NZ Women Now Have Access to New Once Monthly Vaginal Ring

New Zealand Women Now Have Access to New Once Monthly Vaginal Ring

For women who don’t want the hassle of a daily contraceptive, there is now a new once monthly contraception option - NuvaRing® (120mcg etonogestrel / 15mcg ethinyl estradiol per day).

NuvaRing is a flexible, transparent ring which is self-inserted into the vagina and works by releasing a low dose of progestogen and oestrogen, just like a combined contraceptive pill.

NuvaRing works slowly and evenly over a three week period to release hormones directly into the blood vessels of the vaginal wall and prevent the release of the egg from the ovary.

Inserting NuvaRing is similar to using a tampon and once inserted the user should not be able to feel it. The ring stays in the vagina for three weeks and is then easily removed for a week to allow for a period. Once a week without the ring is completed; the user then inserts a new ring and continues this same regime. NuvaRing can also be used continuously in the situation when the user wants to skip a period.

NuvaRing is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used as directed. NuvaRing is also a good option for women who want flexibility around planning a family as it can be discontinued at any time and a normal menstrual cycle will quickly return.

In a clinical study of 2322 women, 96 percent of those who completed the study, reported they were satisfied or very satisfied with NuvaRing.

NuvaRing is an unfunded, prescription only medicine, and is manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme (NZ) Ltd., a subsidiary of Merck and Co, Inc.

NuvaRing is currently available in more than 50 countries around the world and in the first 10 years of its availability (2002-2012) over 170 million rings were sold globally.

For more information or questions about NuvaRing please contact your General Practitioner.

Minimum Product Information

NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol) 11.7 mg/2.7 mg. Use: Contraception. When not to use: Thrombotic or thromboembolic events (e.g: blood clots or stroke); migraine; inflamed pancreas; liver disease or tumour; diabetes mellitus; cancer of breast or genitals; pregnancy; undiagnosed vaginal bleeding; hypersensitivity to any ingredient in Nuvaring. Precautions: Periodic check-ups of blood pressure, breasts, abdomen, pelvic organs, cervical smear. Presence or history of tumours; high triglycerides; diabetes; Crohn's disease; ulcerative colitis; chloasma (dark skin patches); weight changes; vaginitis; toxic shock syndrome; irregular bleeding. Discontinue if you develop high blood pressure, changes in liver function, recurrent jaundice, increased frequency/severity of migraine; itching. Some medicines interfere with NuvaRing, these can include treatments for epilepsy, tuberculosis, infections (antibiotics); anticoagulants; some anti-diabetics and herbal remedies (St Johns Wort). Side effects: Acne; headache; migraine; depression; mood changes; decreased libido; abdominal pain; nausea; diarrhoea; vomiting; weight gain; breast pain; expulsion of the ring, intercourse problems, ring discomfort; painful periods. Dosage: One ring inserted in the vagina and removed after 3 weeks on the same day of the week as its insertion.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor to see if NUVARING is right for you. Use only as directed and if symptoms continue, or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional. For additional product information, consult the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI), available on request (phone 0800 500 673) or at the Medsafe website www.medsafe.govt.nz.
NUVARING is a private purchase Prescription Only Medicine. Price may vary across
pharmacies. A doctor's visit fee and prescription charge will apply. Based on data sheet prepared 12 June 2012. Supplied by: Merck Sharp & Dohme (NZ) Limited, Newmarket, Auckland.
TAPS No. CH3807 WOMN-1102100-0002 First issued December 2013

About MSD
Today's MSD is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. MSD is a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.msd.com or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

ENDS

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