Drug Reference

Etonogestrel

Progestogens

← All medicines · Progestogens

Rx only

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Progestogens
Action class
Progestin
Chemical class
Progesterone Congeners
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

EluRyngEnilloringHaloetteNexplanonNuvaRing

Available as

0.000625 MG/HR68 MG

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

⚠ Boxed warning
WARNING: 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring, 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring ( 4 ) Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. ( 4 )

BOXED WARNING What is the most important information I should know about Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring? Do not use Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from combination hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FOR VAGINAL USE ONLY Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is indicated for use by females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy. Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is an estrogen/progestin combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) indicated for use by women to prevent pregnancy. ( 1 )
How it works
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 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). 12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption Etonogestrel : Etonogestrel released by Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is rapidly absorbed. The bioavailability of etonogestrel after vaginal administration is approximately 100%. The serum etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol concentrations observed during three weeks of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring use are summarized in Table 2. Ethinyl estradiol: Ethinyl estradiol released by Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is rapidly absorbed. The bioavailability of ethinyl estradiol after vaginal administration is approximately 56%, which is comparable to that with oral administration of ethinyl estradiol. The serum ethinyl estradiol concentrations observed during three weeks of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring use are summarized in Table 2. Table 2: Mean (SD) Serum Etonogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol Concentrations (n=16) 1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks etonogestrel (pg/mL) 1578 (408) 1476 (362) 1374 (328) ethinyl estradiol (pg/mL) 19.1 (4.5) 18.3 (4.3) 17.6 (4.3) The pharmacokinetic profile of etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol during use of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3: Mean Serum Concentration-Time Profile of Etonogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol during Three Weeks of Use The pharmacokinetic parameters of etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol were determined during one cycle of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring use in 16 healthy female subjects and are summarized in Table 3. Table 3: Mean (SD) Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring (n=16) Hormone C max pg/mL T max hr t1/2 hr CL L/hr etonogestrel 1716 (445) 200.3 (69.6) 29.3 (6.1) 3.4 (0.8) ethinyl estradiol 34.7 (17.5) 59.3 (67.5) 44.7 (28.8) 34.8 (11.6) Cmax -maximum serum drug concentration Tmax -time at which maximum serum drug concentration occurs t1/2 -elimination half-life, calculated by 0.693/Kelim CL -apparent clearance Prolonged use of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring: The mean serum etonogestrel concentration at the end of the fourth week of continuous use of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring was 1272 ± 311 pg/mL compared to a mean concentration range of 1578 ± 408 to 1374 ± 328 pg/mL at the end of weeks one to three. The mean serum ethinyl estradiol concentration at the end of the fourth week of continuous use of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring was 16.8 ± 4.6 pg/mL compared to a mean concentration range of 19.1 ± 4.5 to 17.6 ± 4.3 pg/mL at the end of weeks one to three. Distribution Etonogestrel
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION One Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring must be used as directed [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )]. One Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring [see Applicator for Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring Instructions for Use ]. The exact position of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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. Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring IMPORTANT: Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to the first use of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring. No Hormonal Contraceptive Use in the Preceding Cycle: The woman should insert Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring on the first day of her menstrual bleeding. Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring within the first five days follo
Side effects
6 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 AvKARE at 1-855-361-3993 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring. 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

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
…( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is contraindicated during pregnancy because there is no need for pregnancy prevention in a woman who is already pregnant.…
BreastfeedingCaution
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Nursing mothers: Not recommended; can decrease milk production.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverCaution
…8.6 Hepatic Impairment The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring has not been studied.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Vascular risks: Stop Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring use if a thrombotic event occurs. Stop Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring use if jaundice develops. ( 5.3 ) High blood pressure: If used in women with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure and stop Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 changes in headaches and discontinue Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring use if indicated. ( 5.10 ) Uterine bleeding: Evaluate irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems Stop Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring use if an arterial thrombotic or venous thromboembolic event (VTE) occurs. Stop Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring are described below. In these studies, which were required or sponsored by regulatory agencies, Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring (TASC), investigated the risk of VTE for new users, and women who were switching to or restarting Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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* 8.2 events per 10,000 WY. *Includes lo
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring [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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring ( 4 ) Co-administration with Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir ( 4 )
Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring, and to continue back-up non-hormonal contraception for 28 days after discontinuing the enzyme inducer to ensure contraceptive reliability. Note: Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring 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 nonnucleoside 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 acetaminophe
Overdose
10 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 Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring should be removed and symptomatic treatment given.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

7 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.