What is Annovera: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Annovera

• Missed dose: If the vaginal system has slipped out and it has been out for 2 hours or less, wash it with mild soap and warm water, pat it dry with a clean cloth towel or paper towel, and reinsert it. You should still be protected from pregnancy. If the vaginal system has been out for more than 2 hours (including multiple removals), use an additional form of birth control (including condoms or spermicide) until the vaginal system has been in the vagina for 7 days in a row.If you forget to reinsert the vaginal system after the vaginal system-free week, use an additional form of birth control (including condoms or spermicide) until the vaginal system has been in the vagina for 7 days in a row.If you leave the vaginal system inside the vagina for more than 21 days, remove it for 7 days and then reinsert it for 21 days to go back to the regular schedule.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• The vaginal system may move down accidently. This can happen if you remove a tampon, during sex, or strain to have a bowel movement. Gently push it back into place. If the vaginal system comes all the way out, wash it with mild soap and warm water, pat it dry with a clean cloth towel or paper towel, and put it back inside. Call your doctor if the vaginal system comes out several times.

• If you have an irregular menstrual cycle or if you start using this vaginal system more than 5 days from your last menstrual bleeding, you should also use a second form of birth control (including condom or spermicide) during the first 7 days to avoid pregnancy.

• Once the vaginal system is in place, you should not be able to feel it. If you feel uncomfortable, the vaginal system may not be inserted far enough. Gently push it farther into your vagina. If you feel pain, talk to your doctor.

• This medicine is inside a vaginal system that is put into your vagina. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to put in the vaginal system. The ring should be left in place for 3 weeks. It will then be removed and cleaned with mild soap and warm water, patted dry, then will be inserted 1 week later. During the week without the vaginal system, you will usually have your menstrual period.

• Do not use the vaginal system for more than 13 cycles (1 year). Place the used vaginal system inside the case that comes with it. Throw it in the trash. Do not flush the vaginal system down the toilet.

What to do if you miss a dose of Annovera

Annovera contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to segesterone acetate or ethinyl estradiol, if you are pregnant, or if you have vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor. Do not use it if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis, hepatitis) or tumors, breast cancer, problems with blood clots, or certain heart problems.

Annovera warnings

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clotsLiver problemsHigh blood pressureGallbladder diseaseHigh cholesterol or fats in the bloodIncreased risk of cervical cancerToxic shock syndrome

• You might have spotting or irregular bleeding when you first start using this medicine. You might have unplanned bleeding if you miss a dose or are late taking it. However, if you have heavy bleeding, call your doctor.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you recently had a baby, miscarriage, or abortion. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, cervical cancer, diabetes, migraines, heart or blood vessel disease, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a history of depression or chloasma (skin discoloration on the face). Tell your doctor if you smoke or if you are having a surgery that requires inactivity for a long time.

• This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

• This medicine may cause skin discoloration. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Annovera interactions

• Some foods and medicines can affect how segesterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Acetaminophen, aprepitant, ascorbic acid, bosentan, cyclosporine, efavirenz, prednisolone, St John€™s wort, theophylline, tizanidineMedicine to treat an infection (including fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, voriconazole)Medicine to treat HIV infection (including amprenavir/ritonavir, atazanavir/ritonavir, boceprevir, darunavir/ritonavir, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, indinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, telaprevir, tipranavir/ritonavir)Medicine to treat seizures (including carbamazepine, felbamate, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rufinamide, topiramate)Thyroid medicine

• Do not use this medicine together with oil-based vaginal creams, gels, lubricants, or suppositories. Ask your doctor before you use other products or medicines into your vagina.

• Do not use this medicine together with medicine to treat hepatitis C virus infection, including ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir.

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.