EluRyng and Headaches: What Users Say

• Rai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Reading some of the negative reviews... I have to say I had the opposite experience. I felt horrible with the NuvaRing, I had really bad headaches, mood swings, spotting, no sex drive, and felt very tired. I was switched to this by the pharmacy, and I thought I was finally getting used to the NuvaRing until I realized it was a different ring. Now, I’m not going to say there were no side effects with the EluRyng, but they were very mild, just some light spotting, but not as bad as with the NuvaRing. I think people with negative experiences are more likely to write reviews, so I wanted to share my experience."

• Kan...
• January 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing for 12 years. NuvaRing has completely helped my endo, and I have had no problems for years. Since I have been on EluRyng (How can we even trust this if they can't spell RING right?), I have had nonstop breakthrough bleeding, cramps, headaches, leg pain and numbness, and of course symptoms like tender boobs, bloating, even horrible stomach issues. I also noticed the coloration on the ring itself is not like NuvaRing. NuvaRing goes in clear and stays clear mostly for about 2 weeks, 3 weeks, then starts to turn an off-yellow color when the hormones fade and it's time for your period. This EluRyng will only stay clear for about a week and lose its hormones QUICKER, which is WHY I think we are having all this breakthrough bleeding or off-time periods! This is not okay!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on this for 3 months (I usually have NuvaRing and they didn’t tell me they changed it), but I've had the worst 3 months of my life. I’ve gained weight, gotten stretch marks everywhere even though my weight gain wasn’t significant, I’ve had horrible headaches, missed my period all 3 months. I’ve been so anxious and moody, tired all the time. The other night I started having horrible heart palpitations, and I ended up having a panic attack and throwing up. I felt like my heart was going to explode. I thought I was insane, so I googled the birth control because there was no other cause, and I read all these, and I took my ring out a week early. I’m already starting to feel more normal. This shouldn’t be legal. I went and bought the NuvaRing out of pocket the other day for $177. I’m lucky I can afford it, it’s ridiculous that insurance will put women through this to save a couple bucks."

• Cee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2020

For Birth Control "Wow, I thought I was crazy! Good to know that I'm not the only one who started having issues with the ring after being switched to the generic. I had been on NuvaRing for 5 years and never had any issues. My insurance recently switched me to the generic, and I've been having crazy bloating, fatigue, and headaches. Not at all happy with the new generic brand."

• Dai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

For Birth Control "My insurance provider now covers this versus the NuvaRing that I have used for 11 years. NEVER a problem with the original, but this generic is worse than a menstrual cycle. I have had cramping, bloating, painful breasts, discharge, headaches, migraine, body aches, and nausea since I started this. So disappointing, it has caused issues I didn’t even have with a cycle. I am 46 and now trying to figure out how I can budget $75 a month for the brand. This is awful."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2020

For Birth Control "'Lucky' I am not the only one with this issue. I got switched to the generic brand (because of my insurance) a couple of months ago without any warning. Nuvaring worked so well for me, so I figured this would be the same.... It's not. I make sure to follow the directions, but I have not had a period, I'm having constipation, small headaches, as well as losing my 'drive.' My biggest concern is the missed periods. I, strangely enough, enjoy my period. It makes me feel like everything is doing as it should and no pregnancy scares. This switch is not a good one, and I really wish I could return to Nuva."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I have been on NuvaRing since 2007 and have never had any issues. I was given EluRyng in September of 2020. It has been a horrible experience! I have bled 14 days straight. I also experienced fatigue, headaches, and nausea. I’ve also experienced mental changes. I’ve been unhappy and depressed. I am usually the happiest person in the world. My NP suggested I stay on it for 3 weeks for my body to adjust. I told her that I would never use it again! Worst birth control ever!"

• Cho...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I had great experiences with the Nuvaring, and then all of a sudden, my insurance company stopped giving it and gave me the EluRyng instead. Since I have been on this, I thought I was going crazy that I have spotted even before the three weeks are up, causing major issues with my interactions with my husband, headaches, breast sensitivity and swelling, leg cramps, abdominal cramps, fatigue. It's been crazy, and I thought it was just me. I wish my insurance would take Nuvaring again."

• Col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2020

For Birth Control "Terrible. I was on Nuvaring for about ten years on and off, and it was perfect: light periods, barely there, and zero side effects. Because of my insurance, I was switched to EluRyng, and it went downhill from there: heavy periods, never consistent, super irregular, always spotting. Haven’t stopped bleeding in over a month. I've been on it for about four months now. I’ve been nauseous, with cramps and lots of headaches! Not impressed and figuring out ways to afford Nuvaring again!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I was on NuvaRing for about 7 years. 6 months ago, I was informed my insurance no longer pays for NuvaRing, and I was given this generic brand. So far, it’s been horrible. I, for one, started with NuvaRing because it’s so easy to deal with, and it literally got rid of my acne. Since using the generic brand, I get random headaches, mood swings, and guess what? Now I got cystic acne. Ugh, my face looks horrible. I haven’t had acne this bad since I was 16, and I’m 23 now. I called the insurance, and sure enough, they won’t cover the actual NuvaRing. Now I’m making a doctor’s appointment to find a new birth control. I guess I’ll be doing the pill."

