Drug Uses

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is an oral contraceptive that contains two hormones - estrogen and progestin, and is used as prevention of pregnancy. It is also used for regulation of the menstrual cycle, treatment of the menopause symptoms and treatment of other conditions.

How Taken

The dosage of Ortho Tri-Cyclen is one pill a day, taken at the same time every day. If you miss a pill or if you start taking the pills late, there is a possibility to become pregnant. Many women report having spotting or light bleeding, or stomach problems while they take the first 1-3 packs of the drug. If you experience the same things, do not stop the usage of Ortho Tri-Cyclen because these problems disappear but in case they continue, consult your doctor. A light bleeding and spotting may also be cause by missed dosage and may appear even if you take the missed pills later. If you take two pills on the same day to make up a missed dosage you can feel stomach problems. The efficiency of the drug may have been reduced if you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if you take other medicines in the moment. Consult your doctor about it but use a second contraceptive method for that moment. Also, talk to your doctor about another birth control method if you find it difficult to remember taking the pills every day. Ask your doctor if you have any question or if you need additional information.

Warnings/Precautions

Smoking while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The efficiency of the drug may have been reduced if you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are taking any other medicines. You should use a second contraceptive method until your next menstruation. Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen before you have any medical or dental procedures and treatments. This contraceptive may cause you problems if you use contact lenses. Consult your doctor before taking another medicine while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen. This drug may cause dark patches on your face which may get darker if they are exposed to sunlight, sunlamps or tanning booths. You should use protecting clothing or sunscreen. Ortho Tri-Cyclen cannot prevent you from sexually transmitted diseases. Do not use the contraceptive if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor if you are breast feeding because Ortho Tri-Cyclen passes into breast milk and may affect the baby.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the missed pill as soon as you remember or take two pills at the time of your next regular dose. An ovulation is very unlike to occur but you may use a second contraceptive method for the next seven days to ensure you will not become pregnant. In case you miss two pills, you can take them with your next regular dose (three pills at once) or you can take two tablets each day for the next two days. You must use a second contraceptive method for the next seven days. In case you miss three tablets in a row, throw away the package and start a new one on the seventh day after the last day you have taken a pill. You must use a second contraceptive method for the next seven days. You should have a menstruation during the seven days without pills. If it does not occur, you should have a pregnancy test before you start a new pack of pills.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects caused by Ortho Tri-Cyclen may include nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change. These side effects should disappear but in case they continue, consult your doctor. You should talk to your doctor if you experience persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Consult your doctor immediately if you have sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden severe headache or leg pain, yellow skin or eyes, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain. Inform your doctor or pharmacist in case you notice any side effects that are not listed in this leaflet.

Storage

Ortho Tri-Cyclen should be stored at a room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it away from children.

Overdose

There are no serious side effects in the cases when children have taken large doses of oral contraceptives by accident. An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting and vaginal bleeding.

More Information

Your doctor will examine you and will ask you about your medical history before they prescribe you Ortho Tri-Cyclen. You should be reexamined by your doctor at least once a year. Inform your doctor if you have suffered from any of the conditions listed here. Do not miss appointments with your doctor because at these appointments will be determined if you have early signs of any side effects. Never give your birth control medicine to someone else. Use the pills only for the purpose they are prescribed to you.

Disclaimer

These instructions are for your information only. Be aware that the directions don't cover all uses, medicine interactions, precautions, or unfavorable effects. These prescriptions are only informative and shouldn't be relied on for any further actions. Don't accept the instructions as directions for application for any specific complaint. We deny all responsibility for the preciseness and trustiness of the information displayed and/or any results proceeding from it inclusive of harms or undesirable consequences to people or possessions if such occur. No warranty, either expressed or referred to, is made in connection to the above information.