Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a combination contraceptive containing estrogen and progestin. On doctor’s advice, it may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause or other conditions. In order to avoid missing a dose, Ortho Tri-Cyclen must be taken at the same time every day.
You could become pregnant if you miss a pill or start the pack late. The risk of getting pregnant increases proportionally to the number of pills missed. In several cases spotting, light bleeding or an upset stomach have been reported during the first 1-3 weeks. Do not stop taking the pills as these symptoms will normally disappear. Contact your doctor if they don’t. Missing pills may also cause the same effects even if you have made up for the missed pills. On the days you take 2 pills to make up for missed pills, you could also have an upset stomach. The effect of the pills may be reduced if you suffer from vomiting or diarrhea or you are combining the pills with other medications, especially antibiotics. Until the effect of the pills has been confirmed by your doctor, use a back-up contraceptive method (such as condoms or spermicides). Consult your doctor if you are having a problem with remembering to take the pill or if you would rather use another method of contraception. Ask you doctor for any clarifications you might need with respect to the information in this leaflet.
Warnings Precautions
Vomiting or diarrhea may be symptoms that the medication is not having its full effect. Combining Ortho Tri-Cyclen with antibiotics or anticonvulsants may reduce its effect. A back-up contraceptive method should be used until you get your first period. Contact your doctor for any further information. Inform your doctor or dentist that you are using birth control pills before performing any medical or dental treatments, emergency care or surgery. Contact your doctor if you develop vision problems and you are wearing contact lenses. Before beginning treatment with any over-the-counter or prescription medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use Ortho Tri-Cyclen if you are pregnant. Contact your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is passed onto breast milk. If you are breast-feeding, you should consult your doctor on the possible harmful effects to the nursing infant. Ortho Tri-Cyclen may cause dark facial skin patches. Exposure to sunlight may aggravate this condition and sunscreen or protective clothing should be used. Smoking while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other heart and blood vessels diseases. The use of Ortho Tri-Cyclen does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Missing a Dose
In case of missing a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember or take two pills at your next regular dosage time. Ovulation is unlikely to occur in case of a missed dose. In order to avoid pregnancy, however, it is advisable to use a back-up contraceptive method such as condoms, spermicidal cream, jelly, or foam for at least 7 consecutive days following the missed tablet. If you miss two tablets in a row, take the two missed tablets as soon as you remember or at you next regular dosage time (three tablets in total). You may also take two tablets at each of the two next regular dosage times (one missed tablet plus one regularly scheduled tablet for 2 days in a row). In such cases, ovulation is very likely to occur and you must use a back-up contraceptive method for at least 7 days following the missed tablets and preferably until you get your next period. If you miss three tablets in a row, dispense of the pack and start a new one on the 7th day after the last day you took a pill. Until you have taken seven consecutive pills on seven successive days use a back-up contraceptive method. You should get your period during the 7 pill-free days. Apply a pregnancy test if you do not get your period before starting a new pack of pills.
Possible Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change are among the side effects of Ortho Tri-Cyclene which normally disappear during treatment. Contact your doctor if these symptoms persist or intensify. 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, notify your doctor immediately. If you experience 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, seek medical help immediately. If you detect any symptoms that appear unusual, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature. Do not expose to light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Nausea and withdrawal bleeding are among the symptoms of an Ortho Tri-Cyclene overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help. No cases of serious side effects have been reported in children having swollen a large dose of oral contraceptives.
More Information
Before prescribing oral contraceptives, your doctor will take a record of your medical and family history, and will perform an examination. The physical examination may be postponed at your request. Annual reexaminations must be performed. In case there is family history of any of the above-listed conditions, notify your doctor. Regular examinations will determine whether early signs of side effects of oral-contraceptive use exist and the appointment schedule must be strictly adhered to. Use Ortho Tri-Cyclene only as a contraceptive. The prescription is personal and should not be passed on to others as a contraceptive method.
Ortho Tri Cyclen resources:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/norgestimest.htm
http://www.drugs.com/Ortho_Tri-Cyclen/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a601050.html
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