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2020

For Birth Control "This was the absolute worst! I was on it for 2 weeks and could not fathom the idea of dealing with the side effects any longer than that! I felt sick, had a headache, felt constantly on edge, my stomach was upset, nauseated, bloated, and my breasts were swollen. It interrupted my entire day! I took it upon myself to pay out of pocket for NuvaRing, and I have no regrets about that decision. What’s awful is that all the medication coupons online are only for EluRyng! How can you force a medication on women that is making them feel so incredibly ill?"

• Jax...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2021

For Birth Control "After reading these comments, I feel justified. I’ve been feeling the absolute worst for the last 2 months without any obvious cause. I’ve spoken to my doctor about this mystery illness, gotten bloodwork done, all to no avail. After my insurance switched me to EluRyng from NuvaRing 2 months ago without telling me, I have literally wondered why I feel so bad. I have had a constant-and I do mean constant-headache every single day. I’ve had bouts of nausea and vomiting. I’ve lost 5 lbs this month. I’ve never been so fatigued in my life. My anxiety, which has been under control, has been off the charts, and I’m snapping at people for no reason. I’ve had absolutely no sex drive, which is unusual. And we hate to say it-but we shouldn’t-suicidal thoughts. This is the worst “medication” out there. And I really hope you read this BEFORE you also experience these symptoms and find yourself on Google because you think you’re wondering how to keep living."

• Nen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 9, 2020

For Birth Control "I was using NuvaRing for approximately a year when I was switched to EluRyng. I thought nothing of it, as generics are usually the same product with different labeling. A month later, I thought I was pregnant. I could not find the energy to do daily tasks, and my controlled depression became difficult to handle again. My breasts felt sore, I felt nauseous, and I got headaches easier than usual. And my period was way off. Two at-home pregnancy tests came back negative. But all of these symptoms weren't leaving, and I now have full-blown migraines every other day. Then I realized the only thing in my routine that changed is EluRyng. I started researching and found that all of my symptoms are side effects of EluRyng. I will be discussing this with my physician. This product gets a 1/10 for me because I didn't get pregnant, but with all the symptoms I experienced, I may as well have been."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2020

For Birth Control "I’ve been using NuvaRing for years, then was forced to switch to this generic version the past couple of months. Let me tell you, avoid it at all costs. I’ve had mood swings x100, spotting the whole time, horrible cramps and headaches. I’ve never had such mixed, dramatic moods in my life. I’ll be blessed if I don’t ruin any relationships I have with anyone. I’m thankful for reviews that are very similar, I feel less crazy, but this generic version is BAD. To top it off, my birthday is next week, no big deal *EYE ROLL*"

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2021

For Birth Control "I switched back to the other generic NuvaRing (made by Prasco), and I am back to normal. I had to get an override from my insurance company and had to make a bunch of calls, but it's been well worth it. I had one month of misery on the EluRyng (anxiety, itchy arms and legs, headaches, etc.). I am so glad I read everyone's posts and reached out to my doctor. I really thought that all generics were the same, but I was clearly wrong."

• Mim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2023

For Birth Control "If this would let me give it a zero out of 10, I would! Recently had a hard time getting NuvaRing approved, despite being on it for years. So, I gave this EluRyng a try because I was forced to. I and this thing only lasted 8-9 days. Let me just say that I’ve had the worst migraines, insomnia, fatigue, delirium, and mood swings. The worst was the headaches and migraines for me. It felt like my brain was in knots, definitely fog brain too. No exaggeration, I took it out and felt normal again within 12 hours. This is not it for me. I need my OB/GYN to work a little harder on getting my approval. I refuse to go back on this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 26, 2022

For Birth Control "Worst birth control EVER!! I was on the NuvaRing for years and have had no problems, I loved it! This thing is crap. I’m constantly spotting. My periods were super regular and always lasted 4 days. Now I will be on my period for weeks, then I spot randomly when I’m not. It’s sometimes painful to have sex. I have legit had such bad anxiety and depression! One night I broke down and told my husband I was suicidal!! Horrible headaches, feeling nauseous and tired all the time. I have thought multiple times I’m prego because of the side effects I was having. HORRIBLE birth control, I would rather use condoms than deal with this rubbish. Do NOT use this. It honestly should be recalled."

• Kan...
• January 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the worst reaction to EluRyng. It caused really bad nausea and headaches, but I figured it was just my hormones adjusting themselves. That was until my vagina completely swelled up, it was throbbing, I was getting shooting pains, and it was bright red. It was incredibly painful, and it began two weeks after taking it. I recently stopped, and now I feel so much better. Don't recommend whatsoever."

