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The combined contraceptive vaginal ring, NuvaRing, and tampon co-usage
Carole H J Verhoeven1, Th O M Dieben
1Clinical Development Department, Contraception, NV Organon, P.O. Box 20, 5340 BH Oss, The Netherlands.
Contraception
|February 19, 2004
Summary
Using tampons with the combined contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing) does not affect systemic exposure to etonogestrel (ENG) or ethinylestradiol (EE). This co-usage is not expected to compromise the contraceptive efficacy of the vaginal ring.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacokinetics
- Contraception
- Gynecology
Background:
- The combined contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing) releases etonogestrel (ENG) and ethinylestradiol (EE).
- Concurrent use of tampons with vaginal devices is common, raising questions about potential interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of tampon co-usage on the systemic exposure to ENG and EE from NuvaRing.
- To determine if tampon use affects the contraceptive efficacy of the vaginal ring.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, crossover study involving 14 healthy women.
- Participants used NuvaRing with tampons or NuvaRing alone for one cycle, then switched regimens.
- Tampons were used for 3 consecutive days during the interaction cycle.
Main Results:
- Tampon co-usage did not alter serum concentrations of ENG or EE.
- No significant changes in systemic exposure to the hormones were observed.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent use of tampons with NuvaRing does not affect hormone levels.
- Tampon co-usage is unlikely to compromise the contraceptive efficacy of the vaginal ring.