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DOLNA 0.120 MG/0.015 MG EVERY 24 HOURS VAGINAL RELEASE SYSTEM

DOLNA 0.120 MG/0.015 MG EVERY 24 HOURS VAGINAL RELEASE SYSTEM

Ask a doctor about a prescription for DOLNA 0.120 MG/0.015 MG EVERY 24 HOURS VAGINAL RELEASE SYSTEM

This page is for general information. Consult a doctor for personal advice. Call emergency services if symptoms are severe.
About the medicine

How to use DOLNA 0.120 MG/0.015 MG EVERY 24 HOURS VAGINAL RELEASE SYSTEM

Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the User

Dolna 0.120 mg/0.015 mg every 24 hours,

vaginal EFG release system

etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol

Important things you should know about combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs):

  • They are one of the most reliable reversible contraceptive methods if used correctly.
  • They slightly increase the risk of suffering from a blood clot in the veins and arteries, especially in the first year or when restarting the use of a combined hormonal contraceptive after a pause of 4 weeks or more.
  • Be alert and consult your doctor if you think you may have symptoms of a blood clot (see section 2 "Blood clots").

Read the entire package leaflet carefully before starting to use Dolna, as it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this package leaflet, as you may need to read it again.
  • If you have any doubts, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed to you only, and you should not give it to others, as it may harm them.
  • If you experience side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are side effects not listed in this package leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the package leaflet

  1. What Dolna is and what it is used for
  2. What you need to know before starting to use Dolna.

2.1 When not to use Dolna

2.2 Warnings and precautions

Blood clots

Cancer

2.3 Children and adolescents

2.4 Other medicines and Dolna

Laboratory tests

2.5 Pregnancy and breastfeeding

2.6 Driving and using machines

  1. How to use Dolna

3.1 How to put on and remove Dolna

3.2 Three weeks in, one week out

3.3 When to start with the first ring

3.4 What to do if…

Your ring is accidentally expelled from the vagina

Your ring has been temporarily out of the vagina

The ring opens

More than one ring has been inserted

If you forget to put on a new ring after the ring-free interval

If you have forgotten to remove the ring

If your period or menstrual bleeding does not occur

If you have unexpected bleeding

If you want to change the day your period or menstrual bleeding starts

If you want to delay your period or menstrual bleeding

3.5 If you want to stop using Dolna

  1. Possible side effects
  2. Storage of Dolna
  3. Package contents and additional information

Composition of Dolna

Appearance of Dolna and package contents

Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer

1. What Dolna is and what it is used for

Dolna is a vaginal contraceptive ring used to prevent pregnancy. Each ring contains a small amount of two female sex hormones, etonogestrel and ethinylestradiol. The ring slowly releases these hormones into the bloodstream. Given the small amount of hormones released, Dolna is a low-dose hormonal contraceptive.

As Dolna releases two different types of hormones, it is a combined hormonal contraceptive.

Dolna works like the combined oral contraceptive pill (the "Pill"), but instead of taking a pill every day, the ring is used for 3 consecutive weeks. Dolna releases two female sex hormones that prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg. If no egg is released, you cannot become pregnant.

2. What you need to know before using Dolna

General considerations

Before starting to use Dolna, you should read the information about blood clots in section 2. It is particularly important that you read the symptoms of a blood clot (see section 2 "Blood clots").

In this prospectus, various situations are described in which you should stop using Dolna, or in which Dolna may be less reliable. In these situations, you should not have sexual intercourse, or you should take additional non-hormonal contraceptive measures, such as a condom or another barrier method. Do notuse the rhythm method or the temperature method. These methods may not be reliable since Dolna alters the monthly temperature changes of the body and cervical mucus.

Dolna, like other hormonal contraceptives, does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted disease.

2.1 When you should not use Dolna

You should not use Dolna if you have any of the conditions listed below. Inform your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below. Your doctor will discuss with you what other form of contraception would be more suitable.

  • If you have (or have ever had) a blood clot in a blood vessel of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), in the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) or in other organs.
  • If you know you have a disorder that affects blood clotting: for example, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin III deficiency, factor V Leiden or antiphospholipid antibodies.
  • If you need an operation or if you spend a lot of time without getting up (see section "Blood clots").
  • If you have ever had a heart attack or a stroke.
  • If you have (or have ever had) angina pectoris (a condition that causes severe chest pain and may be the first sign of a heart attack) or a transient ischemic attack (TIA, temporary symptoms of a stroke).
  • If you have any of the following diseases that may increase your risk of forming a clot in the arteries:
  • Severe diabetes with blood vessel damage.
  • Very high blood pressure.
  • Very high levels of fat in the blood (cholesterol or triglycerides).
  • A condition called hyperhomocysteinemia.
  • If you have (or have ever had) a type of migraine called "migraine with aura".
  • If you have or have had inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), associated with high levels of fat in your blood.
  • If you have or have had a severe liver disease and your liver is not functioning normally.
  • If you have or have had a benign or malignant tumor in the liver.
  • If you have, have had, or could have breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs.
  • If you have vaginal bleeding of unknown origin.
  • If you are allergic to ethinylestradiol or etonogestrel, or to any of the other components of this medicine (listed in section 6).

