Uses of Ortho TriCyclen

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a combination hormone (estrogen and progestin) contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. The drug may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle and to treat menopause symptoms and any other conditions your doctor can determine for you.

Take one Tri-Cyclen pill on the same time every day. Missing a pill or starting the pack late can decrease the drug’s effects. If you feel queasy or experience spotting, do not discontinue the pill. Contact your doctor, however, if symptoms persist. If you are taking certain medicines including antibiotics or if you have been experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, you should use backup contraception as the pill may not be as effective.

Safety Guidelines & Possible Side Effects

Using Ortho Tri-Cyclen when you are a smoker may increase the risk of experiencing any or more of the following: blood clotting, heart attack, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Inform the doctor or dentist in attendance that you are taking the contraceptive pill before you go through any medical or dental treatment, including surgery. For those wearing contact lenses, immediately talk to your doctor if you develop some problems. Make sure that you are not taking any other drug that will badly interact with Ortho Tri-Cyclen. The pill may cause melasma. Sun exposure can darken these patches. If this happens to you, use sunscreen and protective clothing when going out or tanning. Remember that the pill will not prevent STDs. It is, however, discouraged if you are pregnant as it can harm your baby. The pill also passes through breast milk. So talk to your doctor about plans to breastfeed.

You may experience breakthrough bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting and weight changes. Talk to your doctor if you are worried. However, immediately call your doctor if you experience a missed period, dizziness, fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, persistent vaginal bleeding, and problems with contact lenses. Symptoms that require emergency medical help include sharp chest pain, migraine, sudden leg pain, jaundice, vision changes, sudden shortness of breath, numbness of arm or leg and severe abdominal pain.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, take two pills at one time. You may want to use backup contraception for the next 7 days after missing a tablet. If, however, you miss two doses, take both of them as soon as you remember. You may also take three pills on the next schedule. Another option is to take two tablets for two regularly scheduled doses. Use a backup contraception until you get your period. If you miss three tablets in a row, start a new package on the 7th day with the last day you take the pill as the first. Use backup contraception. If your period does not arrive within the 7 days you do not take your pills, take a pregnancy test before starting a new pack.

Drug Storage

Store the pack at room temperature, away from, light moisture and children.

Overdose

Overdose can cause nausea and withdrawal bleeding in females. Usually overdose is caused by children swallowing several pills.

Other Information

Your doctor will require your medical and family history before prescribing Ortho Tri-Cyclen. So, do not just recommend it to other women. They need to be checked individually.