Drug Uses

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a combination hormonal contraceptive, containing estrogen and progestin. It is used to prevent pregnancy, regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

The pills should be taken day by day at the same time. Missing pills or starting the pack late may lead to pregnancy. First one to three pills may cause sick feeling in stomach, spotting or light bleeding. The problems will usually go away after continuing treatment. The pills may cause sick feeling in stomach or light bleeding when mixed with any other pills. Additionally the pills may not protect you from getting pregnant, and additional contraception method have to be used.

Warnings/Precautions

Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, clotting disorders, heart attack, cancer, or tumors may increase risks associated while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants may decrease effectiveness of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control until your next period. You should inform your doctor or pharmacist that you use Ortho Tri-Cyclen before taking any other medicine. If you develop problems with contact lenses you should contact your doctor. 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 won't protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, so additional protection should be used. If you are pregnant, or breast feeding you should consult your doctor, as Ortho Tri-Cyclen passes into breast milk and may cause a risk to your baby.

Missed Dose

If you happen to miss one pill then you should take it as soon as you remember, or double your dose next scheduled time. It's a little chance for ovulation, but you may want to use another birth control method for about seven days after missed pill. If you happen to miss more than one tablet then you should double your dose consequently for as many days as you missed pills. There is greater chance that you will ovulate, so you should use another birth control method to avoid pregnancy for at least seven days or till next period.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that may be caused by using Ortho Tri-Cyclen include vaginal bleeding, fluid retention, melasma and nausea, breast tenderness, change in appetite, headache, nervousness, depression, dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, vaginal infections, inflammation of the pancreas, and allergic reactions. If any of these side effects bother you, you should visit your doctor.

Storage

Ortho Tri-Cyclen should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture, away from the reach of children.

Overdose

Overdosage effects other than nausea and withdrawal bleeding has not been reported.

More Information

Before prescribing hormonal contraceptives your doctor need to examine your medical and family history and full examination. Examination may be postponed if your doctor believes it's appropriate, but examination should be performed at least once a year. This drug shouldn't be used for any other purposes than those for which it was prescribed. Prescription of this contraceptive is person specific, do not give this contraceptive to any other person. Smoking should be avoided while taking this contraceptive.

Disclaimer

Information presented on this page is for informational purposes only. This information doesn't cover all interactions, precautions or adverse effects of treatment with this medicament. We disclaim all responsibility for any consequences, which may arise while taking this drug without proper consultation with doctor or pharmacist. We give no warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.