Encare

Generic name: Nonoxynol 9 Suppositories
Drug class: Spermicides

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Encare?

Encare is a prescription medicine that is used to prevent pregnancy.

Before taking Encare, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Encare; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you or your partner has HIV infection.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not use Encare if you are pregnant.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Encare with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Encare?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Encare. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
This medicine does not stop the spread of diseases like HIV or hepatitis that are passed through blood or having sex. Do not have any kind of sex without using a latex or polyurethane condom. Do not share needles or other things like toothbrushes or razors.
This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Encare is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking Encare, call your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is Encare best taken?

Use Encare as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Do not take Encare by mouth. For vaginal use only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
Do not use Encare rectally.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Put the suppository in at least 10 minutes before you have sex. If used the right way, Encare works for up to 1 hour.
To use suppository, take off foil wrapper.
If you want to douche, wait at least 6 hours after last intercourse.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

This medicine is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

What are the side effects of Encare that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Vaginal irritation.
Burning.
Trouble passing urine.
Pain when passing urine.
Bad-smelling vaginal discharge.
If your sex partner has irritation of the penis, trouble passing urine, or pain when passing urine.

What are some other side effects of Encare?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Encare?

Store at room temperature.
Protect from heat.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

SRC: NLM .

Jump To