|
Ethinyl
estradiol and norgestimate
Brand
Name: Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Most
Common Medical Uses
Ortho
Tri-Cyclen is most commonly used to prevent pregnancy. It may also
be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause,
or treat other conditions.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
as directed by your doctor. Take one pill every day, no more than
24 hours after your last dose. With a 28-day cycle pack, take one
pill daily. When the pack is empty, throw it away and begin a new
pack the next day. The 28-day cycle contains seven pills that are
either placebos or iron supplements, to remind you to take your
pills daily. They are taken while you are menstruating. With a 21-day
cycle pack, take one pill daily for 21 days, then do not take any
pills for 7 days. You should have your period during the 7 days
with no pills. Resume your pills on the 8th day with a new package.
Possible
Side Effects
Possible
side effects of taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen include nausea, vomiting,
bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight
change. See your doctor if you experience sudden shortness of breath,
sharp chest pains, changes in vision, numbness in your arms or legs,
severe stomach pain, sudden severe headache or leg pain or difficulty
wearing your contact lenses. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or concerns you.
Precautions
Smoking
cigarettes while using this medicine may increase your risk of stroke,
heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases
of the heart and blood vessels. Certain antibiotics may decrease
the effectiveness of this medicine. Therefore, it is recommended
you use an additional form of birth control until your next period.
Advise your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine before
having any medical or dental treatments, emergency care or surgery.
This medicine may cause dark patches, especially on your face. Exposure
to the sun may intensify this condition. If you experience dark
patches, use protective clothing and sunscreen when exposed to the
sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Do not take birth control pills
if you are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant.
Drug
Interactions
Talk
to your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products, especially if you taking certain
types of antibiotics, any nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin,
isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside (any "nitric oxide donor"
medicines), cimetidine, erythromycin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole,
ketoconazole), mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) or high blood
pressure medicines. Some drugs may decrease the effectiveness of
birth control pills which may result in pregnancy. Use a second
form of birth control if you are taking penicillin antibiotics,
tetracycline antibiotics or barbiturates. Drugs other than those
listed here may also interact with Ortho Tri-Cyclen.
Missed
Dose
If
you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember
or take two pills at the time of your next regularly scheduled dose.
It is important to read all information contained in the package
insert as it may have slightly different instructions in the case
of missed pills. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have
any questions.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container,
away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep this and all medications
out of the reach of children.
Notes
Use an additional form of birth control if you miss several doses
or if you are taking drugs that decrease the effectiveness of birth
control pills. Do not share Ortho Tri-Cyclen with others for whom
it was not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is not
effectively treated by this drug.
|