If any of these circumstances occur for the first time while using Dolna, remove the ring immediately and consult your doctor. In the meantime, use non-hormonal contraceptive measures.

Do not use Dolna if you have hepatitis C or are taking medications that contain ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir, glecaprevir, or pibrentasvir, or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (see also section 2.4 "Other medicines and Dolna").

2.2 Warnings and precautions

When should you consult your doctor?

Seek urgent medical attention

  • If you notice possible signs of a blood clot that may mean you are suffering from a blood clot in the leg (i.e., deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot in the lung (i.e., pulmonary embolism), a heart attack, or a stroke (see section "Blood clots" below).

To obtain a description of the symptoms of these serious side effects, see "How to recognize a blood clot"

Tell your doctor if you suffer from any of the following conditions.

If the condition develops or worsens while you are using Dolna, you should also inform your doctor.

  • If a close relative has or has had breast cancer.
  • If you suffer from epilepsy (see section 2.4 "Other medicines and Dolna").
  • If you have a liver disease (e.g., jaundice) or gallbladder disease (e.g., gallstones).
  • If you have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammatory bowel disease).
  • If you have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, a disease that affects your natural defense system).
  • If you have hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS, a blood clotting disorder that causes kidney failure).
  • If you have sickle cell anemia (a hereditary disease of red blood cells).
  • If you have high levels of fat in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia) or a known family history of this condition. Hypertriglyceridemia has been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
  • If you need an operation or spend a lot of time without getting up (see section 2 "Blood clots").
  • If you have just given birth, you are at a higher risk of blood clots. You should ask your doctor when you can start taking Dolna after childbirth.
  • If you have inflammation of the veins that are under the skin (superficial thrombophlebitis).
  • If you have varicose veins.
  • If you suffer from any disease that appeared for the first time or worsened during pregnancy or previous use of sex hormones (e.g., hearing loss, porphyria [a blood disease], pregnancy herpes [skin rash with blisters during pregnancy], or Sydenham's chorea [a nervous system disease in which involuntary movements occur]).
  • If you have or have had chloasma (yellowish-brown spots on the skin, called "pregnancy spots", particularly on the face); if this is the case, avoid excessive exposure to the sun or ultraviolet rays.
  • If you have disorders that make it difficult to use Dolna, for example, if you suffer from constipation, uterine prolapse (descent of the uterus or cervix) or feel pain during sexual intercourse.
  • If you have urgent, frequent, burning, and/or painful urination, and you cannot locate the ring in the vagina. These symptoms may indicate accidental placement of Dolna in the urinary bladder.
  • If you experience symptoms of angioedema such as swelling of the face, tongue, and/or throat, and/or difficulty swallowing or urticaria with difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately. Products containing estrogens may cause or worsen the symptoms of hereditary and acquired angioedema.

BLOOD CLOTS

The use of a combined hormonal contraceptive like Dolna increases your risk of having a blood clot compared to not using it. In rare cases, a blood clot can block blood vessels and cause serious problems.

Blood clots can form:

  • In the veins (this is called "venous thrombosis", "venous thromboembolism" or VTE).
  • In the arteries (this is called "arterial thrombosis", "arterial thromboembolism" or ATE).

Recovery from blood clots is not always complete. In rare cases, there can be serious long-term effects or, very rarely, they can be fatal.

It is essential to remember that the overall risk of a harmful blood clot due to Dolna is small.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A BLOOD CLOT

Seek urgent medical attention if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms.

Are you experiencing any of these signs?

What might you be suffering from?

  • Swelling of a leg or foot or along a vein in the leg or foot, especially when accompanied by:
  • Pain or tenderness in the leg, which may only be noticeable when standing or walking.
  • Increased temperature in the affected leg.
  • Change in skin color of the leg, e.g., if it becomes pale, red, or blue.

Deep vein thrombosis

  • Sudden shortness of breath without a known cause or rapid breathing.
  • Sudden cough without a clear cause, which may bring up blood.
  • Sudden sharp chest pain that may increase with deep breathing.
  • Severe dizziness or fainting.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
  • Severe stomach pain.

If you are unsure, consult a doctor, as some of these symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, can be confused with a milder condition such as a respiratory infection (e.g., a "common cold").

