Ortho Tri-Cyclen Prevents Ovulation, But Backup Birth Control Measures Like Condoms And Spermicide Might Be Needed Initially

Ortho Tri-Cyclen General Information

Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate

Brand Name: Sprintec,Ortho Cyclen, Tri-Previfem, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Tri-Sprintec, Mononessa Previfem, TriNessa

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is used to prevent pregnancy. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a contraceptive formula used to prevent the occurrence of ovulation.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Uses

It is a combination of female hormones that works by causing certain changes to the cervical mucus and to the uterine lining. As a result of these changes, sperms find it difficult to reach the uterus and a fertilized egg is prevented from getting attached to the uterine wall. Some physicians prescribe this medication as a treatment for acne.

How Take Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Women taking such medications should strictly follow the instructions of their doctors. The first pill is to be consumed on the first day of the period or on the first Sunday after the period has started. The birth control pack for the whole month consists of seven "reminder" pills which help to maintain the regularity of the cycle. One pill is the normal dosage per day and a woman has the possibility to get pregnant if she fails to regularly use the medication.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Warnings

But users should know that there are certain conditions during which the use of Ortho Tri-Cyclen is strictly prohibited. Pregnant women and those who are lactating mothers should not be prescribed with such a medication. This is not the ideal medication for those persons who have had suffered from stroke, blood-clot, breast cancer, uterine cancer and migraine headaches. The risk to contract these diseases becomes greater for a smoker above 45 years of age. Again, if a woman is using some other drugs, then it should be communicated to her doctor. Otherwise, the use of these drugs might reduce the effectiveness of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. These additional drugs include even the vitamins, minerals and the herbal products.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Missed Dose

A missed dose means an increase in the probability of becoming pregnant. If a woman misses the day’s dose, then she would have to take two pills the following day and then she can continue with one pill per day for the rest of the month. Two pills per day for two consecutive days are prescribed in case a user misses two "active" pills in a row in the first or the second week. Missing three "active" pills in a row in the third week can be handled by replacing the old pack with a completely new one on the very same day in case of the Day 1 starters. For those who have started taking the pills on Sunday, they are advised to take a pill everyday till the next Sunday after which a new pack has to be started. Missing a reminder pill does not necessitate the use of back-up birth control like condoms or spermicide.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Side Effects

Certain side effects are associated with Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Many women have faced side effects like hives, breathing troubles and swelling of throat, face, lips and tongue. A doctor needs to be consulted in case a user feels sudden weakness, speech and vision problems, headaches, nausea, swelling, chest pain, jaundice marked by dark urine, clay-colored stools and yellowing of skin and eyes. Some women have suffered other side effects like stomach pain, vaginal discharge and itching, breast pain, loss of scalp hair, freckles and changes in the menstrual periods.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Storage

The medication should, be stored in a cool and dry place at room temperature.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Overdose

The doctor is the only person who would prescribe the dosage. But many women have a tendency to indulge in a drug overdose. But they should seek medical advice if they are really into an overdose. The symptoms indicating an overdose include nausea, vaginal bleeding and vomiting. It needs to be noted that the use of these contraceptive pills would only prevent pregnancy, but it is not a remedy for the sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS and HIV. Condoms can also offer protection from these diseases.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen More Information

Birth defects might be caused by the use of this medication. Ortho Tri-Cyclin should not be used by women with a history of abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast lumps, nodules and irregular menstrual cycles. Diabetic patients and those suffering from liver diseases, depression, epilepsy, blood clot and diseases of the gallbladder are also prohibited from the use of this medication. The hormones contained in the medication might pass onto the breast milk and cause ill-effects to a breast-feeding baby.