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NUVARING
etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol · Insert, Extended Release
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen Receptor Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 45 members |
| Estrogen [EPC] | EPC | All 45 members |
| Progesterone Congeners [CS] | CS | All 40 members |
| Progestin [EPC] | EPC | All 40 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 021187-001 | NUVARING | RING | ETHINYL ESTRADIOL; ETONOGESTREL | Prescription | AB | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 41 | Labeling | Approved | May 31, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 40 | Labeling | Approved | April 29, 2022 | Standard |
| Supplement | 37 | Labeling | Approved | May 8, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 36 | Labeling | Approved | December 4, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 35 | Labeling | Approved | December 4, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 31 | Labeling | Approved | February 12, 2018 | Standard |
| Supplement | 34 | Labeling | Approved | December 4, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 32 | Labeling | Approved | August 9, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 28 | Labeling | Approved | May 30, 2017 | Standard |
| Supplement | 27 | Efficacy | Approved | September 30, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 20 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 19, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 25 | Labeling | Approved | October 31, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 24 | Labeling | Approved | June 18, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 22 | Labeling | Approved | October 4, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 21 | Efficacy | Approved | October 4, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 23 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 19, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 18 | Labeling | Approved | April 29, 2008 | Standard |
| Supplement | 17 | Labeling | Approved | October 2, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 16 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 12, 2006 | N/A |
| Supplement | 12 | Efficacy | Approved | July 29, 2005 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 8 | Labeling | Approved | March 2, 2004 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Labeling | Approved | February 4, 2004 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 5, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | May 29, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 27, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | February 5, 2002 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 1 - New Molecular Entity | Approved | October 3, 2001 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · June 4, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · June 3, 2024
- 0 · Supplement · May 3, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · May 2, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · May 14, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · May 13, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · December 7, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · December 7, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · December 6, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · December 6, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · February 28, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · February 14, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · February 14, 2018
- 0 · Supplement · August 15, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · August 10, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · June 2, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · June 1, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · October 6, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · October 4, 2016
- 0 · Supplement · April 6, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · March 10, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · January 9, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · January 9, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · November 7, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · November 3, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · June 23, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · June 19, 2014
- 0 · Supplement · October 21, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · October 21, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · October 8, 2013
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20251001). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, CHCs, including NuvaRing, should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke. [See Contraindications (4) .] WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Women over 35 years old who smoke should not use NuvaRing. ( 4 ) Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. ( 4 )
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingWarnings and Precautions ( 5.14 ) 4/2022
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FOR VAGINAL USE ONLY NuvaRing ® is indicated for use by females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy. NuvaRing is an estrogen/progestin combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) indicated for use by women to prevent pregnancy. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One NuvaRing is inserted in the vagina. The ring must remain in place continuously for three weeks, followed by a one-week ring-free interval. ( 2 ) 2.1 How to Use NuvaRing To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, NuvaRing must be used as directed [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . One NuvaRing is inserted in the vagina. The ring is to remain in place continuously for three weeks. It is removed for a one-week break, during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs. A new ring is inserted one week after the last ring was removed. The user can choose the insertion position that is most comfortable to her, for example, standing with one leg up, squatting, or lying down. The ring is to be compressed and inserted into the vagina. An optional alternative is to insert the ring using the applicator for NuvaRing [see Applicator for NuvaRing Instructions for Use ] . The exact position of NuvaRing inside the vagina is not critical for its function. The vaginal ring must be inserted on the appropriate day and left in place for three consecutive weeks. This means that the ring should be removed three weeks later on the same day of the week as it was inserted and at about the same time. NuvaRing can be removed by hooking the index finger under the forward rim or by grasping the rim between the index and middle finger and pulling it out. The used ring should be placed in the sachet (foil pouch) and discarded in a waste receptacle out of the reach of children and pets (do not flush in toilet). After a one-week break, during which a withdrawal bleed usually occurs, a new ring is inserted on the same day of the week as it was inserted in the previous cycle. The withdrawal bleed usually starts on Day 2-3 after removal of the ring and may not have finished before the next ring is inserted. In order to maintain contraceptive effectiveness, the new ring must be inserted exactly one week after the previous one was removed even if menstrual bleeding has not finished. 