Generic Name: Norgestimate / ethinyl
estradiol.
Typical Brand Names: Ortho Tri-Cyclen
What Is It Used For?
It's a secure, safe, protected and effective oral contraceptive
used to avert pregnancy.
How Is It Used?
Take one pill everyday at the same time. The dosage regimen of
this pill for treatment of facial acne, as available in a 21-day
active and a 7-day placebo schedule. Take one active tablet daily
for 21 days followed by one green tablets for 7 days. After 28
tablets have been taken, a new course is started the next day.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
The most common side effects with ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN are nausea,
vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness,
or weight change. If you experience persistent or recurrent abnormal
vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting,
swelling of fingers or ankles, headaches, or difficulty wearing
contact lenses, check out with your local doctor as soon as possible.
Also, get in touch with your doctor immediately if you experience
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.
Is It Safe?
Before taking ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN, inform your doctor about all your
medical problems like if you have vomiting or diarrhea for any
reason, your medicine may not work as well. Smoking cigarettes
while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen may also increase your risk of stroke,
heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases
of the heart and blood vessels.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Reduced efficacy and increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding
and menstrual irregularities have been associated with concomitant
use of rifampin. A similar association, though less marked, has
been suggested with barbiturates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin sodium,
carbamazepine, griseofulvin, topiramate, and possibly with ampicillin
and tetracyclines 72. A possible interaction has been suggested
with hormonal contraceptives and herbal supplements.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss one dose, take the dose as soon as you remember or
take two pills at the time of your next regularly scheduled dose.
There is little likelihood that ovulation will occur. You might
be required to use a second method of birth control such as a
condom or a spermicidal cream, jelly, or foam for at least seven
consecutive days following the missed tablet to ensure protection
from pregnancy.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store at a controlled room temperature between 15 degrees and
30 degrees C (59 degrees and 86 degrees F). Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Smoking of cigarettes should be avoided during its usage. Serious
ill effects have been reported following acute ingestion of large
doses of oral contraceptives. Over dosage may cause nausea and
withdrawal bleeding may occur in females.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
