This article describes possible side effects of NuvaRing. You can learn more about NuvaRing by talking with your doctor.
NuvaRing is a brand-name medication that comes as a ring that you insert into your vagina. It’s available in a generic version called ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel. This article describes possible side effects of NuvaRing.
NuvaRing has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effects of NuvaRing in detail” section below.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
More common side effects of NuvaRing
NuvaRing may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of NuvaRing include:
- changes in mood*
- headache
- menstrual cramps*
- vaginal discomfort or the feeling of something being in the vagina
- vaginal irritation, itching, or discharge
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of NuvaRing in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of NuvaRing
NuvaRing may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of NuvaRing that occurred in studies include:
- acne
- breast pain or tenderness
- changes in mood*
- headache
- menstrual cramps*
- nausea or vomiting
- spotting or bleeding between periods
- vaginal discomfort or the feeling of something being in the vagina
- vaginal irritation, itching, or discharge
- weight gain
NuvaRing may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of NuvaRing in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of NuvaRing
NuvaRing may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from NuvaRing, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with NuvaRing.
Serious side effects of NuvaRing that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of NuvaRing in detail” section below.
† NuvaRing has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of NuvaRing in detail” section below.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Allergic reaction
For some people, NuvaRing can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using NuvaRing.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to NuvaRing, your doctor may recommend a different method of birth control.
Common questions about side effects of NuvaRing
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of NuvaRing. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can NuvaRing cause side effects in males?
Yes, it’s possible for NuvaRing to cause penis discomfort in a male* sexual partner. This includes side effects, such as rash, irritation, or itching. Male sexual partners may also be able to feel NuvaRing during sexual intercourse.
If penis discomfort happens in a sexual partner, they should contact their doctor. You can learn more about how NuvaRing might affect a sexual partner by talking with your doctor or pharmacist.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Does NuvaRing cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases NuvaRing may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with NuvaRing include:
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about possible long-term side effects of NuvaRing.
Side effects of NuvaRing in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of NuvaRing.
Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems with cigarette smoking
NuvaRing has a boxed warning for the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems with cigarette smoking. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
In studies, serious heart and blood vessel problems were rare in people using NuvaRing. This side effect may be very serious and could lead to death.
Possible heart and blood vessel problems with NuvaRing include blood clots. These can develop in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), heart (heart attack), brain (stroke), eyes, and other organs.
Symptoms of a possible blood clot include:
- chest pain
- double vision or other vision problems
- pain, swelling, or warmth in a lower leg
- shortness of breath
- sudden problems speaking, understanding speech, or moving one side of your face or body
Risk factors for blood clots include:
- being over age 35 years
- a personal or family history of blood clots
- certain kinds of migraine headaches
- having diabetes with kidney, nerve, eye, or blood vessel damage
- having had a heart attack or stroke in the past
- heart disease or high blood pressure that isn’t well managed
- high cholesterol or obesity
- surgery
- needing to stay in bed for a long time
- having had a baby or an abortion recently
- smoking
Ways to manage
Doctors usually won’t prescribe NuvaRing if several of the risk factors for blood clots listed above apply to you.
Talk with your doctor about your risk of developing blood clots. If you smoke, ask your doctor about ways to quit before you start using NuvaRing.
If you develop symptoms of a blood clot, get emergency medical care or call 911.
Changes in mood
In studies, changes in mood were common in people using NuvaRing. This side effect is usually mild, but may be serious in some cases. Mood changes were also a common reason for discontinuing the use of NuvaRing.
Mood changes reported with NuvaRing include:
- sudden changes in mood
- intense moods
- uncontrollable mood shifts
Certain factors can increase the risk of changes in mood with NuvaRing. These include having a history of depression.
Ways to manage
If you experience changes in mood, tell your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to manage this side effect. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get emergency medical care.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Menstrual cramps
In studies, menstrual cramps were common in people using NuvaRing. This side effect is usually mild.
The medical term for this is dysmenorrhea. It generally means having painful periods, including menstrual cramps.
Ways to manage
If you experience menstrual cramps or painful periods, tell your doctor. They may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). They may also suggest home remedies, such as applying heat to your pelvic area and practicing stress-relieving activities.
Warnings for NuvaRing
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before using NuvaRing.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems with cigarette smoking
NuvaRing has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of NuvaRing in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take NuvaRing if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether NuvaRing is a safe treatment option for you.
Before using NuvaRing, tell your doctor about your health and any medications you take. Things to consider include:
NuvaRing and pregnancy
NuvaRing should not be used during pregnancy.
Doctors prescribe NuvaRing to prevent pregnancy. Although rare, it’s possible to become pregnant while using it. Tell your doctor right away if you think you might be pregnant while using NuvaRing. They’ll probably tell you to stop using it.
NuvaRing and breastfeeding
NuvaRing should not be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using NuvaRing. Your doctor may recommend other forms of birth control while you are breastfeeding.
NuvaRing isn’t known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your use of NuvaRing.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication or using a medical device. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
