Drug Uses
 

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is primarily used for preventing pregnancy. However it may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treating conditions as determined by your doctor.

How it is taken

It comes in a tablet form that can be taken once a day by mouth with or without food. Take one pill a day, with an interval of 24 hours between each pill.

It is advised to take the pills at the same time every day (e.g. before bed, with a meal, or first thing in the morning).

If you take your pills at night, this can reduce nausea or headache that you may experience while taking birth control pills.

Avoid missing pills or starting the pack late. The more pills are missed the higher the risk to get pregnant.

You may have spotting, light bleeding or you may feel sick to your stomach during the first 13 packs of pills.

You should not stop taking pills if you feel sick. This side effect usually goes away. If it stays for long, you should consult your doctor.

If you find it difficult remembering to take the pill at the right time, you should discuss with your doctor the use of another birth control method.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Ortho-Tri-Cyclen, then take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at the regular time. This means that you may take 2 doses on the same day. If you miss more than 1 dose of Ortho-Tri-Cyclen, refer to the patient information that came with the drug or consult your doctor for further advice. Consider using another form of contraceptive for at least 7 days after you miss your dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Warnings/Precautions
Diarrhea or vomiting and antibiotics or anticonvulsants might reduce the effectiveness of Ortho Tri–Cyclen. Therefore, to prevent pregnancy. Your doctor may advise you to use a backup contraceptive method during that time.

If you are planning to have any medical emergency treatment or surgery (that includes dental surgery), let your doctor know, that you are using Ortho Tri–Cyclen.
You may develop vision problems if you are using contact lenses or you are nearsighted. Your contact lenses may also be not as effective. If those problems occur, contact your eye doctor.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Ortho Tri-Cyclen and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with Ortho Tri-Cyclen and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen may make you more sensitive to the sun so please avoid the sun, sunlamps or a tanning booth until you know how your body reacts to the drug. It may also cause dark patches on the face. If you cannot avoid going out in the sun for a long while, then wear protective clothing or use a proper sunscreen.

Ortho Tri–Cyclen does not protect you from HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Smoking while using Ortho Tri–Cyclen increases your risk of a stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels
 

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are ausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include if persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact lenses, if you experience sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden severe headache or leg pain, yellow skin or eyes, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.