Tri-Sprintec, the brand name of the combination of the medications ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, is an oral contraceptive medication. It is the generic version of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Although this medication is quite effective when used properly, it may cause undesirable side effects or medical complications. Women interested in using Tri-Sprintec should discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor.
Taking Tri-Sprintec
Each package of Tri-Sprintec consists of 28 pills. This includes 21 active pills containing the medication and seven reminder pills. Women usually begin taking Tri-Sprintec on the first day of their period, or the first Sunday after menstruation, but some may start at other times in their cycle, depending on instructions from their doctor. Women taking Tri-Sprintec start with an active pill at the same time each day. If a woman misses a pill, she should take it as soon as she remembers, and continue taking the remaining pills at their regularly scheduled time. If she misses two or more pills, she should consult a doctor for advice. Women who miss an active pill may need to use a backup method of birth control to avoid pregnancy. The reminder pills are included to help women keep their routine of taking a daily pill, but do not contain any medication. Vaginal withdrawal bleeding, sometimes referred to as a period, begins during the week a woman takes the reminder pills. Women who miss a reminder pill do not need to use a backup method of birth control.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Tri-Sprintec include breast pain or swelling, increased growth or loss of scalp hair, appetite or weight changes, nausea, vomiting, cramping, bloating, darkening of facial skin, vaginal itching, vaginal discharge, problems with contact lenses, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nervousness or changes in menstruation. Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, sometimes referred to as breakthrough bleeding, is also common during the first three months, explains Drugs.com. Serious side effects are rare, but may include sudden numbness or weakness, chest pain, depression, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, vision or speech changes, change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches, jaundice, dark urine, clay-colored stools, fever, stomach pain or swelling in the hands, ankles or feet. Women experiencing any of these serious side effects should call a doctor immediately.
Considerations
Women with certain medical conditions should talk to a doctor about their medical history before using Tri-Sprintec. This includes women with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, diabetes, epilepsy or seizures, irregular menstrual cycles, breast abnormalities or a history of depression. In addition, women with certain medical histories should not take Tri-Sprintec. These include women who have had jaundice caused by birth control, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver cancer, liver disease, severe migraine headaches, a hormone-related cancer, a stroke, blood clots, circulation problems and those who may be pregnant. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid taking this medication until the baby has weaned.
Drug Interactions
Tri-Sprintec may become less effective when a woman takes certain medications or herbal supplements at the same time. These include the medications phenylbutazone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, amobarbital, butabarbital, mephobarbital, secobarbital, phenobarbital, amprenavir, atazanavir, indinavir, saquinavir, fosamprenavir and ritonavir. Antibiotic medications and St. John's wort can also lessen its effectiveness. Women should always talk to a doctor before taking any medication or herbal supplement while taking Tri-Sprintec to avoid negative interactions.
Warning
Women who are taking Tri-Sprintec or any other birth control pill should not smoke, as this increases the risk of heart and blood-related side effects, warns the Nemours Foundation website KidsHealth.org. Tri-Sprintec also does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
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