Pulmonary embolism

Symptoms that occur more frequently in one eye:

  • Sudden loss of vision. Or
  • Blurred vision without pain, which can progress to loss of vision.

Retinal vein thrombosis (blood clot in the eye)

  • Pain, discomfort, pressure, heaviness in the chest.
  • Feeling of oppression or fullness in the chest, arm, or under the breastbone.
  • Feeling of fullness, indigestion, or choking.
  • Discomfort in the upper body that radiates to the back, jaw, throat, arm, and stomach.
  • Sweating, nausea, vomiting, or fainting.
  • Extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath.
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Heart attack

  • Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding.
  • Sudden difficulty seeing in one eye or both.
  • Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.
  • Sudden severe headache without a known cause.
  • Loss of consciousness or fainting, with or without convulsions.

Sometimes the symptoms of a stroke can be brief, with almost immediate and complete recovery, but you should still seek urgent medical attention as you may be at risk of having another stroke.

Stroke

  • Swelling and slight bluish discoloration of a limb.
  • Severe stomach pain (acute abdomen).

Blood clots that block other blood vessels

BLOOD CLOTS IN A VEIN

What can happen if a blood clot forms in a vein?

  • The use of combined hormonal contraceptives has been associated with an increased risk of blood clots in the veins (venous thrombosis). However, these side effects are rare. They occur more frequently in the first year of use of a combined hormonal contraceptive.
  • If a blood clot forms in a vein in the leg or foot, it can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • If a blood clot moves from the leg and lodges in the lung, it can cause a pulmonary embolism.
  • In very rare cases, a clot can form in a vein of another organ, such as the eye (retinal vein thrombosis).

When is the risk of a blood clot in a vein higher?

The risk of having a blood clot in a vein is higher during the first year you take a combined hormonal contraceptive for the first time. The risk may also be higher if you start taking a combined hormonal contraceptive (the same medicine or a different one) after an interruption of 4 weeks or more.

After the first year, the risk decreases, but it is always slightly higher than if you were not taking a combined hormonal contraceptive.

When you stop using Dolna, your risk of having a blood clot returns to normal within a few weeks.

What is the risk of having a blood clot?

The risk depends on your natural risk of VTE and the type of combined hormonal contraceptive you are taking.

The overall risk of having a blood clot in the leg or lung (DVT or PE) with Dolna is small.

  • Out of 10,000 women who do not use a combined hormonal contraceptive and are not pregnant, about 2 will have a blood clot in a year.
  • Out of 10,000 women who use a combined hormonal contraceptive that contains levonorgestrel, norethisterone, or norgestimate, about 5-7 will have a blood clot in a year.
  • Out of 10,000 women who use a combined hormonal contraceptive that contains norelgestromin or etonogestrel, such as Dolna, about 6-12 will have a blood clot in a year.
  • The risk of having a blood clot will depend on your personal history (see "Factors that increase your risk of a blood clot" below).

Risk of having a blood clot in a year

Women who do not usea combined hormonal contraceptive pill/patch/ring and are not pregnant

About 2 out of 10,000 women

Women who use a combined hormonal contraceptive pill that contains levonorgestrel, norethisterone, or norgestimate

About 5-7 out of 10,000 women

Women who use Dolna

About 6-12 out of 10,000 women

Factors that increase your risk of a blood clot in a vein

The risk of having a blood clot with Dolna is small, but some conditions increase the risk. Your risk is higher:

  • If you are overweight (body mass index or BMI over 30 kg/m2).
  • If any of your close relatives have had a blood clot in the leg, lung, or other organ at a young age (i.e., before the age of 50). In this case, you may have a hereditary blood clotting disorder.
  • If you need an operation or spend a lot of time without getting up due to an injury or illness, or if you have your leg in a cast. You may need to stop using Dolna several weeks before surgery or while you have reduced mobility. If you need to stop using Dolna, ask your doctor when you can start using it again.
  • As you get older (especially above 35 years).
  • If you have recently given birth.

The risk of having a blood clot increases with the number of conditions you have.

Long-distance flights (more than 4 hours) may temporarily increase the risk of a blood clot, especially if you have any of the other risk factors listed.

It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from any of the above conditions, even if you are not sure. Your doctor may decide that you should stop using Dolna.

If any of the above conditions change while you are using Dolna, for example, a close relative experiences a thrombosis without a known cause or you gain a lot of weight, inform your doctor.

BLOOD CLOTS IN AN ARTERY

What can happen if a blood clot forms in an artery?

Like a blood clot in a vein, a clot in an artery can cause serious problems. For example, it can cause a heart attack or a stroke.