2.2 How to Start Using NuvaRing IMPORTANT: Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to the first use of NuvaRing . No Hormonal Contraceptive Use in the Preceding Cycle: The woman should insert NuvaRing on the first day of her menstrual bleeding. NuvaRing may also be started on Days 2-5 of the woman's cycle, but in this case a barrier method, such as male condoms with spermicide, should be used for the first seven days of NuvaRing use in the first cycle. Changing From a CHC: The woman may switch from her previous CHC on any day, but at the latest on the day following the usual hormone-free interval, if she has been using her hormonal method consistently and correctly, or if it is reasonably certain that she is not pregnant. Changing From a Progestin-Only Method (progestin-only pill [POP], Implant, or Injection or a Progestin-Releasing Intrauterine System [IUS]): The woman may switch from the POP on any day; instruct her to start using NuvaRing on the day after she took her last POP. She should switch from an implant or the IUS on the day of its removal, and from an injectable on the day when the next injection would be due. In all of these cases, the woman should use an additional barrier method such as a male condom with spermicide, for the first seven days. Use After Abortion or Miscarriage: The woman may start using NuvaRing within the first five days following a complete first trimester abortion or miscarriage, and she does not need to use an additional method of contraception. If use of NuvaRing is not started within five days following a first trimester abortion or miscarriage, the woman should follow the instructions for "No Hormonal Contraceptive Use in the Preceding Cycle." In the meantime, she should be advised to use a non-hormonal contraceptive method. Start NuvaRing no earlier than four weeks after a second trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolism. [See Contraindications (4) and Wa …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring) is a non-biodegradable, flexible, transparent, colorless to almost colorless, combination contraceptive vaginal ring, with an outer diameter of 54 mm and a cross-sectional diameter of 4 mm. It is made of ethylene vinylacetate copolymers and magnesium stearate, and contains 11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol. When placed in the vagina, each ring releases on average 0.120 mg/day of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg/day of ethinyl estradiol over a three-week period of use. NuvaRing is not made with natural rubber latex. NuvaRing is a polymeric vaginal ring containing 11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol, which releases on average 0.12 mg/day of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg/day of ethinyl estradiol. ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS NuvaRing is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions: A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases. Examples include women who are known to: Smoke, if over age 35 [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, now or in the past [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Have uncontrolled hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Have diabetes mellitus with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Have headaches with focal neurological symptoms or migraine headaches with aura [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Women over age 35 with any migraine headaches [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Liver tumors, benign or malignant or liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Pregnancy, because there is no reason to use CHCs during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone-sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, to any of the components of NuvaRing [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Adverse Reactions (6) ] Use of Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Drug Interactions (7) ] A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases ( 4 ) Breast cancer ( 4 ) Liver tumors or liver disease ( 4 ) Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding ( 4 ) Pregnancy ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, to any of the components of NuvaRing ( 4 ) Co-administration with Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Vascular risks: Stop NuvaRing use if a thrombotic event occurs. Stop NuvaRing use at least 4 weeks before and through 2 weeks after major surgery. Start no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. ( 5.1 ) Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): If patient exhibits signs or symptoms of TSS, consider the possibility of this diagnosis and initiate appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. ( 5.2 ) Liver disease: Discontinue NuvaRing use if jaundice develops. ( 5.3 ) High blood pressure: If used in women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop NuvaRing use if blood pressure rises significantly. ( 5.5 ) Carbohydrate and lipid metabolic effects: Monitor prediabetic and diabetic women. