|
Letters to the Editor
Primary Care June 2003
Wrong Ring Cited
To The Editor:
Your March article regarding new contraceptive methods is greatly
appreciated.1 However, I must correct one point. In
the section regarding NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol
vaginal ring), it was stated that many users experience nausea
during the first cycle of use and that this side effect can be
avoided by soaking the ring in water overnight prior to its first
use.
This information pertains not to NuvaRing, but to an unrelated,
investigational contraceptive vaginal ring that releases ethinyl
estradiol along with a different progestin, norethindrone acetate.2 With
NuvaRing, the incidence of nausea is low. In the Phase III clinical
trials, the incidence of drug-related nausea was only 3.2% and
users were not instructed to soak their rings prior to use.3
The vaginal route of administration allows for a continuous release
of the lowest daily dose of ethinyl estradiol in combined hormonal
contraception. These characteristics of NuvaRing are reflected
in its low incidence (see above) of estrogen-related side effects.
The fact, moreover, that NuvaRing can be removed from its packaging
and inserted in the vagina without any additional manipulations
makes it user friendly and convenient.
Nancy J. Alexander, PhD
Director, Contraception & Andriol Medical Affairs
Organon Pharmaceuticals
USA Inc.
References
- Paladine H. What’s new in contraception. The
Female Patient. 2003;28: 20-24.
- Weisberg E, Fraser IS, Lacarra M, Mishell
DR Jr, Jackanicz T. Effect of different insertion regimens
on side effects with a combination contraceptive vaginal ring. Contraception. 1997;
56:233-239.
- Dieben TOM, Roumen FJME, Apter D. Efficacy,
cycle control, and user acceptability of a novel combined contraceptive
vaginal ring. Obstet Gynecol. 2002;100:585-593.
- Glasier A. Drug Therapy: Emergency Postcoital
Contraception. N Engl J Med. 1997;337:1058-1064.
back to top
|
