Nonoxynol-9 Vaginal

Nonoxynol-9 vaginal is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used for prevention of pregnancy; when used with a condom (foam or gel) or diaphragm (gel), efficacy is increased.

• Nonoxynol-9 vaginal is available under the following different brand names: Conceptrol Options, VCF, Gynol II Extra Strength, Encare, and Today Vaginal Contraceptive.

Dosages of Nonoxynol-9 Vaginal:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Vaginal Gel

• 3% (Gynol II Extra Strength)
• 4% (Conceptrol Options; VCF prefilled applicator)

Vaginal Foam

• 12.5% (VCF foam)

Vaginal Insert

• 100mg (Encore)

Vaginal Sponge

• 1000mg (Today Vaginal Contraceptive)

Vaginal Film

• 28% (VCF film)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Contraception

• Indicated for the prevention of pregnancy; when used with a condom (foam or gel) or diaphragm (gel), efficacy is increased

Gel or foam

• Insert one applicatorful into the vagina before intercourse (see complete, illustrated directions on the package insert)
• An additional applicatorful is required before each act of intercourse, regardless of time since the last application
• Each applicatorful is effective immediately and up to 1 hour after application

Sponge (Today Vaginal Contraceptive)

• Wet the sponge thoroughly with clean water, squeeze gently until the sponge is very sudsy
• With the dimple side inside, fold the sponge
• With a string loop on the bottom end, insert the sponge deep into the vagina (see diagram in the enclosed leaflet)
• Protection begins right away and lasts for 24 hours even with repeated acts of intercourse
• Wait 6 hours after the last intercourse before removing the sponge
• Do not leave the sponge in the vagina for longer than 30 hours
• Do not reuse the sponge
• Contact your physician if you have problems removing the sponge

Film (VCF)

• Before using this product, read the enclosed package insert for complete directions and information
• Be sure your fingers are dry before touching the film
• Insert one film and place it as far into the vagina as possible against the cervix
• Insert not less than 15 minutes and not more than 3 hours before intercourse
• Use 1 film before each act of intercourse
• Not indicated for pediatric use

Side effects of nonoxynol-9 vaginal include:

• Burn, itching, rash, or other irritation of vagina or penis

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Nonoxynol-9 vaginal has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Nonoxynol-9 vaginal has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Nonoxynol-9 vaginal has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Nonoxynol-9 vaginal has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.
   

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings
 

This medication contains nonoxynol-9 vaginal. Do not take Conceptrol Options, VCF, Gynol II Extra Strength, Encare, or Today Vaginal Contraceptive if you are allergic to nonoxynol-9 vaginal or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Vaginal sponge
• Allergy to sulfites (vaginal sponge contains metabisulfite)
• During menses
• Within 6 weeks after giving birth

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Nonoxynol-9 Vaginal?”

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Nonoxynol-9 Vaginal?”

Cautions

• When used correctly every time you have sex, latex condoms greatly reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
• For vaginal use only
• Always wait at least 6 hours after intercourse before douching to maintain vaginal contraceptive
• Discontinue if burning, itching, rash, or other irritation of the vagina or penis occurs
• Do not use vaginal sponge with vaginal or uterine conditions (e.g. vaginal septum, uterine prolapse); the product may not work optimally
• Toxic shock syndrome (vaginal sponge)
• Some cases of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) have been reported in women using barrier contraceptives, including the sponge
• TSS is a rare, but serious disease that may cause death
• Warning signs of TSS include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, dizziness, faintness, or a sunburn-like rash on face or body
• Instruct patient to remove the sponge and get medical help right away if these signs appear

Pregnancy and Lactation

Nonoxynol-9 vaginal is not applicable for use during pregnancy.