Ortho Tri-Cyclen is the combination of an estrogen and progestin used as pregnancy preventive medicine. It also helps to regulate the menstrual cycle, to treat menopause symptoms, or to treat other conditions as your doctor finds necessary.
A low daily dose of hormones that prevent pregnancy is also provided by this drug. It actually lowers the level of the hormone in your body that's likely to cause acne. With the help of clinical tests, it has been clinically confirmed to help the reduction of mild to moderate acne. Nearly nine out of ten women observed their skin improvements.
Ethinyl Estradiol should be taken orally. Before starting the course, it’s important to decide what the most suitable time of day is, and the medicine should be taken at the same time of day and in the order directed. Swallow the pills with a drink of water. Food should be taken to reduce stomach upset. Do not take more often than prescribed.
Most products include a 3 week supply of pills containing the active ingredients, but some have an additional 7 pills containing iron or inactive ingredients. These pills need to be taken during the menstruation week; this reduces the chance of missing the first day of the next cycle. You should start using most products on either the first Sunday after your period starts or on the first day of your period. You should consult your health care provider which day is the best to start your packet.
In case one dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered or two pills should be taken at the time of your next regularly scheduled dose. There is little chance of ovulation occurrence. However, you should use a second method of birth control such as a condom or a spermicidal cream, foam, or jelly for at least one week following the missed tablet to make sure that pregnancy protection is maintained. In case you miss two tablets in a row, you must take the two missed tablets as soon as remembered or with your next regularly scheduled dose (i.e. you need to take three pills total). Or, instead, you can take two tablets each time for the next two regularly scheduled doses (one missed tablet plus one regularly scheduled tablet for 2 days in a row).
Missing of doses greatly increase the chances of ovulation, so another form of birth control must be used for at least one week following the time of missed dose. It is even better to use a second birth control method until your next period. In case three tablets in a row are missed, the package should be thrown away and a new package should be started on the 7th day after the last day you took a pill. Another method of birth control should be used until you have taken a pill for 7 consecutive days. Your period should take place during the week without pills. If it doesn't happen, you should have a pregnancy test conducted before starting a new package of pills.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen should be stored at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). It should be stored away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep Ortho Tri-Cyclen out of the children’s reach and away from pets.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen Safety information
While using Ortho Tri-Cyclen smoking cigarettes is not recommended. It may increase your risk of heart problems such as stroke, blood clots, heart attack, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. If such side effects as vomiting or diarrhea take place, your medicine may not work as well. The effectiveness of Ortho Tri-Cyclen can be decreased by taking certain other antibiotics or anticonvulsants at the same time while you are using Ortho Tri-Cyclen. In order to decrease chances of getting pregnant, an additional form of birth control should be used until your next period. Should any questions arise, you must contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Your doctor or dentist should be notified that you are using Ortho Tri-Cyclen if you are going to have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery.
In case you have some problems with wearing contact lenses, you should contact your doctor. Prior to starting to take a any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. Dark skin patches on your face may be caused by Ortho Tri-Cyclen. These patches can become darker if you get exposed to the sun. If patches occur, a sunscreen or protective clothing should be used during the exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. The spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is not prevented by the use of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. If you are pregnant, Ortho Tri-Cyclen should not be used. If you suspect that you might be pregnant, contact your physician as soon as possible. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen, consult your doctor or pharmacist to find out about the possible risks to your baby.
Only the patient for whom Norgestimate is prescribed should use the medicine. It shouldn’t be shared with other people.
Consult with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or they get even worse.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen Side effects
In women who are healthy and do not smoke while taking oral contraceptives, harsh side effects occur relatively rare. On average, more women’s problems occur due to complications from pregnancy rather than problems with oral contraceptives. As your body adjusts to the medicine many of the minor side effects may go away. However, the potential for severe side effects does exist and you may want to contact your health care provider to discuss the risks.
Urgent medical or emergency help may be required in case of the following symptoms or side effects, which may be related to blood clots: chest pain, coughing up blood, dizziness or fainting spells, arm, leg, or groin pain, severe or sudden headaches, sudden shortness of breath, stomach pain (severe), sudden loss of coordination, especially on one side of the body, swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain, problems of vision or speech, weakness or numbness in the legs or arms, especially on one side of the body.
Other serious side effects happen rarely. Your health care provider should be contacted as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: breast tissue changes or discharge, vaginal bleeding changes during your period or between your periods, migraines or headaches , increases in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes, increases in blood pressure, especially if you are known to have high blood pressure, symptoms of vaginal infection (itching, irritation or unusual discharge), tenderness in the upper abdomen, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
There are some other side effects that usually do not require medical attention (they should be reported to your health care provider in case they persist or get bothersome): breakthrough bleeding and spotting that remains after the 3 initial pill cycles, breast tenderness, mild stomach upset, mood changes, depression, anxiety, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts, increased or decreased appetite, the increase of sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light, nausea, skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the skin, tiredness, or weight increase.
