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Segesterone Ac-Ethin Estradiol

Pronounced

"se-JES-ter-one/ETH-i-nil ES-tra-DYE-ol"

Uses

This product is a vaginal ring containing combination hormone medication and is used to prevent pregnancy. It contains 2 hormones: a progestin (segesterone) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol).

Using this product does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). To decrease your risk of infection, always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condom/dental dams) during all sexual activity.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. The leaflet contains very important information on how to properly use, store, and dispose of the vaginal ring. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This product is for vaginal use only. The vaginal ring is reusable for up to 1 full year (13 cycles). Before use, wash and dry your hands. Remove the ring from the pouch. Wash the ring with mild soap and water, then rinse and pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel before each insertion and at each removal. Press the sides of the ring together and gently push it into your vagina as directed, until it feels comfortable. Although some women may be aware of the ring in the vagina, most women do not feel it once it is in place; it will not interfere with sexual intercourse (though your partner may be able to feel the ring). Unlike a diaphragm, the ring's exact position in the vagina does not affect how well it works. Once inserted, keep the ring in place for 3 weeks in a row.

If this is the first time you are using the ring, start using the ring between days 2 and 5 of your period. You do not need to use a backup form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide). If your periods are not regular or if your start day is more than 5 days from the first day of your period, use backup non-hormonal birth control for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy until the ring has enough time to work. Do not use a diaphragm, female condom, or cervical cap for backup birth control since the ring may interfere with proper placement.

After using the ring for 3 weeks, remove it on the same day of the week and about the same time that you placed it. If you have pain/bleeding when trying to remove the ring, or if you cannot remove it, tell your doctor right away. After removing the ring, store it in the container provided by the manufacturer.

Next, do not wear the ring for 1 week (7 days). You should have your period within 2 to 3 days after the ring is removed. After 1 ring-free week, re-insert the ring on the same day of the week that it was removed, whether or not you have your period. If you do not get your period, consult your doctor. Do not go longer than 7 days without a ring. Doing so will increase your risk of pregnancy.

Regularly check that the ring is in your vagina, such as before and after sexual intercourse. The ring may accidentally fall out during sexual intercourse, during a bowel movement, or while removing a tampon. If this happens and the ring has been out of your vagina for less than 2 hours, wash it with mild soap and warm water, rinse and pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, and re-insert the ring as soon as possible. If the ring has been out longer than 2 hours, you could become pregnant. Re-insert it as directed and use a backup form of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) for the next 7 days to prevent pregnancy.

It is very important to follow the schedule every cycle. If you are more than 1 or 2 days off schedule for insertion, you will need to use a new schedule for the remaining cycles of use. Read the manufacturer's information for details, and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how to switch from other forms of hormonal birth control (such as birth control pills) to this product. If any information is unclear, consult the Patient Information Leaflet or your doctor or pharmacist.