NuvaRing is a vaginal ring that doctors often prescribe to women who don’t want to get pregnant. Manufactured by Organon, this vaginal ring stops ovulation and alters the uterus lining and cervical mucus. It is not different from oral contraceptives except for its form. It is a flexible ring inserted in the vagina once a month. Clinical trials have proven that NuvaRing is effective in preventing pregnancy.
In these trials, only one or two among 100 women who used the vaginal ring for a year became pregnant. Compared to other forms of contraception, NuvaRing has a higher success rate in preventing pregnancy. For example, condoms have been found to be around 85% effective in controlling contraception among women. A NuvaRing must be inserted into the vagina once a month. This is remove three weeks later, or exactly on the same day of the week when the ring was inserted into the vagina. This marks the ring-free break, and should fall on the week when the woman starts here period. A new ring should be inserted seven days later, even if the woman is still having her period.
NuvaRing Cost Information
A ring of NuvaRing containing 0.12 mg of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg of ethinyl estradiol is priced varyingly in different stores. The price ranges from $100 to $115. But women can get it at a lower price if they use manufacturer’s coupon codes that could give them discounts by as much as $15.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 1 ring | $110.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 2 rings | $221.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 3 rings | $331.00 |
Kmart |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 1 ring | $110.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 2 rings | $220.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 3 rings | $320.00 |
Kroger |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 1 ring | $104.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 2 rings | $209.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 3 rings | $291.00 |
Publix |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 1 ring | $115.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 2 rings | $230.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 3 rings | $346.00 |
Rite Aid |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 1 ring | $131.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 2 rings | $262.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 3 rings | $393.00 |
Target |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 1 ring | $109.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 2 rings | $219.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 3 rings | $326.00 |
Walgreens |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 1 ring | $103.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 2 rings | $206.00 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 3 rings | $309.00 |
Walmart |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 1 ring | $97.24 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 2 rings | $192.47 |
| 0.12mg/0.015mg | 3 rings | $287.70 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Like most drugs, NuvaRing can cause side effects especially days after the first use. Women frequently complain of headaches, vaginal infection and secretion, sinus infection and upper respiratory tract problems like runny nose and the common cold. Women also notice that they suddenly gain weight after using the ring, and complain of nausea.
Long-Term Side Effects
The chronic use of NuvaRing can lead to long-term health problems. Women who use NuvaRing should inform their doctors if they notice signs of blood clot in the leg like leg cramps, swelling and pain in the calf. Blood clot in the lung can also occur, thus women are advised to seek medical help if they experience shortness of breath, chest pain and if they cough up blood. Liver damage may also be caused by long-term use of NuvaRing, and if its signs become apparent like vision or speech changes, severe headache and numbness in arm or leg then a patient should seek medical attention immediately. Other long-term side effects caused by the chronic use of NuvaRing are depression, migraines, breast lumps, high fever, dizziness, fainting and rashes.
How It Works
NuvaRing releases the etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol hormones which are immediately absorbed by the blood. These hormones help prevent pregnancy by hindering the maturation and release of the egg cells from the ovaries. It can also prevent pregnancy by altering the cervical mucus, making it less likely that the sperm will enter the uterus. It also changes the endometrium or the uterus lining, making it less responsive to an embryo.
Drug Interactions
NuvaRing can interact with other medications like barbiturates such as Amytal and Seconal; anti-seizure drugs like Felbatol, Trileptal and Topamax; and Rifamycin antibiotics like Rifadin and Priftin.
Generic Alternatives
Other birth control methods like condoms, spermicides and birth control patches like Ortho Eva may be used as alternatives to NuvaRing.
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