What is Ortho Tri-Cyclen?
Ethinyl Estradiol is oral contraceptive pills, preventing the ovulation and pregnancy. Ethinyl Estradiol/Norgestimate may also be prescribed in order to heal acne.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen Information
Ethinyl Estradiol/Norgestimate is oral contraceptive pills, preventing the ovulation and pregnancy. These preparations contain the natural or synthetic estrogens and progestins, which are similar to the natural sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone). The compound of estrogen and progestin gives better results than just one of these components. Ethinyl estradiol is an estrogen; Norgestimate is a progestin.
Ethinyl Estradiol/Norgestimate may also be prescribed in order to heal acne, hormonal and menstrual conditions in women. If you are taking oral contraceptives for these reasons, it may take several months before you notice improvement.
The type and amount of estrogen and/or progestin may differ for each product.
Follow the instructions of your doctor. Read the leaflet.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen has to be taken orally. Swallow with water. You may take it with food in order to prevent stomach irritation. Take the pill at the same time each day.
Usually the pack of medicine provides you with a 21-day supply. If there are also 7 additional tablets, they should be used during the menstruation. These are pills with iron or inactive ingredients, which will guarantee you safety and decrease the risk of missing the first day of the cycle.
Usually the preparation should be started on the first Sunday after you start your period or on the first day of your period. However, you should contact with your health care provider in order to choose the best day for the start.
Provide the extra month's supply in order to ensure that you will not miss your dose on the first day of the cycle.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen Safety Information
For monophasic, biphasic or triphasic cycles:
21-day usage:
In case of missing a dose of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, take it as soon as you remember to do so, and then take the next pill at the regular time for it. You may take 2 pills within one day. In case you miss two doses (days) in a row, take 2 tablets for the next 2 days, then go back to your usual schedule. If you miss 1 or 2 doses, you have to use a second method of contraception within the next week in addition to the pills therapy. Contact your doctor if you miss 3 days in a row. Missing a tablet may lead to spotting or light bleeding. Make sure that no more than 7 days pass at the end of the 21 day cycle, before you start the new cycle of the therapy.
28-day usage:
Use the same advices for the first 21 days of the schedule. If you miss 1 of the last 7 pills, you may double the dose or skip it. However, you have to begin the next month's cycle on time.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen Side Effects
Ethinyl Estradiol/Norgestimate pills do not usually lead to serious side effects in healthy women, who do not use tobacco. Some non-serious side effects may go away right after your body has adjusted to the treatment.
Consult with your health care provider immediately if you develop the following side effects: dizziness or fainting spells; chest pain; leg, arm or groin pain; vision or speech problems; stomach pain; swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain; weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, especially on one side of the body; shortness of breath; severe or sudden headaches; coughing up blood; coordination loss, especially on one side; breast tissue changes or discharge; yellowing of the eyes or skin; symptoms of vaginal infection (itching, irritation or unusual discharge); migraines; changes in vaginal bleeding during your period or between your periods; tenderness in the upper abdomen; increases in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes; increases in blood pressure, especially if you have problems with it; vomiting.
Talk to your doctor if the following side effects become continuous or bother you too much: skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the skin; breast tenderness; breakthrough bleeding and spotting; mild stomach upset; nausea; weight gain; increased sensitivity to sun or ultraviolet light; mood changes, frustration, anger, anxiety, depression, or emotional outbursts; increased or decreased appetite; tiredness.