What is the brand name for Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel?
The brand name for Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel is NuvaRing.
PTCE Top 200 · #170
Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel
NuvaRing
Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel is the generic name for the brand-name drug NuvaRing. It is a contraceptive vaginal ring used to treat birth control (vaginal ring). On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel ranks #170 and is one of the most frequently tested hormones/women's health medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | NuvaRing |
| Drug class | Contraceptive vaginal ring |
| Class group | Hormones/Women's Health |
| Common use | birth control (vaginal ring) |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel used for?
Prevention of pregnancy (combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring).
What drug class is Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel?
Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel is a Contraceptive vaginal ring in the Hormones/Women's Health group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightBreast tenderness
- arrow_rightVaginal irritation or discharge
- arrow_rightMood changes
- arrow_rightWeight change
- arrow_rightAbdominal pain
- arrow_rightAcne
Major interactions
- arrow_rightEnzyme inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, barbiturates, St. John's wort) can reduce contraceptive effectiveness
- arrow_rightCertain HIV/HCV therapies may alter hormone levels (follow product-specific guidance)
- arrow_rightLamotrigine levels can be decreased (reduced seizure control)
- arrow_rightSome antifungals/antibiotics can affect hormone metabolism (varies; check specifics)
Is Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel a controlled substance?
No. Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
Cigarette smoking and serious cardiovascular events: women over 35 who smoke should not use combined hormonal contraceptives.
How to remember Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel (PTCE mnemonic)
NUVA-ring = NEW vaginal ring — EE + etonogestrel released over 3 weeks (1 week off). Insert any time of cycle; clot risk (VTE/stroke); NO smoking >35yo (boxed); refrigerate before dispensing.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
The ring schedule is the question: three weeks in, one week out — pharmacies store NuvaRing in the refrigerator, and the estrogen clot/smoking warning still applies.
Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel FAQ
What is Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel used for?
Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel is used to treat birth control (vaginal ring). Prevention of pregnancy (combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring).
What drug class is Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel?
Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel is a Contraceptive vaginal ring (Hormones/Women's Health group).
Is Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel a controlled substance?
No. Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Hormones/Women's Health group
Drill Ethinyl Estradiol / Etonogestrel the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).