Factors that increase your risk of a blood clot in an artery

It is essential to note that the risk of a heart attack or stroke due to Dolna is very small, but it can increase:

  • With age (above 35 years).
  • If you smoke.When using a combined hormonal contraceptive like Dolna, you are advised to stop smoking. If you are unable to stop smoking and are over 35 years old, your doctor may advise you to use a different type of contraceptive.
  • If you are overweight.
  • If you have high blood pressure.
  • If any of your close relatives have had a heart attack or stroke at a young age (less than 50 years). In this case, you may also be at higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
  • If you or any of your close relatives have high levels of fat in the blood (cholesterol or triglycerides).
  • If you suffer from migraines, especially migraines with aura.
  • If you have a heart problem (valve disorder, heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation).
  • If you have diabetes.

If you have one or more of these conditions or if any of them are particularly severe, the risk of having a blood clot may be increased further.

If any of the above conditions change while you are using Dolna, for example, you start smoking, a close relative experiences a thrombosis without a known cause, or you gain a lot of weight, inform your doctor.

Cancer

The following information has been obtained from studies with combined oral contraceptives and may be applicable to Dolna. No information is available on the administration of contraceptive hormones via the vagina (such as Dolna).

Cases of breast tumors have been observed with a slightly higher frequency in women using oral contraceptives, but it is not known if this is due to the treatment. For example, it may be that more tumors are found in women using oral contraceptives because they undergo medical check-ups more frequently. This increased frequency decreases gradually after stopping treatment.

It is essential to examine your breasts regularly and inform your doctor if you notice any lump. Inform your doctor if any close relative has or has had breast cancer (see section 2.2 "Warnings and precautions").

Rare cases of benign liver tumors, and even more rarely, malignant liver tumors, have been reported in women using oral contraceptives. Contact your doctor if you have severe and unusual abdominal pain.

In users of the combined pill, it has been observed that endometrial cancer (the tissue that lines the uterus) or ovarian cancer occurs less frequently. This may also be the case with Dolna, but it has not been confirmed.

Psychiatric disorders

Some women using hormonal contraceptives like Dolna have reported depression or a depressed mood. Depression can be severe and sometimes can induce suicidal thoughts. If you experience mood changes and depressive symptoms, contact your doctor for additional medical advice as soon as possible.

2.3 Children and adolescents

No studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Dolna in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

The safety and efficacy of Dolna in adolescents under 18 years of age have not been established.

2.4 Other Medicines and Dolna

Always inform your doctor about what medications or herbal remedies you are taking. Also, inform any doctor or dentist (or pharmacist) who prescribes you another medication that you are using Dolna. They will be able to inform you if you need to take any additional contraceptive measures (for example, the use of male condoms) and if so, for how long, or if you need to modify the use of the other medication.

Some medications

  • may have an influence on Dolna levels in the blood.
  • may make Dolna less effective in preventing pregnancy
  • may cause unexpected bleeding.

These include medications used to treat:

  • epilepsy (for example, primidone, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate);
  • tuberculosis (for example, rifampicin);
  • HIV infection (for example, ritonavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, efavirenz);
  • Hepatitis C virus infection (for example, boceprevir, telaprevir);
  • other infectious diseases (for example, griseofulvin);
  • high blood pressure in the pulmonary blood vessels (bosentan);
  • depressive mood disorders (the herbal remedy St. John's Wort).

If you are taking medications or herbal remedies that could make Dolna less effective, you should also use a barrier contraceptive method (for example, a male condom). Since the effect of another medication on Dolna can last up to 28 days after stopping the medication, during that time, it is necessary to use an additional barrier contraceptive method. Note: Do not use Dolna with a diaphragm, cervical cap, or female condom.

Dolna may affect the effect of other medications, for example:

  • medications containing cyclosporine
  • the antiepileptic lamotrigine (this could lead to an increased frequency of seizures)

Do not use Dolna if you have Hepatitis C and are taking medications containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, as this may produce increases in liver test results (increase in liver enzyme ALT).

Your doctor will prescribe another type of contraceptive before starting treatment with these medications.

Dolna can be used again approximately 2 weeks after the end of this treatment. See section 2.1 "When not to use Dolna".

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication.

Tampons can be used while using Dolna. First, insert Dolna and then the tampon. Be careful when removing the tampon so that the ring is not accidentally expelled. If it is expelled, simply wash the ring with cold or warm water and reinsert it immediately.

The ring can be opened when using a vaginal product such as a lubricant or treatment for an infection (see section 3.4 "What to do if... The ring opens"). The use of spermicides or products for vaginal fungi does not reduce the contraceptive efficacy of Dolna.

Laboratory Tests

If you have blood or urine tests, inform your doctor that you are using Dolna, as it may affect the result of some tests.

2.5 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant women or those who suspect they may be pregnant should not use Dolna. If you become pregnant while using Dolna, you should remove the ring and consult your doctor.