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for women with uncontrolled dyslipidemia. ( 5.9 ) Headache: Evaluate significant change in headaches and discontinue NuvaRing use if indicated. ( 5.10 ) Uterine bleeding: Evaluate irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems Stop NuvaRing use if an arterial thrombotic or venous thromboembolic event (VTE) occurs. Stop NuvaRing use if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions. Evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately. [See Adverse Reactions (6) .] If feasible, stop NuvaRing at least four weeks before and through two weeks after major surgery or other surgeries known to have an elevated risk of thromboembolism, and during and following prolonged immobilization. Start NuvaRing no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week. The use of CHCs increases the risk of VTE. Known risk factors for VTE include smoking, obesity, and family history of VTE, in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of CHCs [see Contraindications (4) ]. Two epidemiologic studies 1, 2, 3 that assessed the risk of VTE associated with the use of NuvaRing are described below. In these studies, which were required or sponsored by regulatory agencies, NuvaRing users had a risk of VTE similar to Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) users (see Table 1 for adjusted hazard ratios). A large prospective, observational study, the Transatlantic Active Surveillance on Cardiovascular Safety of NuvaRing (TASC), investigated the risk of VTE for new users, and women who were switching to or restarting NuvaRing or COCs in a population that is representative of routine clinical users. The women were followed for 24 to 48 months. The results showed a similar risk of VTE among NuvaRing users (VTE incidence 8.3 per 10,000 WY) and women using COCs (VTE incidence 9.2 per 10,000 WY). For women using COCs that did not contain the progestins desogestrel (DSG) or gestodene (GSD), VTE incidence was 8.9 per 10,000 WY. A retrospective cohort study using data from 4 health plans in the US (FDA-funded Study in Kaiser Permanente and Medicaid databases) showed the VTE incidence for new users of NuvaRing to be 11.4 events per 10,000 WY, for new users of a levonorgestrel (LNG)-containing COC 9.2 events per 10,000 WY, and for users of other COCs available during the course of the study Includes low-dose COCs containing the following progestins: norgestimate, norethindrone, or levonorgestrel. 8.2 events per 10,000 WY. Table 1: Estimates (Hazard Ratios) of Venous Thromboembolism Risk in Users of NuvaRing Compared to Users of Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) Epidemiologic Study (Author, Year of Publication) Population Studied Comparator Product(s) Hazard Ratios (HR) (95% CI) TASC (Dinger, 2012) Initiators, including new users, switchers and restarters All COCs available during the course of the study Includes low-dose COCs containing the following progestins: chlormadinone acetate, cyproterone acetate …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions with the use of CHCs are discussed elsewhere in the labeling. Serious cardiovascular events and stroke [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Vascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Adverse reactions commonly reported by CHC users are: Irregular uterine bleeding Nausea Breast tenderness Headache The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) in clinical trials were: vaginitis, headache (including migraine), mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, mood altered, depressed mood, affect lability), device-related events (e.g., expulsion/discomfort/foreign body sensation), nausea/vomiting, vaginal discharge, increased weight, vaginal discomfort, breast pain/discomfort/tenderness, dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain, acne, and decreased libido. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Organon USA LLC, a subsidiary of Organon & Co., at 1-844-674-3200 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Trials with a duration of 6 to 13 28-day cycles provided safety data. In total, 2,501 women, aged 18 to 41 contributed 24,520 cycles of exposure. Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 2%): vaginitis (13.8%), headache (including migraine) (11.2%), mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings, mood altered, depressed mood, affect lability) (6.4%), device-related events (e.g., expulsion/discomfort/foreign body sensation) (6.3%), nausea/vomiting (5.9%), vaginal discharge (5.7%), increased weight (4.9%), vaginal discomfort (4.0%), breast pain/discomfort/tenderness (3.8%), dysmenorrhea (3.5%), abdominal pain (3.2%), acne (2.4%), and decreased libido (2.0%). Adverse Reactions (≥ 1%) Leading to Study Discontinuation: 13.0% of the women discontinued from the clinical trials due to an adverse reaction; the most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were device-related events (2.7%), mood changes (1.7%), headache (including migraine) (1.5%) and vaginal symptoms (1.2%). Serious Adverse Reactions: deep vein thrombosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] , anxiety, cholelithiasis, and vomiting. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of COCs and never-users of COCs reported no association between ever use of COCs and breast cancer risk, with effect estimates ranging from 0.90 - 1.12 ( Figure 2 ). Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs ( Figure 2 ). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 - 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8-10 years of COC use. Figure 2: Relevant Studies of Risk of Breast Cancer with Combined Oral Contraceptives RR = relative risk; OR = odds ratio; HR = hazard ratio. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are females that never used COCs. The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of NuvaRing. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema Nervous system disorders: stroke/cerebrovascular accident Vascular disorders: arter …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Consult the labeling of all concurrently-used drugs to obtain further information about interactions with hormonal contraceptives or the potential for enzyme alterations. Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, such as CYP3A4, may decrease the effectiveness of CHCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Counsel patients to use a back-up or alternative method of contraception when enzyme inducers are used with CHCs. ( 7 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on CHCs Substances decreasing the plasma concentrations of CHCs and potentially diminishing the effectiveness of CHCs Drugs or herbal products that induce certain enzymes, including cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), may decrease the plasma concentrations of CHCs and potentially diminish the effectiveness of CHCs or increase breakthrough bleeding. Some drugs or herbal products that may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives include: phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, rifampicin, topiramate, rifabutin, rufinamide, aprepitant, and products containing St. John's wort. Interactions between CHCs and other drugs may lead to breakthrough bleeding and/or contraceptive failure. Counsel women to use an alternative non-hormonal method of contraception or a back-up method when enzyme inducers are used with NuvaRing, and to continue back-up