Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol) is a prescription medication used to prevent pregnancy. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is also used to treat moderate acne 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 Lo 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 stopping a woman’s egg from fully developing each month and can no longer accept sperm, preventing pregnancy.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the generic Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol from Canada in the strength of 21-day and 28-day tablets. The brand Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. The most common side effects of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo may include the following:
• Nausea;
• Headache;
• Bloating;
• Breast tenderness;
• Weight changes
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Decreased sex drive;
• Increased hair growth;
• Nipple discharge;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Vaginal bleeding
These are not all of the side effects of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo if you are allergic to Norgestimate, Ethinyl Estradiol, or any ingredient in Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. 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 a history of stroke;
• Have blood clots;
• Have breast cancer;
• Have diabetes;
• Have gallbladder disease;
• Have heart rhythm problems;
• Have hypertension;
• Have liver disease;
• Have migraines;
• Have unusual vaginal bleeding
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and other medicines, like ritonavir, ampicillin, artemether, bosentan, cefaclor, ceftazidime, prednisone, phenytoin, tetracycline, St. John’s wort, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is a contraceptive and should not be used during pregnancy. When you begin using this medicine, your body will require at least seven days to adjust before a pregnancy will be prevented. Use a second form of contraception (e.g., condom, spermicide, or diaphragm) for the first seven days of your first cycle of pills. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol passes into breast milk. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug when breastfeeding with your doctor. Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Your dose will depend on your condition. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo comes as tablets. Swallow your tablet whole, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Take this medicine at the same time each day to help you remember. Birth control pills work best when no more than 24 hours pass between doses. Do not skip or delay taking your pill by more than 24 hours. If you miss a dose, you could get pregnant. You may not have a period for that month if you miss more than one dose or change your schedule. Your doctor may ask you to begin your dose on the first day of your menstrual period (called Day 1 start) or the first Sunday after your menstrual period starts (called Sunday start). When you begin on a certain day, you must follow that schedule, even if you miss a dose. Do not change your schedule on your own without talking to your doctor. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine. Avoid drinking alcohol when using Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Alcohol can increase the side effects of this medicine. Avoid caffeine when taking this drug. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.