If you want to stop using Dolna because you want to become pregnant, see section 3.5 "If you want to stop using Dolna".

In general, it is not recommended to use Dolna while breastfeeding. If you want to use Dolna while breastfeeding, consult your doctor.

2.6 Driving and Using Machines

It is unlikely that Dolna will affect your ability to drive or use machines

3. How to use Dolna

Follow the administration instructions for this medication exactly as indicated by your doctor or pharmacist. In case of doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Dolna can be inserted and removed by yourself. Your doctor will indicate when to start using it for the first time. The vaginal ring should be inserted on the correct day of your menstrual cycle (see section 3.3 "When to start with the first ring") and remain in the vagina for 3 consecutive weeks. Regularly check if the ring is still in your vagina (e.g., before and after sexual intercourse) to ensure you are protected against pregnancy. After the third week, remove Dolna and take a 1-week break. You will normally have your menstrual period or bleeding during this ring-free break.

While using Dolna, do not use certain female barrier contraceptive methods, such as the vaginal diaphragm, cervical cap, or female condom. These barrier contraceptive methods should not be used as a backup method of birth control because Dolna may interfere with the correct placement and positioning of the diaphragm, cervical cap, or female condom. However, you can use a male condom as an additional barrier contraceptive method.

3.1 How to put on and remove Dolna

  1. Before putting on the ring, check that it is not expired (see section 5 "Storage of Dolna").
  2. Wash your hands before putting on or removing the ring.
  3. Choose the most comfortable position for you to insert it, for example, standing with one leg raised, squatting, or lying down.
  4. Remove Dolna from its packaging. Save the packaging for later use.

Hold the ring between your index and thumb fingers, press the opposite sides, and insert the ring into the vagina (see figures 1-4).

  1. When Dolna is in place, you should not feel anything. If you feel uncomfortable, gently push Dolna further into the vagina. The exact position of the ring inside the vagina is not important.
  2. After 3 weeks, remove Dolna from the vagina. You can do this by hooking the ring with your index finger or holding it with your index and middle fingers and pulling it out (see figure 5). If you are unable to remove the ring despite having located it, contact your doctor.
  3. Dispose of the used ring with your regular household trash, preferably in its packaging. Do not flush Dolna down the toilet.

Open hand showing the palm with a black circle highlighting the injection area

Figure 1

Remove Dolna from its packaging

Hand forming a circle with the thumb and index finger, simulating a small elastic band or ring

Figure 2

Press the ring

Woman in two seated positions showing how to flex the knee and bring it towards the chest for intramuscular injection

Woman lying on her side with her knees flexed and her head resting on a pillow

Figure 3

Choose a comfortable position to put on the ring

Scheme of female anatomy showing the insertion of a pessary into the vagina with one hand holding it

Scheme of the vagina showing the insertion of an oval pessary with relief on the posterior vaginal wall

Figure 4A Figure 4B

Scheme of female anatomy showing the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and vagina with an intrauterine device in place

Figure 4C

Put the ring in the vagina with one hand (Figure 4A); if necessary, separate the vaginal lips with the other hand. Push the ring into the vagina until you feel comfortable (Figure 4B). Leave the ring in the vagina for 3 weeks (Figure 4C).

Uterus and female bladder with an intrauterine device in place showing position and shape

Figure 5:

Dolna can be removed by hooking the ring with your index finger or holding it between your index and middle fingers and pulling it out.

3.2 Three weeks in, one week out

  1. The vaginal ring should remain in the vagina from the day it is inserted for 3 consecutive weeks, without interruption.
  2. After 3 weeks, remove the ring on the same day of the week that you inserted it and at approximately the same time. For example, if you inserted it on a Wednesday at approximately 10:00 PM, you should remove it 3 weeks later, on Wednesday, at approximately 10:00 PM.
  3. Once you have removed the ring, do not use it during the 1-week break. During this week, vaginal bleeding should occur. It usually starts 2-3 days after removing Dolna.
  4. Insert a new ring exactly after the 1-week break (again on the same day of the week and at approximately the same time), even if you are still bleeding.

If you insert the new ring more than 3 hours late, the contraceptive efficacy may be reduced. Follow the instructions in section 3.4 "What to do if you forget to insert a new ring after the ring-free break".

If you use Dolna as described above, your bleeding will take place approximately on the same days each month.

3.3 When to start with the first ring

  • If you have not used hormonal contraception in the previous month

Insert Dolna on the first day of your natural cycle (i.e., the first day of your menstruation). Dolna starts working immediately. You do not need to take other contraceptive measures.

You can also start with Dolna between the 2nd and 5th day of your cycle, but if you have sexual intercourse during the first 7 days of using Dolna, make sure to use a complementary contraceptive method (condom). You should only follow this recommendation when using Dolna for the first time.

