Nuvaring question

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2003
Nuvaring question
3
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 12:11pm
Do you keep your supply of nuvaring's in the refrigerator? I was confused by what the receptionist said when I picked them up. They gave me a 3 month supply to try out. I also have another question. The expiration date stated October 2004 on the one I just inserted last night. I will keep it in until Oct 10 - is that ok?

Thanks in advance.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: mom23gs
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 8:53pm
Hi mom23gs, welcome!

I think you don't have to keep your unused rings in a fridge. The prescribing information http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/Global/prescribingInformation.asp?ComponentID=76206&SourcePageID=67545 says this about storage:

“Storage

Prior to dispensing to the user, store refrigerated 2–8°C (36–46°F). After dispensing to the user, NuvaRing can be stored for up to 4 months at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15–30°C (59–86°F) . Avoid storing NuvaRing in direct sunlight or at temperatures above 30°C (86°F). For the Dispenser: When NuvaRing is dispensed to the user, place an expiration date on the label. The date should not exceed either 4 months from the date of dispensing or the expiration date, whichever comes first.”

It's always a good idea to look at the expiration date on your Rx medicines. There may be a safety margin built in but I don't think you can count on that. How does the date read, use before xx/xx? You would probably be ok using the 8/10 ring but I think if I were you I'd ask my pharmacist. Let us know what s/he says, ok?

Take care,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
In reply to: mom23gs
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 10:17pm
My pharmacist told me to keep mine refridgerated until use. And, no, it wasn't weirdly cold when I inserted it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: mom23gs
Mon, 09-20-2004 - 10:29pm
I normally store my sample rings in the fridge, but when I pick one up from the pharmacy (the week of my period), I don't. It doesn't trouble me to have them in there, so I figure why not? Really, though, you only need to refrigerate the ring if either you can't keep them below the temperature in the directions if you leave them out or if you intend to keep them more than four months. There's not much difference between inserting a cold ring and a warm one, though it doesn't take long to get to room temperature.

As far as the expiration date, you're probably okay with the one you inserted, but you might call your pharmacist and double-check. Let us know if you do!

Good luck!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control