NuvaRing

Why should NuvaRing not be prescribed?

Do not use NuvaRing if you have any of the following conditions:

A clotting disorder (past or present)
A tendency for strokes or mini-strokes (past or present)
Heart disease (past or present)
A heart valve disorder
Severe high blood pressure
Diabetes with impaired circulation
Certain types of headaches
Breast cancer (past or present)
Endometrial cancer or any other estrogen-dependent cancer
Unexplained vaginal bleeding
Liver disease or liver tumors
Jaundice during pregnancy or from prior hormonal contraceptive use
Pregnancy
Smoking 15 or more cigarettes per day past age 35
Planned surgery that will keep you immobilized
Allergy to any component of NuvaRing

Special warnings about NuvaRing

Hormonal contraceptives pose a slightly increased risk of blood clots and related disorders such as phlebitis, heart disease, heart attack, vision loss, and stroke. Smoking and advancing age increase this risk.

The estrogen in hormonal contraceptives also appears to cause a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer while the contraceptives are in use. This increase subsides after the contraceptives are stopped.

The risk of developing dangerous liver tumors also goes up very slightly. If you develop signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, you should stop using NuvaRing. Hormonal contraceptives can also hasten the development of gallbladder disease in susceptible women.

If you have diabetes, hormonal contraceptives may worsen the problem. In a few women, they cause an increase in triglyceride (blood fat) levels as well.

Especially in older women, hormonal contraceptives may foster an increase in blood pressure. If you already suffer from high blood pressure or kidney disease, it's best to avoid these drugs. If you do decide to use them and sustain an increase in blood pressure, you'll have to discontinue their use.

Similarly, if NuvaRing triggers migraine headaches or makes them worse, you'll need to stop using this product.