Ethinyl Estradiol and Etonogestrel (Vaginal Route)

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Side Effects

The risk of serious adverse effects is unlikely for most women using the etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring. However, oral combination hormonal contraceptives have been associated with unwanted effects which may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Abdominal fullness
• Abdominal pain or tenderness usually after eating a meal
• Blurred vision
• Changes in skin color
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Gaseous abdominal pain
• Headache
• Inability to speak
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Numbness of hands
• Pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back or neck
• Pain
• Pains in chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of legs
• Pounding in the ears
• Prominent superficial veins over affected area with tenderness and warmth
• Recurrent fever
• Seizures
• Severe headaches of sudden onset
• Shortness of breath
• Slow or fast heartbeat
• Sudden loss of coordination
• Sudden onset of slurred speech
• Sudden vision changes
• Sudden and severe weakness in arm and/or leg on one side
• Sweating
• Swelling
• Swelling of foot or leg on one side of the body
• Temporary blindness
• Vomiting or vomiting of blood
• Yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

• Menstrual changes
• Nausea
• Vaginal bleeding
• Vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Itching of the vagina or genital area
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
• Tightness of chest or wheezing
• Weight gain

• Crying
• Depersonalization
• False or unusual sense of well-being
• Hoarseness
• Mental depression
• Paranoia
• Quick to react or overreact emotionally
• Rapidly changing moods, mild feeling of sadness or discouragement that come and go

• Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
• Bloody vaginal discharge
• Brown, blotchy spots on exposed skin
• Chills
• Clay-colored stools
• Contact lenses intolerance
• Dark urine
• Decreased amount or quality of milk
• Dry mouth
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Flushed
• Fruit-like or unpleasant breath odor
• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Loss of appetite
• Medium to heavy, irregular vaginal bleeding between regular monthly periods, which may require the use of a pad or a tampon
• Rash
• Soreness, swelling, or discharge from the breast or breasts
• Trouble getting pregnant
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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