What is Ortho Tri-cyclen?
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a combination estrogen and progestin contraceptive pill which has been used for many years successfully and safely by millions of women across the United States. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is also used to regulate the menstrual cycle and treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, osteoporosis, and changes of the skin and mucous membranes. This medication can also be used in females over the age of 15 to treat acne which is unresponsive to other treatments and is rather severe.
Is Ortho Tri-Cyclen effective:
Yes. If taken as prescribed, Ortho Tri-cyclen is over 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. It is also proven effective in controlling menstrual cycles, treating the symptoms of menopause, and even treating acne in females under the age of 15 years.
Is Ortho Tri-Cyclen safe?
Yes. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is safe and effective as prescribed. However, patients who smoke cigarettes should know that smoking in conjunction with the use of Ortho Tri-Cyclen can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems. Ortho Tri-Cyclen also may cause dark skin patches on the face, which can be worsened by exposure to the sun.
Will Ortho Tri-Cyclen prevent sexually transmitted diseases?
No. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is an excellent oral contraceptive pill, however, it will not prevent you or your partner from transmitting or receiving sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, gonorrhea, or HIV.
How do I take Ortho Tri-Cyclen?
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is prescribed in three different preparations including 0.18, 0.215, and 0.25 mg of norgestimate, and 35 mcg. of ethinyl estradiol. Usual adult dosage for contraception is one tablet daily, usually taken in the morning at the same time every day to help prevent forgetting doses. The tablets are taken for 21 days, followed by seven days off, creating a 28 day cycle. It should be noted that the tablets taken from the 21st through 28th days of the cycle are inert tablets, meaning that they do not have any active medication, but they do help perpetuate the routine of taking the medication and can help you avoid forgetting doses. You should take the first tablet on the first day of menstruation, or use the Sunday-start technique, taking the first tablet on the first Sunday after menstruation begins as directed by your doctor.
Side effects may include:
Nausea, vomiting, spotting between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, weight gain, and facial skin changes.
It should be noted that many of these symptoms may go away during treatment over time.
Please consult a doctor for a complete list of drug interactions and precautions and complete our patient profile form to see if Ortho Tri-Cyclen is right for you.
Related Categories:
Women's Health
Related Medications:
Diflucan, Estradiol
