About Ortho Tricyclen

Overview

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is an oral contraceptive medication that is prescribed by a doctor, usually a gynecologist. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is prescribed most often to regulate menstrual cycles and prevent pregnancy, although it can also be used to treat acne or severe cramps. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is prescribed only to women.

Function

Ortho Tri-Cyclen contains a combination of hormones: a progestin called norgestimate and an estrogen called ethinyl estradiol. These hormones work together to prevent ovulation, which is when eggs travel down the fallopian tubes into a woman's uterus. These hormones also temporarily change the makeup of uterine lining. Because the egg does not reach the uterus, and the composition of the uterine lining is changed, the chance of becoming pregnant while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen correctly is very small.

Dosage

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a unique oral contraceptive in that it contains three separate doses of progestin hormones, which increase throughout the month. For the first 3 weeks, the estrogen levels stay static at 0.035 mg of estrogen per pill. One pill is taken per day, preferably at the same time every day. The first week of pills contains 0.180 mg of progestin, the second week contains 0.215 mg of progestin and the third week contains the highest dose, 0.250 mg of progestin. The fourth week contains no estrogen or progestin hormones to release the uterine lining and start the patient's menstrual period.

Types

Ortho Tri-Cyclen comes in both a standard and lower hormone dosage. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo contains the same norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol combination. The norgestimate doses remain at the same three tapered levels, while the ethinyl estradiol remains constant at a lower dose of 0.025 mg. Women who experience nausea or vomiting while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen may benefit from taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo instead.

Time Frame

The first dose of Ortho Tri-Cyclen should be taken the Sunday after the patient begins her menstrual period. This method is known as the "Sunday Start." Ortho Tri-Cyclen is effective in preventing pregnancy 1 week after beginning the pills, but it must be taken every day at the same time. The patient is still protected against pregnancy while taking the week of pills that do not contain any hormones.

Side Effects

Mild side effects associated with taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, weight gain, acne, appetite changes, hair growth or loss, freckles, cramps, bloating and changes in menstrual cycle. Serious side effects include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, swelling of hands or feet, depressive symptoms, dark urine, jaundice, stool that is light gray, jaundice or yellow skin and eyes, chest pain, speech problems, vision problems or balance problems. Serious side effects should be reported to a doctor immediately.