NuvaRing

Hormonal contraceptives sometimes leave the user depressed. If you've suffered from depression in the past, use NuvaRing with caution. If you become depressed, alert your doctor immediately; you may need to discontinue use of NuvaRing.

Remember that NuvaRing, like other forms of hormonal contraception, does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking NuvaRing

If NuvaRing is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining NuvaRing with the following:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Antibiotics such as ampicillin and tetracycline
Anticonvulsants such as Dilantin, Phenobarbital, Tegretol, Trileptal, Topamax, Felbatol
Antifungals such as Gris-PEG, Nizoral, Sporanox
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
HIV drugs classified as protease inhibitors (Agenerase, Crixivan, Fortovase, Invirase, Kaletra, Norvir, Viracept)
Morphine (Astramorph, Kadian, MS Contin)
Phenylbutazone
Prednisolone (Prelone)
Rifadin (rifampin)
St. John's wort
Temazepam
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Vitamin C

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

NuvaRing should not be used during pregnancy or while nursing.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

NuvaRing is inserted in the vagina once a month. It stays in the vagina continuously for three weeks. It must be removed exactly 21 days after insertion. A new ring is inserted precisely 7 days later.

The time to start use of NuvaRing depends on your previous contraceptive program:

If you did not use a hormonal contraceptive in the past month

Count the first day of your menstrual period as day 1. Insert the first ring between day 1 and day 5 of the cycle, even if you are still bleeding on day 5. During the first cycle, use an extra method of birth control such as male condoms or spermicide for the first 7 days of ring use.

If you are switching from a combination birth control pill