disease risk factors.
2.1 How to Use Etonogestrel/ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring (2.1 How to Use Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring)
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring must be used as directed [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)]. One Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring is inserted in the vagina. The ring is to remain in place continuously for three weeks. It is removed for a one-week break, during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs. A new ring is inserted one week after the last ring was removed.
The user can choose the insertion position that is most comfortable to her, for example, standing with one leg up, squatting, or lying down. The ring is to be compressed and inserted into the vagina. The exact position of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring inside the vagina is not critical for its function. The vaginal ring must be inserted on the appropriate day and left in place for three consecutive weeks. This means that the ring should be removed three weeks later on the same day of the week as it was inserted and at about the same time.
Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring can be removed by hooking the index finger under the forward rim or by grasping the rim between the index and middle finger and pulling it out. The used ring should be placed in the sachet (foil pouch) and discarded in a waste receptacle out of the reach of children and pets (do not flush in toilet).
After a one-week break, during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs, a new ring is inserted on the same day of the week as it was inserted in the previous cycle. The withdrawal bleed usually starts on Day 2-3 after removal of the ring and may not have finished before the next ring is inserted. In order to maintain contraceptive effectiveness, the new ring must be inserted exactly one week after the previous one was removed even if menstrual bleeding has not finished.
Warning: Cigarette Smoking and Serious Cardiovascular Events (WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS)
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, CHCs, including Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring, should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. [See Contraindications (4).]
2.2 How to Start Using Etonogestrel/ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring (2.2 How to Start Using Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring)
IMPORTANT: Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to the first use of Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring.
5.4 Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations With Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment (5.4 Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevations with Concomitant Hepatitis C Treatment)
During clinical trials with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen that contains ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with and without dasabuvir, ALT elevations greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), including some cases greater than 20 times the ULN, were significantly more frequent in women using ethinyl estradiol-containing medications, such as CHCs. Discontinue Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir [see Contraindications (4)]. Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with the Hepatitis C combination drug regimen.
7.3 Concomitant Use With Hcv Combination Therapy – Liver Enzyme Elevation (7.3 Concomitant Use with HCV Combination Therapy – Liver Enzyme Elevation)
Do not co-administer Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring with HCV drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
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Source: dailymed · Ingested: 2026-02-15T11:39:45.048031 · Updated: 2026-03-14T21:59:20.299217