  • If you were using a combined pill in the previous month

Start using Dolna no later than the day after the break from your current pill. If the packaging of your pill also contains inactive tablets, start Dolna no later than the day after the last inactive tablet. If you are unsure which tablet is which, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Never extend the break days of your current pill beyond what is recommended.

If you have taken your current pill continuously and correctly and are sure you are not pregnant, you can also stop taking the pill on any day of your current cycle and start with Dolna immediately.

  • If you were using a transdermal patch in the previous month

Start using Dolna no later than the day after the patch-free break. Do not extend the patch-free break days beyond what is recommended.

If you have used the patch continuously and correctly and are sure you are not pregnant, you can also remove the patch on any day and start with Dolna immediately.

  • If you were using a progestin-only pill in the previous month

You can stop taking your progestin-only pill on any day and start with Dolna the next day at the same time. However, make sure to also use a complementary contraceptive method (condom) during the first 7 days of using the ring.

  • If you were using an injectable, implant, or Hormonal Intrauterine System (IUS) in the previous month

Start using Dolna when you would normally receive the next injection or on the day the implant or IUS is removed. However, make sure to use a complementary contraceptive method (condom) during the first 7 days of using the ring.

  • After childbirth

If you have just given birth, your doctor may advise you to wait until your first normal period appears before starting with Dolna. Sometimes it is possible to start earlier; your doctor will advise you on how to do so. If you are breastfeeding and want to use Dolna, you should consult your doctor first.

  • After an abortion

Consult your doctor.

3.4 What to do if...

The ring is accidentally expelled from the vagina

Dolna can be accidentally expelled from the vagina, for example, if it is not inserted correctly, when removing a tampon, during sexual intercourse, if you have constipation, or if you have uterine prolapse (uterine descent). Therefore, you should regularly check if the ring is in your vagina (e.g., before and after sexual intercourse).

The ring has been out of the vagina temporarily

Dolna may still protect you from pregnancy, but this will depend on how long it has been out of your vagina.

If the ring has been out of the vagina for

  • less than 3 hours, it will still protect you from pregnancy. Wash the ring with cold or lukewarm water (do not use hot water) and reinsert it into the vagina as soon as possible, but only if the ring has been out of the vagina for less than 3 hours.
  • more than 3 hours in the 1st or 2nd week, it may not protect you from pregnancy. Wash the ring with cold or lukewarm water (do not use hot water) and reinsert it as soon as you remember. Leave it in the vagina for at least 7 consecutive days. Use a male condom if you have sexual intercourse during those 7 days. If you are in the first week and have had sexual intercourse in the previous 7 days, there is a possibility that you may be pregnant. In this case, consult your doctor.
  • more than 3 hours in the 3rd week, it may not protect you from pregnancy. Remove the ring and choose one of the following two options:
  1. Insert a new ring immediately.

By inserting a new ring, you will start a new 3-week cycle, and you may not have your period. However, you may experience intermenstrual bleeding or spotting during that cycle.

  1. Do not insert a new ring. Wait for the intermenstrual bleeding to stop and insert a new ring no later than 7 days from the time the previous ring was removed or expelled.

Choose this option only if you have used Dolna continuously during the previous 7 days.

  • If Dolna has been out of the vagina for an unknown period, you may not be protected from pregnancy. A pregnancy test should be performed, and you should consult your doctor before inserting a new ring.

The ring breaks

Dolna can break. Vaginal injury associated with ring breakage has been reported. If you notice that Dolna has broken, remove the ring and insert a new one as soon as possible. Take complementary contraceptive precautions (e.g., a male condom) during the following 7 days. If you have had sexual intercourse before noticing that the ring had broken, consult your doctor.

More than one ring is inserted

There are no reports of serious harm due to overdose of the hormones in Dolna. If you accidentally insert more than one ring, you may feel unwell (nausea), vomit, or experience vaginal bleeding. Remove the extra ring and contact your doctor if these symptoms do not disappear. You can also call the Toxicology Information Service, phone: 91 562 04 20, indicating the medication and the amount used.

If you forget to insert a new ring after the ring-free break

Your ring-free breakhas lasted more than 7 days. Insert a new ring into the vagina as soon as you remember. Take additional contraceptive measures (such as a male condom) if you have sexual intercourse during the following 7 days. If you have had sexual intercourse during this ring-free break, there is a possibility that you may be pregnant. In this case, inform your doctor immediately. The longer the ring-free break, the higher the risk of pregnancy.

If you forget to remove the ring

  • If the ring has been in the vagina for 3 to 4 weeks, it will still protect you from pregnancy. Wait for the ring-free week and then insert a new ring.
  • If the ring has been in the vagina for more than 4 weeks, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Contact your doctor before starting with a new ring.

