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Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is an oral contraceptive, commonly known as a birth control pill. It is a combination medication that contains two hormones: ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norgestimate (a progestin). These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to hinder sperm movement, and altering the lining of the uterus to make it less receptive to implantation.

Drug Name: Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Active Ingredient: Norgestimate & Ethinyl estradiol

Ortho Tri-Cyclen tablets

Dosage:

50mg

Form: Tablet

Type: Generic

Prescription Required: Rx

Availability: In Stock

In addition to its contraceptive properties, Ortho Tri-Cyclen is also prescribed to treat certain conditions related to hormone imbalance, such as acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It may help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the severity of menstrual symptoms in some individuals.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is available in a 28-day pack, which contains three different types of pills:

  • Active pills (21 tablets): These contain a combination of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate and are taken daily for 21 consecutive days. They are active pills that provide the hormonal contraception.
  • Inactive pills (7 tablets): These are placebo pills that do not contain any hormones. They are taken for the remaining 7 days of the pack and are typically referred to as reminder pills. They help maintain the habit of taking a pill every day while allowing for a withdrawal bleed similar to a menstrual period.

How to use

To use Ortho Tri-Cyclen correctly, follow these guidelines:

  1. Start on the first day of your menstrual cycle: Begin taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen on the first day of your menstrual period. This ensures immediate contraceptive protection. If you start on any other day, use backup contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days.
  2. Take one pill daily: Take one active pill from the pack at the same time every day, with or without food. Swallow the pill whole with water. Follow the order indicated on the blister pack, starting with the first active pill.
  3. Follow the 28-day cycle: Continue taking one active pill every day for 21 days in a row. After finishing the active pills, take one inactive (placebo) pill from the pack for the remaining 7 days. It is crucial to maintain the daily pill-taking habit, even during the placebo pill phase.
  4. Start a new pack immediately: Once you finish the 28-day pack, start a new pack the next day, even if your period hasn't ended. This ensures continuous contraception without a gap.
  5. Missed pill guidelines:
    • If you miss one active pill: Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time. No backup contraception is needed.
    • If you miss two consecutive active pills in Week 1 or Week 2: Take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day. Use backup contraception (such as condoms) for the next 7 days. Continue taking one pill daily until you finish the pack.
    • If you miss two consecutive active pills in Week 3, or three or more active pills at any time: Discard the current pack and start a new pack immediately. Use backup contraception for the first 7 days.

Dosage

The dosage instructions for Ortho Tri-Cyclen (ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate) are as follows:

Active pills: Each pack of Ortho Tri-Cyclen contains 28 tablets, with 21 active pills and 7 inactive (placebo) pills.

  • Take one active pill daily for 21 consecutive days, starting on the first day of your menstrual cycle.
  • Each active pill contains a specific amount of ethinyl estradiol (usually 35 mcg) and norgestimate (0.25 mg or 0.18 mg, depending on the formulation).

Inactive pills (placebo pills):

  • After taking the 21 active pills, continue taking one inactive (placebo) pill daily for the remaining 7 days of the pack.
  • These placebo pills are meant to help you maintain your daily pill-taking habit and do not contain any active ingredients.

Start a new pack immediately:

  • After finishing the 28-day pack, start a new pack the following day, regardless of whether your period has ended or not. This ensures continuous contraceptive protection.

Side effects

Ortho Tri-Cyclen may cause side effects in some individuals. While not everyone experiences these side effects, it is important to be aware of potential reactions. Common side effects may include:

  1. Nausea: Some individuals may experience mild nausea when starting Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Taking the pill with food or before bedtime can help alleviate this symptom.
  2. Headache: Headaches, including migraines, may occur in some individuals.
  3. Breast tenderness: You may notice breast tenderness or enlargement. These symptoms are usually temporary and tend to resolve with time.
  4. Mood changes: Mood swings, including irritability or depression, may occur.
  5. Breakthrough bleeding: Light, irregular bleeding or spotting between periods may occur during the first few months of using Ortho Tri-Cyclen.
  6. Weight changes: Some individuals may experience slight weight gain or loss while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen. However, this is typically minimal.
  7. Changes in menstrual pattern: Your menstrual cycle may become more regular or shorter while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Some individuals may experience lighter or shorter periods.
  8. Other possible side effects: Less common side effects may include bloating, changes in appetite, changes in sexual drive, acne flare-ups or improvement, and darkening of facial skin (melasma). Rare but more serious side effects may include blood clots, liver problems, and high blood pressure.

Storage

To properly store Ortho Tri-Cyclen, follow these guidelines:

  1. Temperature: Store pills at room temperature, preferably between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C).
  2. Moisture: Keep the medication in its original packaging or container to protect it from moisture. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, where it can be exposed to humidity.
  3. Light: Protect Ortho Tri-Cyclen from direct sunlight and excessive light exposure. Store it in a dark place, such as a closed drawer or cabinet.
  4. Keep out of reach: Store Ortho Tri-Cyclen in a safe place where children or pets cannot access it. It is important to prevent accidental ingestion.
  5. Do not freeze: Avoid freezing pills. Freezing can affect the stability and effectiveness of the medication.
  6. Check expiration date: Before using Ortho Tri-Cyclen, check the expiration date on the packaging. Do not use the medication if it has expired. Properly dispose of expired or unused medication according to local regulations.

Overdose

In case of an overdose of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, it is important to seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Overdosing on hormonal contraceptives can have serious health implications.

Symptoms of an overdose may vary but could include severe nausea, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, and other signs of hormonal imbalance.

If you suspect an overdose or have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by medical professionals. Instead, follow their guidance and provide them with accurate information regarding the dosage and timing of the medication.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, follow these general guidelines:

Missed one active pill (less than 24 hours late):

  • Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day.
  • Continue taking the rest of the pills at the usual time.
  • No additional contraceptive measures, such as backup contraception, are necessary.

Missed one active pill (more than 24 hours late):

  • Take the most recently missed pill as soon as you remember.
  • Discard any other missed pills.
  • Continue taking the rest of the pills at the usual time.
  • Use additional contraceptive methods, such as condoms or spermicide, for the next 7 days.

Missed two or more active pills:

  • Take the most recently missed pill as soon as you remember.
  • Discard any other missed pills.
  • Continue taking the rest of the pills at the usual time.
  • Use additional contraceptive methods, such as condoms or spermicide, for the next 7 days.
  • Consider using emergency contraception if you had unprotected intercourse in the past 5 days.

Missed an inactive (placebo) pill:

  • If you miss one or more inactive pills, there is no need to take any action.
  • Simply discard the missed pills and continue taking the rest of the pills at the usual time.
  • You will still be protected against pregnancy.

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