Drug Uses

Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO is a pill which combines estrogen and progestin and is used to prevent pregnancy. This medicine may also be used for regulation of the menstrual cycle, for treatment of menopause symptoms and other conditions

How Taken

The proper dosage of Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO is one pill per day that is taken at the same time every day. You may become pregnant if you miss pills or if you start the package later. The possibility to get pregnant is higher if you miss more pills. Many women experience spotting or light bleeding or stomach problems when they take the first 1-3 packs of the contraceptive. Do not discontinue the usage of Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO in case you experience these problems because whey should disappear later. However, if these problems continue for a longer time, you should consult your doctor. A light bleeding and spotting may also be a result of missed dosages and may appear even in case you take the missed pills later. You may have stomach problems if you take two pills on the same day to catch up a missed dose. The effects of this birth control method may be decreased if you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if you take other medicines, and especially antibiotics, in the moment. It is recommended that you use a second contraception for that period of time. Also, consult your doctor about other birth control methods if you cannot remember taking the pills every day. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about the medicine or if you need more detailed information.

Warnings/Precautions

Smoking during usage Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO may enhance the risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The effects of this birth control method may be decreased if you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if you take other medicines, and especially some antibiotics and anticonvulsants. You need a second birth control method until your next menstruation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about that. You should notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO before you undertake any medical or dental procedures and treatments. The medicine may lead to problems in individuals who wear contact lenses; consult your doctor in you have such problem. Do not take any other prescription or non-prescription medicines before a consultation with your doctor. Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO may cause occurrence of dark patches on the face and they may darken if they are exposed to sunlight, sunlamps or tanning booths. It is recommended that you use protective clothing or sunscreen when you expose yourself to the sun, sunlamps or tanning booths. Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO will not prevent you from sexually transmitted diseases. Contact your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or you think you are pregnant. Also, consult your doctor before using Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO if you are breast feeding because this medicine passes into breast milk and it may affect a nursing infant.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, you should take the missed pill as soon as you remember or you should take two pills at the time of your next scheduled dose. An ovulation is unlike to occur but you may use a second birth control method for the following seven days to ensure you will not become pregnant. If you miss two pills, you can take three pills at once at the time of your next scheduled dose or the next two days you may take two pills. You need to use a back up contraception for the following seven days. In case you miss consecutive three pills you have to throw away the package and start a new one on the 7th day after the last day you have taken a pill. You need to use a second birth control method for the following seven days. You should have your menstruation in the seven days without pills. If the menstruation does not occur, you should make a pregnancy test before you start a new package of pills.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects caused by Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO may include nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change. These side effects should disappear during the usage of the medicine but consult your doctor if they continue or bother you. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Call your doctor immediately if you feel sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden severe headache or leg pain, yellow skin or eyes, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any other adverse effects that are not listed in this leaflet.

Storage

Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO should be stored at a room temperature. Protect it from light and moisture. Keep the medicine away from children.

Overdose

No serious side effects have been reported after ingestion of large amounts of oral contraceptives by children. An overdose of Ortho Tri-Cyclen LO may be signaled by nausea and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.

More Information

Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and the medical history of your family, and will perform a medical examination before they prescribe you any oral contraceptives. The examination may be postponed if you request that and if your doctor thinks this would be appropriate. It is recommended that you are reexamined at least once a year. Make sure you have informed your doctor in case you have suffered from any of the diseases listed in this leaflet. You should keep al appointments with your doctor because at these appointments may be determined any signs of adverse effects caused by birth control pills. Use the medicine only for the medical condition it was prescribed. Do not share your drug with other people who want to use contraceptives.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.