Ortho Tri-Cyclen is combination of two female hormones that work together to prevent pregnancy. The estrogen and progesterone combination pill prevents ovulation and changes the lining to the uterus to make it hard for sperm to get to the egg and for a fertilized egg to implant. When beginning Ortho Tri-Cyclen, you need to use a second form of birth control for complete protection before the pills get into your system. Follow the directions provided by your physician or pharmacist when taking the medication.
Step 1
Talk to your physician to find out if you need to start taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen on the first day of your menstrual period or on the Sunday following the start of your menstrual period.
Step 2
Take one pill out of the Ortho Tri-Cyclen package each day and swallow the pill with milk or water.
Step 3
Swallow one pill each day at approximately the same time. Including the medication in a daily routine, such as with breakfast or before going to bed, may help you remember to take the pill each day.
Step 4
Finish taking all pills in the package before starting a new package. The last seven pills of the pack are green-colored reminder pills and do not contain any hormones, according to RxList.com.
Step 5
Take a missed pill as soon as you remember. Take two blue pills on the same day if necessary, according to Drugs.com. When missing two active pills, take two pills each day for two days and then continue as usual, but use a second form of birth control for at least a week. When skipping three pills in a row, you need to throw out the current package of pills and begin a new pack if you are a person who starts on the first day of your menstrual period. If you start a package on the first Sunday following the start of your menstrual period, keep taking the pills as usual until Sunday, then stop taking the package and begin a new one. Skipping reminder does not require a change in schedule.
Step 6
Use a second form of birth control when taking antibiotic medications. Antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of the Ortho Tri-Cyclen pills.
Step 7
Watch for possible complications from taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Taking hormones may increase the risk of developing serious complications such as blood clots, which can lead to a stroke, heart attack or death. Signs and symptoms of a blood clot include redness, swelling or a warm area in the calf.