non-hormonal contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability. Note: NuvaRing may interfere with the correct placement and position of certain female barrier methods such as a diaphragm or female condom. These methods are not recommended as back-up methods with NuvaRing use [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . The serum concentrations of etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol were not affected by concomitant administration of oral amoxicillin or doxycycline in standard dosages during 10 days of antibiotic treatment. The effects of other antibiotics on etonogestrel or ethinyl estradiol concentrations have not been evaluated. Substances increasing the plasma concentrations of CHCs Co-administration of atorvastatin and certain CHCs containing ethinyl estradiol increase AUC values for ethinyl estradiol by approximately 20-25%. Ascorbic acid and acetaminophen may increase plasma ethinyl estradiol concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation. Concomitant administration of strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, or ketoconazole may increase plasma estrogen and/or progestin concentrations. Co-administration of vaginal miconazole nitrate and NuvaRing increases the serum concentrations of etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol by up to 40% [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) / Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors Significant changes in the plasma concentrations of the estrogen and /or progestin have been noted in some cases of co-administration with HIV protease inhibitors (decrease [e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, (fos)amprenavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tipranavir/ritonavir] or increase [e.g., indinavir and atazanavir/ritonavir]) /HCV protease inhibitors (decrease [e.g., boceprevir and telaprevir]) or with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (decrease [e.g., efavirenz, nevirapine] or increase [e.g., etravirine]). These changes may be clinically relevant in some cases. 7.2 Effects of CHCs on Other Drugs CHCs containing ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the metabolism of other compounds (e.g., cyclosporine, prednisolone, theophylline, tizanidine, and voriconazole) and increase their plasma concentrations. CHCs have been shown to decrease plasma concentrations of acetaminophen, clofibric acid, morphine, salicylic acid and temazepam. A significant decrease in the plasma concentrations of lamotrigine has been shown, likely due to …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Nursing mothers: Not recommended; can decrease milk production. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary NuvaRing is contraindicated during pregnancy because there is no need for pregnancy prevention in a woman who is already pregnant. Epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not shown an increased risk of genital or non-genital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following maternal exposure to low dose CHCs prior to conception or during early pregnancy. No adverse developmental outcomes were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits with the administration of etonogestrel during organogenesis at doses approximately 300 times the anticipated daily vaginal human dose (~0.002 mg/kg/day). No adverse developmental outcomes were observed in pregnant rats and rabbits with the co-administration of the combination desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol during organogenesis at desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol doses at least 2/5 times, respectively, the anticipated daily vaginal human dose (~0.002 desogestrel/0.00025 ethinyl estradiol mg/kg/day). Discontinue NuvaRing use if pregnancy is confirmed. Data Animal Data In rats and rabbits at dosages up to 300 times the anticipated dose, etonogestrel is neither embryotoxic nor teratogenic. Co-administration of a maternally toxic dose of desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol to pregnant rats was associated with embryolethality and wavy ribs at a desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol dose that was 40/130 times, respectively, the anticipated vaginal human dose (0.002 desogestrel/0.00025 ethinyl estradiol mg/kg/day). No adverse embryofetal effects were observed when the combination was administered to pregnant rats at a desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol dose that was 4/13 times, respectively, the anticipated vaginal human dose. When desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol was given to pregnant rabbits, pre-implantation loss was observed at a desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol dose that was 3/10 times, respectively, the anticipated vaginal human dose. No adverse embryofetal effects were observed when the combination was administered to pregnant rabbits at a desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol dose that was 2/5 times the anticipated vaginal human dose. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Small amounts of contraceptive steroids and/or metabolites, including etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol are transferred to human milk. Harmful effects have not been observed in breastfed infants exposed to CHCs through breast milk. CHCs can reduce milk production in breastfeeding mothers. This is less likely to occur once breastfeeding is well-established; however, it can occur at any time in some women. When possible, advise the nursing mother to use non-estrogen-containing contraception until she has completely weaned her child. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for NuvaRing and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from NuvaRing or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy of NuvaRing have been established in women of reproductive age. Efficacy is expected to be the same for postpubertal adolescents under the age of 18 and for users 18 years and older. Use of this product before menarche is not indicated. 8.5 Geriatric Use NuvaRing has not been studied in postmenopausal women and is not indicated in this population. 8.6 Hepatic Impairment The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of NuvaRing has not been studied. Steroid hormones may be poorly metabolized in patients with impaired liver function. Acute or chronic disturbances of liver function may necessitate the discontinuation of CHC use until markers of liver function return to normal. [See Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3) .] 8.7 Renal Impairment The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of NuvaRing has not been studied.
