Ortho Tri Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen (Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol) is a prescription medication used to prevent pregnancy. Tri-Cyclen is also used to treat acne vulgaris in females at least 15 years of age who have started having menstrual periods and want to use this medicine for birth control. This drug is a combination of two hormones. The active ingredients in Ortho Tri-Cyclen are Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol. Norgestimate belongs to a class of drugs called progestins. Ethinyl Estradiol belongs to a class of medications called estrogens. They work by preventing ovulation and causing changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining. This makes it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus or for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the generic Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol from Canada as 28-day tablets. The brand Ortho Tri-Cyclen is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen. The most common side effects of Ortho Tri-Cyclen may include the following:
• Breakthrough bleeding;
• Headache;
• Nausea;
• Stomach pain;
• Weight changes
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Breast lump;
• Severe headache;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles
These are not all of the side effects of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Ortho Tri-Cyclen if you are allergic to Norgestimate, Ethinyl Estradiol, or any ingredient in Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have an underactive thyroid;
• Have circulation problems;
• Have depression;
• Have diabetes;
• Have gallbladder disease;
• Have heart disease;
• Have high cholesterol;
• Have irregular menstrual cycles;
• Have liver disease;
• Have seizures;
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Ortho Tri-Cyclen and other medicines, like levothyroxine, metformin, topiramate, propranolol, lorazepam, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is unknown if Ortho Tri-Cyclen will harm an unborn baby. This drug is only meant to prevent pregnancy. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least four weeks before taking birth control pills. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol passes into breast milk and may slow milk production. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Ortho Tri-Cyclen comes as a tablet. Take your first pill on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins. You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms with spermicide when you first start using Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. You may get pregnant if you do not take one pill daily. If you miss two or more pills, you may not have a period during the month. If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant. Avoid smoking when taking this drug. Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a contraceptive. It will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and gonorrhea. Use a condom to protect yourself from these diseases. If you need major surgery with long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time. Inform your surgeon that you are using Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.