NuvaRing Side Effects

Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 21, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about NuvaRing Side Effects associated with ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name NuvaRing.

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

Common 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:

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:

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

Symptoms of overdose

• menstrual changes
• nausea
• vaginal bleeding

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ethinyl estradiol / etonogestrel: vaginal ring.

General adverse events

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

• What are my birth control options and how effective are they?
• Vaginal bleeding while Nuvaring is still inserted?
• Would it be a problem if the Nuvaring was stored at room temperature?
• What is the name of the generic NuvaRing?
• How long do antibiotics affect birth control?

Further information

NuvaRing side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer