How to Begin Using NuvaRing

Below are some basic guidelines for starting NuvaRing. As with any birth control, you should talk to your doctor and consult the Product Information for more details.

See for yourself how easy it is to get started with NuvaRing

If you are switching to NuvaRing from another hormonal birth control method
If you haven’t used a hormonal birth control in the past month or have been using only condoms, a diaphragm, or other barrier method of birth control in the past month
If you have delivered a baby or had a second-trimester abortion
If you had a complete first-trimester abortion or miscarriage

If you are switching to NuvaRing from another hormonal birth control method

When exactly you begin NuvaRing will depend on your specific birth control method. Below are some basic guidelines, but you should talk to your doctor and consult the Product Information for more details.

Switching from a pill (combination progestin and estrogen)
You can start NuvaRing on any day—but the latest day you can begin on is the day after taking your last "inactive" (hormone-free) pill. If you have been using your birth control consistently and correctly, you should not need an extra birth control method when you transition.

Switching from a patch (combination progestin and estrogen)
You can start NuvaRing on any day—but the latest day you can begin on is the one following your usual patch-free week. If you have been using your hormonal birth control consistently and correctly, you should not need an extra birth control method when you transition.

Switching from a mini-pill (progestogen-only)
You can start NuvaRing on any day. During the first 7 days of using NuvaRing, be sure to use an extra method of birth control (such as a condom or spermicide).

Switching from an injection (progestogen-only)
You should start NuvaRing on the day when your next injection would be due. During the first 7 days of using NuvaRing, be sure to use an extra method of birth control (such as a condom or spermicide).

Switching from an intrauterine system (IUS) or implant (progestogen-only)
You should start NuvaRing on the day your IUS or implant is removed. During the first 7 days of using NuvaRing, be sure to use an extra method of birth control (such as a condom or spermicide).

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If you haven't used a hormonal birth control in the past month or have been using only condoms, a diaphragm, or other barrier method of birth control in the past month

Insert NuvaRing on the first day of your cycle, (i.e., the first day of menstrual bleeding). NuvaRing will work immediately, it is not necessary to use an additional contraceptive method. You may also start on Day 2 to 5 of your cycle, but in this case make sure you use an extra method of birth control (barrier method), such as male condoms or spermicide for the first seven days of NuvaRing use in the first cycle.

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If you have delivered a baby or had a second-trimester abortion

If you choose not to breastfeed, you may start NuvaRing 4 weeks postpartum. Women who are breastfeeding should not use NuvaRing until the child is weaned. Until then choose another form of birth control.

When NuvaRing is used postpartum or postabortion, the increased risk of thromboembolism (a blood clot) must be considered. For more information, see the Product Information and consult your doctor. If you begin using NuvaRing postpartum you will need to use an additional method of birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) for the first 7 days. If you have not yet had a period, the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to starting NuvaRing should be considered.

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If you had a complete first-trimester abortion or miscarriage

If you start using NuvaRing within 5 days after a complete first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, you do not need to use an extra birth control method.

If you do not start NuvaRing within 5 days after a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, begin NuvaRing during the time of your next period. Counting the first day of your menstrual period as Day 1, insert your first NuvaRing on or before Day 5—even if you have not finished your menstrual period. During this first cycle, use an extra method of birth control (a barrier method such as condoms or spermicide) for the first 7 days of NuvaRing use.

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Prescription NuvaRing is a flexible vaginal ring approved for the prevention of pregnancy in women.

For additional important information, please see the PRODUCT INFORMATION, INCLUDING BOXED WARNING.

Important Safety Information:

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects when you use combination oral contraceptives. This risk increases even more if you are over age 35 and if you smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day. Women who use combination hormonal contraceptives, including NuvaRing, are strongly advised not to smoke

The use of combination oral contraceptives is associated with increased risks of several serious side effects, including blood clots, stroke or heart attack. NuvaRing is not for women with a history of these conditions. The risk of getting blood clots may be greater with the type of progestin in NuvaRing than with some other progestins in certain low-dose birth control pills. It is unknown if the risk of blood clots is different with NuvaRing use than with the use of certain birth control pills
NuvaRing is not for women with certain cancers or those who may be pregnant.
NuvaRing does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases
The most common side effects reported by NuvaRing users are: vaginal infections and irritation, vaginal secretion, headache, weight gain, and nausea

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Learn more about NuvaRing: 1-877-NUVARING

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Copyright © 2011 N.V. Organon., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
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