Nonoxynol-9 vaginal dosage forms

What is this medicine?

NONOXYNOL-9 (no NOX i nol 9) is a spermicide (kills sperm). It is used for birth control to prevent pregnancy. Some formulas of this birth control can be used along with condoms, the cervical cap, or a diaphragm; read the label of the product you have chosen.

How should I use this medicine?

To prevent pregnancy, it is very important that this product be used properly. These products are used in the vagina and must be applied before sexual contact begins. Do not use in the rectum. Make sure you carefully read and follow the instructions that come with the product. Reapply prior to each episode of sexual intercourse.

If you are using nonoxynol-9 containing products with latex cervical caps, condoms, or diaphragms, make sure the product is labeled as safe for use with latex products. If not, this may cause the cervical cap, condom, or diaphragm to weaken or even break. If leakage or breakage occurs during intercourse, additional spermicide may be inserted into the vagina. Other products that can weaken latex include hand, face, or body cream; petroleum jelly; cooking oils or shortenings; and baby oil. These are oil-based products and should not be used as lubricants. Instead, use a water-based lubricant that is safe for use with cervical caps, condoms, or diaphragms.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling

• chills

• fever

• irritation, itching, or burning of the sex organs that does not go away within a short period of time

• pain in bladder or lower abdomen

• pain on urination

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth or vagina

• thick, white, or curd-like vaginal discharge

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• mild irritation or feeling of warmth at site of use

What may interact with this medicine?

• douches

• vaginal yeast infection creams or suppositories

This product may not work as well to prevent pregnancy if you use other vaginal products at the same time. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using the products together.

What if I miss a dose?

Use before each time you have sexual intercourse as directed on the label. If you miss a dose, you may become pregnant.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Follow the directions on the product label. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• history of toxic-shock syndrome

• HIV infection or AIDS

• recent childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion

• pelvic or vaginal infection

• sexually transmitted disease, like herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia

• an unusual or allergic reaction to nonoxynol-9, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This product does not protect you or your partner against HIV infection. It does not protect you or your partner against any other sexually transmitted diseases.