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Compare NuvaRing vs. Xulane

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Nuvaring (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol)
    Xulane (norelgestromin / ethinyl estradiol)
  • Nuvaring (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol)
    Xulane (norelgestromin / ethinyl estradiol)

  • Summary of NuvaRing vs. Xulane

    Summary for Progestin / Estrogen combined contraceptive
    Prescription only

    NuvaRing (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can be used as birth control to help prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones: a progestin and an estrogen. It's a latex-free, flexible plastic ring that’s inserted into the vagina. You keep it in your vagina for 3 weeks before you remove it for 1 week, and then you start again with a new ring. NuvaRing (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can cause side effects like headache and irritation in the vagina. Some people might also gain weight while using the medication. There are detailed instructions to help you use it properly. This birth control ring is available as brand-name and generic versions.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Prescription only

    Xulane (norelgestromin / ethinyl estradiol) is a birth control patch that contains both estrogen and progesterone hormones. It works well to prevent pregnancy if you follow the instructions by applying a new patch once a week. Xulane (norelgestromin / ethinyl estradiol) is available for most people who can get pregnant, but it might not work as well for those who weigh more than 198 pounds or have a body mass index or BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher. The best places to apply the patch are the upper outer arm, stomach, buttock, or back. Common side effects include breast discomfort, headache, or application site reactions (such as rash or skin irritation).

  • Indications of NuvaRing vs. Xulane

    Indications for
    •Prevention of pregnancy
    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy

  • Pros and Cons of NuvaRing vs. Xulane

    Pros and Const for Progestin / Estrogen combined contraceptive
    Pros
    •A flexible plastic ring that you place into the vagina for 3 weeks at a time (not taken once a day)
    •Can insert and take out the birth control ring on your own
    •Very effective at preventing pregnancy when used as directed
    Cons
    •Need to remember when to take out the ring and when to insert a new one
    •Can accidentally come out during sex, bowel movements, or if it breaks
    •Not recommended for people over 35 who smoke because of higher risk of blood clots and stroke
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Pros
    •Patch is applied once a week
    •99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used perfectly
    •Patch stayed on the skin for 95% of people in studies
    Cons
    •Raises your risk for serious blood clots
    •More estrogen is absorbed compared to other combination birth control pills, which might cause more side effects
    •Might not work as well for people who weigh more than 198 pounds or have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher

  • Common Side Effects of NuvaRing vs. Xulane

    Common Side Effects for
    •Inflammation or irritation of the vagina (14%)
    •Headache, including migraine (11%)
    •Mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings; 6%)
    •Device-related events (e.g., ring accidentally coming out, feeling discomfort in the vagina; 6%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (6%)
    •Vaginal discharge (6%)
    •Weight gain (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast symptoms (discomfort, swelling, or pain; 22%)
    •Headache (21%)
    •Skin irritation and redness (17%)
    •Nausea (17%)
    •Menstrual cramps (8%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Vaginal bleeding (6%)
    •Changes in mood (6%)
    •Vomiting (5%)

  • Warnings of NuvaRing vs. Xulane

    Common Side Effects for
    •Cigarette smoking and the risk of serious health problems
    •Risk of blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
    •Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
    •Liver problems
    •High blood pressure
    •Vaginal irritation
    •Gallbladder problems
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels
    •Possible risk of breast cancer or cervical cancer
    Common Side Effects for
    •Cigarette smoking and risk for blood clots
    •Blood clots and strokes
    •Liver problems
    •High blood pressure
    •Gallbladder problems
    •High blood sugar and triglycerides
    •Headache
    •Irregular bleeding
    •Depression
    •Risk for breast and cervical cancer
    •Worsening of other health conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for NuvaRing vs. Xulane

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    Learn more about Xulane

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