Tri-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate) is an oral contraceptive medication used to decrease your chances of conceiving a child. According to Drugs.com, this birth control pill prevents ovulation (egg release) and alters your uterine lining and cervical mucus. This subsequently prevents pregnancy. Typically you will start Tri-Sprintec on the first Sunday after your period begins or as your doctor instructs, according to the National Library of Medicine. You will take one Tri-Sprintec tablet daily.
Common Side Effects
Tri-Sprintec contains female hormones and therefore alters your female gynecological symptoms. According to Drugs.com, Tri-Sprintec typically causes nausea, bloating, stomach cramps, breast pain, vaginal discharge, menstrual irregularities and changes in your appetite and weight. Tri-Sprintec can affect your appearance and cause increased hair growth, loss of hair or freckling of your skin. It can cause nervousness, a headache and fatigue. These side effects are fortunately rather benign. However, they may become bothersome if they last for more than three days. In this scenario, phone your physician.
Serious Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Tri-Sprintec can increase your chances of such life-threatening side effects as a myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke and thromboembolism, a condition in which you form clots that can lodge in your legs, lungs or brain. Tri-Sprintec can also increase your risk for breast, ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancer. It can affect your vision, cause liver tumors, gallbladder disease, a headache and an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus). Tri-Sprintec's other serious effects can include chest pain, dark-colored urine and depression. Inform your doctor if Tri-Sprintec causes these symptoms to appear.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Tri-Sprintec if you are allergic to norgestimate or ethinyl estradiol. Manifestations of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, hives and swelling of your face, tongue, lips or throat.
Avoid this oral contraceptive pill if you suffer from blood clots, breast or uterine cancer, vaginal bleeding, migraines, liver disease or jaundice. Tri-Sprintec may cause these conditions to worsen.
You should not combine Tri-Sprintec with such medications as St. John's Wort, phenytoin, phenobarbital and saquinavir as it may lead to the aforementioned side effects.
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