Drug title

Ortho Tri-Cyclen (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)

Application mode

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is used for pregnancy prevention for those women who decided to use oral contraceptives as the mean for this. This drug is considered to be highly effective pregnancy prevention method.

Taking this drug woman obtains small daily amount of hormones responsible for pregnancy prevention. Generally, the hormones level decrease causes acne. Clinical tests have proved that this drugs intake help to decrease acne amount from middle to small one. Nine from ten women have encountered significant skin improvement.

Drug intake

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is for oral intake. Before starting taking these pills define what time of the day you are  going to take them and take them at specific time. Swallow these pills and drink them with water. Take them with food to decrease stomach upset. Strictly follow dosage instruction.

Most products contain a 21-day supply of pills containing the active ingredients. Some products contain an additional 7 pills containing iron or inactive ingredients to be taken during the week of menstruation; this reduces the chance of missing the first day of the next cycle. Most products are to be started on the first Sunday after you start your period or on the first day of your period. You may need to ask your health care provider which day you should start your packet.

Drug class and mechanism of action

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is the combination of estrogen and progestin used for pregnancy prevention. It can be used for periods’ cycle regulation, for menopause symptoms treatment as well as for other cases defined by the doctor.

Missed doses

If you miss one dose, take the dose as soon as you remember or take two pills at the time of your next regularly scheduled dose. There is little likelihood that ovulation will occur. You may, however, want to use a second method of birth control such as a condom or a spermicidal cream, jelly, or foam for at least 7 consecutive days following the missed tablet to ensure protection from pregnancy. If you miss two tablets in a row, take the two missed tablets as soon as you remember or with your next regularly scheduled dose (three total). Or, you may take two tablets each for the next two regularly scheduled doses (one missed tablet plus one regularly scheduled tablet for 2 days in a row).

The chances of ovulation increase so you have to use other pregnancy prevention form at least within 7 days from the moment of dose miss. It would be better to use other pregnancy prevention method up to next  period. If you have missed three pills intake, start new packing on the 7th day after the day you have taken last pill. Use other pregnancy prevention method, when you take pills within 7 running days. Your period should occur within 7 days without pills. If this does not occur pass pregnancy test before starting taking new package of pregnancy prevention pills.

Storage

Store Ortho Tri-Cyclen at room temperature 68- 77 F (20 - 25 С). Keep away from heat, humidity and light. Keep Ortho Tri-Cyclen away from children and animals.

Warning /  preacutions

Smoking cigarettes while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. If you have vomiting or diarrhea for any reason, your medicine may not work as well. Taking certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants while you are using Ortho Tri-Cyclen may decrease the effectiveness of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control until your next period. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Ortho Tri-Cyclen.

If you wear contact lenses and you develop problems with them, contact your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Ortho Tri-Cyclen may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Use of Ortho Tri-Cyclen will not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Do not use Ortho Tri-Cyclen if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is excreted in breast milk.

If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Ortho Tri-Cyclen, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Heavy side effects of women taking oral contraceptives who are health and don’t smoke are quite rare. On average the amount of women having pregnancy difficulties is bigger than the amount of women having problems with oral contraceptives. Most of small side effects will remove as soon your body gets adapted to this drug. But the potential for serious side effects exist and you have to discuss them with your doctor.

The following side effects can be related to trombuses and require urgent or medical help: chest pain, cough with blood, giddiness or fainting, pains at leg, hand or groin, severe or sudden headaches, heavy stomach pains, sudden short breath, loss of coordination especially at one body side, hands, legs or ankles edemas, quick weight increase, vision or speech problems, weakness or hands or legs dumbness, especially at one body side.

Other side effects are rarely encountered. Be sure to consult your doctor if the following side effects arise: the changes of lactic glands tissue or lactic gland tissue discharges, periods at non designed time, headaches or migraine, the increase of sugar level in blood especially during diabetes, blood pressure increase on high blood pressure, vaginal infection symptoms (itch, irritation or unusual discharges), pains at stomach upper part, eyes or skin yellowing.

Side effects not requiring medical help (inform your doctor about them if they persist or irritate): heavy bleeding or bloody discharges after the intake of first three pills, lactic glands sickliness, mild diarrhea, mood changes, anxiety, depression, disappointment, anger or emotional flashes, appetite decrease or increase, increased sensitivity to sun or ultraviolet light, nausea, acne or brown spots on the skin, tiredness, weight increase.

Additional information

Ortho Tri-Cyclen should be used only by the patient to whom it is prescribed to. Do not share it with other people. Consult your doctor if the symptoms doesn’t improve or get worse.