Nonoxynol-9, Vaginal

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: vaginal contraceptive

Generic and brand names: nonoxynol-9, vaginal; Today Sponge

What is this medicine used for?

This sponge is inserted into the vagina to provide birth control. The medicine in the sponge kills sperm in the vagina. It does NOT provide protection from HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before using this medicine, talk with your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• toxic shock syndrome
• any vaginal or uterus problems

Also, tell your healthcare provider if you or your partner has HIV infection .

Tell your healthcare provider if you have given birth or had an abortion or miscarriage less than 6 weeks ago.

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding. Do not use this medicine during your menstrual period or right after childbirth. Ask your healthcare provider how long you should wait after childbirth before using this medicine.

How do I use it?

This medicine is for vaginal use only. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. If your healthcare provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the medicine package. The sponge may be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse. It must be left in place for 6 hours after intercourse. Do not wear the sponge for more than 30 hours in a row. If the sponge accidentally falls out, do not reinsert it. Use a new sponge.

Insertion

With clean hands, remove the sponge from its package. Holding the sponge in one hand with the dimple (concave) side facing upward, and the loop dangling down, wet the sponge thoroughly with clean tap water.

Gently squeeze the sponge until you see suds. This activates the medicine and makes it easier to insert the sponge.

With the dimple side facing upward, fold the sudsy sponge in half and insert deeply in the vagina.

Removal

Wait at lease 6 hours after intercourse before removing the sponge.

Wash your hands with soap and water. Relax. Put a finger into the vagina and reach upward to find the string loop.

Bear down and push the sponge toward the opening of your vagina. Grasp the string loop or the sponge with your fingers and slowly and gently withdraw the sponge from the vagina. If it seems stuck, wait a few minutes, then try again. If removal is still difficult, tighten vaginal muscles and hold for 10 seconds, then relax and let go. Repeat. While relaxing, breathe out slowly, then bear down and remove the sponge.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

This form of birth control does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, or HIV. This medicine may irritate the vagina and rectum, which may increase the risk of getting HIV/AIDS from an infected partner.

You may have a rash, itching or irritation after using this medicine. If you or your partner get burning, itching, or a rash or other irritation of the vagina or penis, stop using this medicine and contact your healthcare provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, the sponge may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the device. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever; vomiting; diarrhea; muscular pain; dizziness; rash similar to sunburn; trouble urinating; burning, itching, redness, or rash in the vagina or penis.

Other: White discharge.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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