Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is a brand of a combination birth control pill that is used for the prevention of pregnancy. Some women may experience side effects while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Most of the common side effects are manageable or temporary, but women should be aware that serious side effects can also come from this pill. All women considering using it should discuss all these side effects with a doctor before deciding if this brand of birth control is right for them.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects are breakthrough bleeding, vomiting or nausea, a gain in weight, breast pain or tenderness, and difficulty wearing contact lenses, according to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo's product information sheet. Many of these side effects, especially nausea and vomiting, may improve or disappear within the first three months of taking the product. If these common symptoms persist or are bothersome, consult your doctor.
Potentially Serious Side Effects
Although many side effects are considered harmless, some side effects have the potential to be serious and should be reported to your doctor. These side effects include depression or other emotional changes, breast lumps, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heavy vaginal bleeding. In addition, certain side effects may indicate a specific serious medical condition. These side effects should also be reported to a doctor immediately. According to EmedTV.com, these include: pains in the calf, leg cramps or leg or foot swelling, which may indicate a blood clot in the leg; shortness of breath; coughing up blood or sharp chest pain, which may be signs of a blood clot in the lung; vision changes or a complete loss in vision, which may indicate a blood clot in the eye; chest pains or a feeling of heaviness in the chest, which can be a warning sign of a heart attack; vision and speech changes, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg or a severe headache, which can be signs of a stroke; and signs of an allergic reaction, which would include an unexplained rash, hives, swelling, itching, wheezing or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Serious Side Effects
Although serious side effects are rare, it is important that all women considering this birth control pill learn about potential risks. These risks include blood clots, stroke, heart attacks and blockage of blood vessels, according to Drugs.com and the product information sheet for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. Smoking increases these risks. In addition, use of an oral contraceptive like Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo may cause liver tumors, but this is rare. Although these liver tumors that do occur are typically benign, they are still considered dangerous because the tumors can rupture and cause fatal internal bleeding. High blood pressure can also be a serious side effect while taking the pill, but blood pressure typically returns to normal when the pill is discontinued.
Other Side Effects
It is possible to experience side effects from Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo that are not listed. If you believe you are experiencing a reaction to this pill or are concerned about any symptoms that begin after taking this pill, you should contact your doctor. The FDA encourages you to report any unusual side effects. This can be done by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or by going to its website at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