If your period or bleeding does not occur

  • You have used Dolna according to the instructions.

If your period does not occur, but you have used Dolna according to the instructions and have not taken other medications, it is very unlikely that you are pregnant. Continue using Dolna as usual. However, if you have two consecutive missed periods, you may be pregnant, so you should inform your doctor immediately. Do not insert the next Dolna until your doctor has confirmed that you are not pregnant.

  • If you have deviated from the recommended use of Dolna.

If your usual bleeding does not occur during the 1-week break and you have deviated from the recommended regimen, there is a possibility that you may be pregnant, so you should contact your doctor before inserting a new ring.

If you experience unexpected bleeding

In some women, during the use of Dolna, unexpected vaginal bleeding may occur between menstrual periods. You may need to use hygienic protection. However, continue to use the ring as usual; do not remove it. If the bleeding continues, becomes heavier, or starts again, consult your doctor.

If you want to change the day your period or bleeding starts

If you use Dolna according to the instructions, your menstrual period (withdrawal bleeding) will start during the ring-free week. If you want to change the day it starts, you must shorten (never lengthen) the ring-free break.

For example, if your period usually starts on a Friday, you can change it to a Tuesday, i.e., 3 days earlier, starting from the next month. Simply insert the next ring 3 days earlier than your usual day.

If the break is very short (e.g., 3 days or less), you may not have your usual bleeding. You may experience spotting (drops or spots of blood) or intermenstrual bleeding during the use of the next ring.

If you are unsure how to do this, consult your doctor.

If you want to delay your period or bleeding

Although it is not the recommended regimen, you can delay your period (withdrawal bleeding) by inserting a new ring immediately after removing the current ring, without taking the break between rings. You can leave the new ring in place for up to 3 weeks. During the use of the new ring, you may experience spotting (drops or spots of blood) or irregular bleeding. When you want your period to start, simply remove the ring. Take the normal 1-week break without a ring and then insert a new ring.

You can consult your doctor before deciding to delay your menstrual period.

3.5 If you want to stop using Dolna

You can stop using Dolna at any time you wish.

If you do not want to become pregnant, consult your doctor about other contraceptive methods.

If you stop using Dolna because you want to become pregnant, it is recommended to wait until you have had your first natural period before trying to conceive. This will help you calculate the expected date of delivery.

4. Possible Adverse Effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not all people suffer from them. If you experience any adverse effect, especially if it is severe and persistent, or if you have any change in health that you think may be due to Dolna, consult your doctor.

All women who take combined hormonal contraceptives are at a higher risk of developing blood clots in the veins (venous thromboembolism (VTE)) or blood clots in the arteries (arterial thromboembolism (ATE)). For more detailed information on the different risks of taking combined hormonal contraceptives, see section 2 "What you need to know before using Dolna".

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of angioedema: swelling of the face, tongue, and/or throat and/or difficulty swallowing or urticaria potentially with difficulty breathing (see also the section "Warnings and Precautions").

Users of the ring containing etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol have reported the following adverse effects:

Frequent:may affect up to 1 in 10 women.

  • abdominal pain, discomfort (nausea)
  • vaginal yeast infection (similar to oral candidiasis), vaginal discomfort due to the ring, genital itching, vaginal discharge
  • headache or migraine, depressive mood, decreased sexual desire
  • breast pain, pelvic pain, painful menstruation
  • acne
  • weight gain
  • expulsion of the ring

Uncommon:may affect up to 1 in 100 women.

  • vision changes, dizziness
  • swollen abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
  • feeling tired, annoyed, or irritable, mood changes, changes in mood
  • fluid retention in the body (edema)
  • urinary tract infection or bladder infection
  • difficulty, pain when urinating; urgency to urinate. Need to urinate more frequently
  • problems in sexual relationships such as pain, bleeding, or the partner noticing the ring
  • increased blood pressure
  • increased appetite
  • back pain, muscle cramps, pain in the legs or arms
  • decreased skin sensitivity
  • breast tension or pain, or increased size; fibrocystic breast disease (breast cysts that can become swollen or painful)
  • cervical inflammation, polyps growing on the cervix, displacement of tissue from the inside of the cervix to the outside (ectropion)
  • changes in menstrual period (more intense, longer, irregular, or disappearing), pelvic discomfort, premenstrual syndrome, uterine cramps
  • vaginal infection (by fungi or bacteria), burning, odor, pain, discomfort, or dryness of the vagina or vulva
  • hair loss, eczema, itching, rash, or hot flashes
  • urticaria

Rare:may affect up to 1 in 1,000 women.

