Ortho Tri Cyclen (Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Ortho Tri Cyclen Information:

Ortho Tri Cyclen (generic name: Ethinyl Estrodiol/Norgestimate) is a triphasic birth control pill containing a mixture of female hormones. It delivers a constant level of estrogen and three different levels of progestin throughout your monthly cycle. This is unique because it only delivers the minimum amount of hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy. The birth control pill works in three ways: it prevents eggs from being released from the ovaries (ovulation), thickens the cervical mucus to deter sperm from entering the uterus and also thins the lining of the womb to prevent a fertilised egg from attaching. Although the birth control pill is a method of contraceptive, like all contraceptives it is not 100% safe and is noted as 99% effective, so it is advised that other methods of protection be used in addition for added protection, such as condoms. Ortho Tri Cyclen is a triphasic pill, meaning that the 21 day packet has 3 types of tablets containing different hormone levels. Then on days 21-28 you have a break before starting a new pack.

Ortho Tri Cyclen Side Effects:

As with any drug, there may be side effects from taking Ortho Tri-cyclen including changes in weight and appetite, vaginal discharge and itching, changes to menstrual cycle and periods, freckles on the face, breast tenderness, increased body hair and a decrease in hair on the head. More serious side effects may include numbness, feeling weak, headache, chest pain, depression, lump in the breasts, stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, confusions, pain behind the eyes and generally feeling ill. If you experience any side effects you must seek medical attention immediately for safety.

Ortho Tri Cyclen Directions:

You should follow the instructions of the doctor who prescribed Ortho Tri-cyclen to you. Directions and dosage information can also be found on the pack or leaflet inside the pack. Ortho Tri-cyclen comes in tablet form. You should swallow Ortho Tri-cyclen whole with a glass of water. Ortho Tri-cyclen should be taken at the same time every day during the 21 days, and should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat. Ortho Tri-cyclen is designed to be taken for 21 days followed by a 7 day break. It is important to follow the correct path on the packet as there are three different types of pills in the pack each with different hormone levels, and taking the incorrect hormone level at the wrong point in your cycle could result in pregnancy.

Ortho Tri Cyclen Precautions:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Ortho Tri Cyclen, you should avoid taking it and inform your doctor. You must consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, history of jaundice, history of stroke, blood clot or circulation problems, diabetes, migraines, kidney or liver disease, breast or uterine cancers, high cholesterol, epilepsy or other seizure disorders or depression. You must consult your doctor if you are taking any other medications as they may interact with Ortho Tri Cyclen, including antibiotics which commonly prevents Ortho Tri Cyclen from working and can result in pregnancy. It is important that you inform your doctor if you become pregnant as Ortho Tri Cyclen may cause harm to unborn and new born babies. You should not stop taking Ortho Tri Cyclen without using another form of contraceptive. Ortho Tri Cyclen does not prevent STIs/STDs and therefore other forms of contraceptives are recommended such as condoms. It is advised that you do not smoke when taking Ortho Tri Cyclen or other birth control medications, as this increases the risk of stroke and heart disease/heart attack. Follow the correct path on the packet to avoid pregnancy as each tablet contains different hormone levels.