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NuvaRing Side Effects

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 8, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name NuvaRing.

Applies to ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel: vaginal insert extended release.

Warning

Vaginal route (Insert, Extended Release)

Women over 35 years old who smoke should not use etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive use.

Serious side effects of NuvaRing

Along with its needed effects, ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel:

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of NuvaRing

Some side effects of ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel: vaginal ring.

General

Adverse reactions leading to study discontinuation occurred in 13% of the women during clinical trials. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were device-related events (2.7%), mood changes (1.7%), headache/migraine (1.5%), and vaginal symptoms (1.2%).[Ref]

Genitourinary

Very common (10% or more): Vaginitis (13.8%)

Common (1% to 10%): Vaginal discharge, vaginal discomfort, breast pain/discomfort/tenderness, dysmenorrhea, genital pruritus, vaginal discomfort, pelvic pain, leucorrhoea, vaginal infection

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysuria, micturition urgency, pollakiuria, urinary tract infection, amenorrhea, breast enlargement, breast mass, cervical polyp, cervicitis, coital bleeding, coital discomfort, dyspareunia, ectropion of cervix, fibrocystic breast disease, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, pelvic discomfort, premenstrual syndrome, uterine spasm, vaginal burning sensation, vaginal odor, vaginal pain, vulvovaginal discomfort, vulvovaginal dryness

Frequency not reported: Penile disorder, galactorrhea, uterine bleeding irregular

Postmarketing reports: Local reaction to penis, vaginal injury (including associated pain, discomfort, and bleeding) associated with ring breakage[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blood pressure increased, hot flush

Rare (less than 0.1%): Venous thromboembolism, arterial thromboembolism

Frequency not reported: Deep vein thrombosis

Postmarketing reports: Arterial event, myocardial infarction, varicose vein aggravated[Ref]

In studies that were required or sponsored by regulatory agencies, this combined hormonal combination vaginal ring showed a VTE risk similar to combined oral contraceptive use (8.3 per 10,000 women-years versus 9.2 per 10,000 women-years).[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis, angioedema

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Medical device discomfort, discomfort/foreign body sensation[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, toothache

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abdominal distention, constipation, abdomen enlarged[Ref]

Oncologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Breast fibroadenosis

Frequency not reported: Hormone dependent tumors, liver tumor[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, coughing, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Acne

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, rash, alopecia, eczema

Frequency not reported: Urticaria, chloasma

Postmarketing reports: Angioedema[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Cholelithiasis, liver disease[Ref]

Ocular

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Visual disturbance[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reaction

Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Back pain

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle spasm, pain in extremity[Ref]

Metabolic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Appetite increased[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Mood changed/altered, depression, mood swings, affect lability, libido decreased

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anxiety, irritability[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Expulsion of contraceptive device, device-related event, weight increased, fatigue, fever, influenza-like symptoms

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Device breakage, device complication, cervicitis, herpes simplex, malaise, edema[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache/migraine (11.2%)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness, hypoesthesia

Postmarketing reports: Stroke/cerebrovascular accident[Ref]

Renal

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cystitis[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. NuvaRing (ethinyl estradiol-etonogestrel). Organon. 2001.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.