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Combination hormonal contraceptives act by suppression of gonadotropins. Although the primary effect of this action is inhibition of ovulation, other alterations include changes in the cervical mucus (which increase the difficulty of sperm entry into the uterus) and the endometrium (which reduce the likelihood of implantation).
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring) is a non-biodegradable, flexible, transparent, colorless to almost colorless, combination contraceptive vaginal ring containing two active components, a progestin, etonogestrel (13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-11-methylene-18,19-dinor-17α-pregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one) and an estrogen, ethinyl estradiol (19-nor-17α-pregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol). When placed in the vagina, each ring releases on average 0.120 mg/day of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg/day of ethinyl estradiol over a three-week period of use. NuvaRing is made of ethylene vinylacetate copolymers (28% and 9% vinylacetate) and magnesium stearate and contains 11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol. NuvaRing is not made with natural rubber latex. NuvaRing has an outer diameter of 54 mm and a cross-sectional diameter of 4 mm. The molecular weights for etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol are 324.46 and 296.40, respectively. The structural formulas are as follows: Chemical Structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE There have been no reports of serious ill effects from overdose of CHCs. Overdosage may cause withdrawal bleeding in females and nausea. If the ring breaks, it does not release a higher dose of hormones. In case of suspected overdose, all NuvaRing rings should be removed and symptomatic treatment given.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Each NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring) is individually packaged in a reclosable aluminum laminate sachet consisting of three layers, from outside to inside: polyester, aluminum foil, and low-density polyethylene. The ring should be replaced in this reclosable sachet after use and discarded in a waste receptacle out of the reach of children and pets. It should not be flushed down the toilet. Box of 3 sachets NDC 59212-146-03 16.1 Storage Prior to dispensing to the user, store refrigerated 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). After dispensing to the user, NuvaRing can be stored for up to 4 months at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Avoid storing NuvaRing in direct sunlight or at temperatures above 30°C (86°F). For the Dispenser: When NuvaRing is dispensed to the user, place an expiration date on the label. The date should not exceed either 4 months from the date of dispensing or the expiration date, whichever comes first.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: ETHINYL ESTRADIOL. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50090-5611-0 | 50090-5611 | A-S Medication Solutions | 3 POUCH in 1 BOX (50090-5611-0) / 21 d in 1 POUCH | August 12, 2021 |
| 50090-7663-0 | 50090-7663 | A-S Medication Solutions | 1 POUCH in 1 BOX (50090-7663-0) / 21 d in 1 POUCH | September 30, 2025 |
| 59212-146-03 | 59212-146 | Advanz Pharma (US) Corp. | 3 POUCH in 1 BOX (59212-146-03) / 21 d in 1 POUCH (59212-146-01) | May 19, 2025 |
| 78206-146-03 | 78206-146 | Organon LLC | 3 POUCH in 1 BOX (78206-146-03) / 21 d in 1 POUCH (78206-146-01) | June 1, 2021 |
| 50090-5611 | 50090-5611 | A-S Medication Solutions | — | June 1, 2021 |
| 50090-7663 | 50090-7663 | A-S Medication Solutions | — | May 19, 2025 |
| 59212-146 | 59212-146 | Advanz Pharma (US) Corp. | — | May 19, 2025 |
| 78206-146 | 78206-146 | Organon LLC | — | June 1, 2021 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.