What is Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Conceptrol, Encare, Gynol II, Today Sponge, VCF Vaginal Contraceptive Gel

Generic Names:

  • Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive

Uses:

  • Prevents pregnancy. This medicine is a contraceptive.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Contraceptive, Local

Forms:

  • Gel/Jelly, Sponge, Suppository

How it’s taken:

  • Into the vagina

What is Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive used for?

What form(s) does Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive come in

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Sponge

  • Suppository

What are common Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive doses?

  • Box 2.5499999523162842GM of 4%

  • Box 9 Film

  • Can 17GM of 12.5%

Common Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive prescriptions

  • VCF Vaginal Contraceptive
    2.55gm of 4% box

  • VCF Vaginal Contraceptive
    17gm of 12.5% can

How to take Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive

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

  • Vaginal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

  • This medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Do not use this medicine on your rectum.

  • To use the vaginal gel: This medicine comes with a disposable plastic applicator. You will need to use the applicator each time you use the medicine. Do not use the medicine without the applicator. Use a new gel if sexual intercourse has not taken place within one hour after insertion, or each time intercourse is repeated.

  • To use the vaginal sponge: The sponge begins protection right away and lasts for 24 hours even with repeated sexual intercourse. Wait at least 6 hours after the last sexual intercourse before removing the sponge. Do not leave sponge inside the vagina for longer than 30 hours. You will need to get all parts of the sponge out of the vagina to decrease the risk of infection.

  • To use the vaginal suppository: Wait 10 minutes after insertion before having sexual intercourse to assure birth control protection. Use a new suppository if sexual intercourse has not taken place within one hour after insertion, or each time intercourse is repeated.

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

  • To use the vaginal gel: This medicine comes with a disposable plastic applicator. You will need to use the applicator each time you use the medicine. Do not use the medicine without the applicator. Use a new gel if sexual intercourse has not taken place within one hour after insertion, or each time intercourse is repeated.

  • This medicine is to be used only in the vagina. Do not use this medicine on your rectum.

  • To use the vaginal suppository: Wait 10 minutes after insertion before having sexual intercourse to assure birth control protection. Use a new suppository if sexual intercourse has not taken place within one hour after insertion, or each time intercourse is repeated.

  • To use the vaginal sponge: The sponge begins protection right away and lasts for 24 hours even with repeated sexual intercourse. Wait at least 6 hours after the last sexual intercourse before removing the sponge. Do not leave sponge inside the vagina for longer than 30 hours. You will need to get all parts of the sponge out of the vagina to decrease the risk of infection.

  • Vaginal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Vaginal routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine applicator(s), containers and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

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

Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to nonoxynol 9 or to sulfites. Do not use this medicine within the first 6 weeks after giving birth, or during your menstrual period. You should not use this medicine if you have had Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have given birth before, had a miscarriage or abortion, or if you have been told that you should not become pregnant. Also tell your doctor if you have problems with your vagina or uterus which may keep the product from working.

  • Some women using barrier methods of birth control, such as sponge, have developed a rare but serious disease known as Toxic Shock Syndrome. If you start having fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, faintness, muscle pain, or a sunburn-like rash on your face or body while using this medicine, remove the sponge and call your doctor right away.

  • You may still need to use another form of birth control, such as condom or diaphragm, for added protection against pregnancy. This medicine is not as effective as the pill or IUD. Ask your doctor about this.

  • If you have signs of pregnancy such as a late menstrual period, ask your doctor before using this medicine.

  • This medicine will not protect you from getting HIV or AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases. If this is a concern for you, talk with your doctor.

  • Do not use this medicine if you or your sex partner has HIV or AIDS. This medicine can irritate the vagina and rectum, which may increase the risk of getting HIV or AIDS.

  • Trouble or pain on urinating.

  • Vaginal burning, itching, rash, or discharge.

Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive interactions

  • Vaginal routeAvoid using douches or other vaginal products unless your doctor tells you to.

  • You may still need to use another form of birth control, such as condom or diaphragm, for added protection against pregnancy. This medicine is not as effective as the pill or IUD. Ask your doctor about this.

  • If you have signs of pregnancy such as a late menstrual period, ask your doctor before using this medicine.

  • This medicine will not protect you from getting HIV or AIDS, or other sexually transmitted diseases. If this is a concern for you, talk with your doctor.

  • Some women using barrier methods of birth control, such as sponge, have developed a rare but serious disease known as Toxic Shock Syndrome. If you start having fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, faintness, muscle pain, or a sunburn-like rash on your face or body while using this medicine, remove the sponge and call your doctor right away.

  • Do not use this medicine if you or your sex partner has HIV or AIDS. This medicine can irritate the vagina and rectum, which may increase the risk of getting HIV or AIDS.

Vcf Vaginal Contraceptive side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Muscle pain.

  • Trouble or pain on urinating.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.

  • Sunburn-like rash on face or body.

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.

  • Fever or chills.

  • Vaginal burning, itching, rash, or discharge.