• Kan...
• January 8, 2021

For Birth Control "I had the worst reaction to EluRyng. It caused really bad nausea and headaches, but I figured it was just my hormones adjusting themselves. That was until my vagina completely swelled up, it was throbbing, I was getting shooting pains, and it was bright red. It was incredibly painful, and it began two weeks after taking it. I recently stopped, and now I feel so much better. Don't recommend whatsoever."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I was using the NuvaRing for several months, and I was very pleased with it, I never had any side effects. One day, my insurance switched me for the generic EluRyng. It causes me vaginal itch during the first couple of days after insertion. I’ve been having morning headaches. My stomach feels bloated. I had mild depression and anxiety in the past, which was under control, but this medication set it off. For the last two cycles, one or two days after I removed the ring, I experienced a terrible headache that will not go away for a day. I’ve never had headaches like those before. At the same time, I’m experiencing weakness, palpitations, cold sweat, and lightheadedness the week the ring is out. I called the insurance, and the doctor needs to request approval to put me back on the NuvaRing. They said it shouldn’t be a problem. Looking forward to getting back on the brand."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I was using the NuvaRing for several months, and I was very pleased with it, I never had any side effects. One day, my insurance switched me for the generic EluRyng. It causes me vaginal itch during the first couple of days after insertion. I’ve been having morning headaches. My stomach feels bloated. I had mild depression and anxiety in the past, which was under control, but this medication set it off. For the last two cycles, one or two days after I removed the ring, I experienced a terrible headache that will not go away for a day. I’ve never had headaches like those before. At the same time, I’m experiencing weakness, palpitations, cold sweat, and lightheadedness the week the ring is out. I called the insurance, and the doctor needs to request approval to put me back on the NuvaRing. They said it shouldn’t be a problem. Looking forward to getting back on the brand."

• Yoa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2021

For Birth Control "As most everyone else, I had been on NuvaRing for 5 years with absolutely no issues, switched to the EluRyng due to insurance no longer covering the brand name. When I first started, I immediately got really bad cramps! I started to get kind of moody and was experiencing severe anxiety, my neck and back hurt significantly. In December, I was having anxiety attacks, migraines, felt shaky, vertigo, and sleeping all day. I saw my doctor in December, forgot about the med change, and said depression and anxiety could be because of the pandemic. I started having panic attacks, and anxiety and depression continued. I couldn't wear my eyeglasses and had bad tension headaches. At the end of March, I looked up medication and read reviews of others, immediately contacted my gyno. I’ve only been back on the NuvaRing one cycle, but overall I feel better, still adjusting. I wonder how long before they pull it off the market because no one should have to go through these side effects."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2021

For Birth Control "TLDR; months-long headaches/migraines on EluRyng. EluRyng, never again. NuvaRing and Prasco generic are the ONLY options I'll use now. NuvaRing and EluRyng are NOT comparable. EluRyng gave me a constant headache for 2.5 months, with intermittent migraines. I regularly don't get headaches often, so this constant headache has been highly unusual. I even had my eyes checked, and there's nothing out of the ordinary. Plus, my blood pressure was close to normal and deemed not the cause for headaches. Also, EluRyng is NOT comparable to the Prasco generic. I didn't notice a difference between the Prasco generic and NuvaRing, and I was on NuvaRing for around 18 years before switching (meaning the Prasco generic worked well for me). I was on the EluRyng for 12 days before I felt terrible and have ever since. For easy reference, Prasco has maroon on the packaging; EluRyng looks similar to the NuvaRing packaging in that it's also blue."

• Eve...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 21, 2023

For Birth Control "I’m surprised to see so many negative reviews on the EluRyng. I know everyone’s experience can be different. I was on the NuvaRing for about 7 months until my insurance switched me to the EluRyng. I’ve been on it for about a year. So far, I had a great experience with it. I didn’t notice any difference from the brand name to the generic, except that the EluRyng is squishier and more flexible. I didn’t get any weight gain or mood swings. No headaches or anxiety. It has cleared my skin and helps knowing when my periods will come. I have the app to remind me. Overall, I give it a 9. I have nothing negative to say about it, except that it’d be nice if it came with an applicator."

• LCM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2022

For Birth Control "Awful!! Terrible!! I used NuvaRing for an IVF cycle, and since it has gone generic, my insurance doesn’t cover it, so I tried the EluRyng for the latest cycle. I have been feeling very angry with crazy mood swings, depression, and anxiety. I had to take it out because my mental health is severely suffering. I’m also starting to get headaches. I tried to wait it out - after 2 months maybe things would level out, but it just got worse. Big pharma and insurance companies don’t care about women’s health, and unless you do your research and advocate for yourself, they’ll just roll right over you. Would rate 0 if I could. This medication is dangerous."