  • harmful blood clots in a vein or artery, for example:
  • in a leg or foot (i.e., DVT)
  • in a lung (i.e., PE)
  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • mild stroke or temporary symptoms similar to those of a stroke, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA)
  • blood clots in the liver, stomach/intestine, kidneys, or eye

The chances of having a blood clot may be higher if you have any other condition that increases this risk (see section 2 for more information on conditions that increase the risk of blood clots and symptoms of a blood clot).

  • breast secretion

Frequency not known(cannot be estimated from available data).

  • chloasma (yellowish-brown spots on the skin, particularly on the face)
  • discomfort in the partner's penis (irritation, rash, itching)
  • inability to remove the ring without medical assistance (e.g., due to its adherence to the vaginal wall)
  • vaginal injury associated with ring breakage.

There have been reports of breast cancer and liver tumors in women using combined hormonal contraceptives. For more information, see section 2.2 Warnings and Precautions, Cancer.

Dolna may open. For more information, see section 3.4 What to do if…The ring opens.

Reporting of Adverse Effects:

If you experience any type of adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect that does not appear in this prospectus.

You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of Dolna

Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.

If you discover that a child has been exposed to the hormones of Dolna, ask your doctor for advice.

This medicine does not require any special storage temperature.

Store in the original packaging to protect it from light.

Dolna should be inserted at least one month before its expiration date, which appears on the box and on each pouch after CAD. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.

Do not use Dolna if you notice changes in the color of the ring or any visible sign of deterioration.

This medicine may pose a risk to the environment. Once removed, Dolna should be returned to its pouch and closed properly. The closed pouch should be discarded with normal household waste or returned to the pharmacy for proper destruction in accordance with local regulations.

Do not throw it down the toilet. As with other medicines, do not throw unused or expired rings down the drain or in the trash.

Deposit the packaging and medicines you no longer need in the SIGRE Point of the pharmacy. In case of doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medicines you no longer need. This way, you will help protect the environment.

6. Package Contents and Additional Information

Composition of Dolna

  • The active ingredients are etonogestrel and ethinylestradiol.

Dolna contains 8.25 mg of etonogestrel and 2.60 mg of ethinylestradiol. The ring releases etonogestrel and ethinylestradiol in an amount of 0.120 mg and 0.015 mg, respectively, over 24 hours, for a period of 3 weeks.

  • The other components are: vinyl acetate and ethylene copolymer 28% vinyl acetate and polyurethane (a type of plastic that does not dissolve in the body).

Appearance of Dolna and Package Contents

Vaginal delivery system.

Dolna is a flexible, transparent, colorless or almost colorless ring, measuring 54 mm in diameter and 4 mm in cross-section.

Each ring is packaged in an aluminum pouch. The pouch is presented in a cardboard box along with this prospectus and stickers for your calendar to help you remember when to insert or remove the ring.

Each box contains 1, 3, or 6 rings.

Only some package sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorization Holder:

Laboratorios Cinfa, S.A.

Carretera Olaz-Chipi, 10. Polígono Industrial Areta

31620 Huarte (Navarra) – Spain

Manufacturer:

Laboratorios León Farma, S.A.

Calle La Vallina s/n, Polígono Industrial Navatejera

24193- Villaquilambre, León

Spain

This medicine is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following name:

NL: Etonogestrel/ Ethinylestradiol Leon Farma 0,120 mg /0,015 mg per 24 hours, aid for vaginal use

BE: Etonogestrel/ Ethinylestradiol Laboratorios Leon Farma 0,120 mg /0,015 mg per 24 hours aid for vaginal / 24 hours, vaginal delivery system / 24 hours aid for vaginal use

AT: FemLoop – Vaginal ring

ES: Dolna 0,120 mg /0,015 mg every 24 hours, vaginal delivery system EFG

DE: VeRi-Aristo

FR: ETORING 15 micrograms/120 micrograms/24 hours, vaginal delivery system

IT: Vagan

LU: Etonogestrel/ Ethinylestradiol Leon Farma 0.120 /0.015 mg per 24 hours vaginal delivery system

NO: Etonogestrel/ Ethinylestradiol Leon Farma

PL: PolaRing

PT: Anette 0.120 /0.015 mg per 24 hours vaginal delivery system

Date of the last revision of this prospectus:December 2022

Detailed information about this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) (https://www.aemps.gob.es/)

About the medicine

How much does DOLNA 0.120 MG/0.015 MG EVERY 24 HOURS VAGINAL RELEASE SYSTEM cost in Spain ( 2025)?

The average price of DOLNA 0.120 MG/0.015 MG EVERY 24 HOURS VAGINAL RELEASE SYSTEM in October, 2025 is around 9.9 EUR. Prices may vary depending on the region, pharmacy, and whether a prescription is required. Always check with a local pharmacy or online source for the most accurate information.

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