ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN is an estrogen and progestin combination used
to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat
symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
BEFORE USING
Some
medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your
doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you
are taking. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking nevirapine or
rifampin. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you
are taking barbiturates, carvedilol, corticosteroids, felbamate, griseofulvin,
HIV protease inhibitors, modafinil, metoprolol, pioglitazone, penicillin or
tetracycline antibiotics, theophylline, topiramate, troglitazone,
troleandomycin, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions, allergies, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Use of
this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of cancer, heart or liver
conditions, pulmonary embolism, blood clots, stroke, cerebrovascular disease, or
smoking. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns
about taking this medicine.
DIRECTIONS
Follow the
directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Ortho Tri-Cyclen
comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using this medicine.
Try to take it at the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart. Store
this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose
of Ortho Tri-Cyclen , take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at
the regular time. This means you may take 2 doses on the same day. If you miss
more than 1 dose of this medicine, refer to the patient information that came
with this medicine. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
CAUTIONS
Smoking
cigarettes while using Ortho Tri-Cyclen may increase your risk of stroke, heart
attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and
blood vessels. If you have vomiting or diarrhea for any reason, it may not work
as well. Taking certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants while you are using this
medicine may decrease the effectiveness of this medicine. To prevent pregnancy,
use an additional form of birth control until your next period. If you have any
questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Before you have any
medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or
dentist that you are using this medicine. If you wear contact lenses and you
develop problems with them, contact your doctor. Before you begin taking any new
medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or
pharmacist. Ortho Tri-Cyclen may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure
to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or
protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Use of
this medicine will not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs). Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you
could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN IS EXCRETED
IN BREAST MILK. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this
medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your
baby.
ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN SIDE
EFFECTS
Side effects which may go away during treatment include:
nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or
weight change. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check
with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience persistent or recurrent
abnormal vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting,
swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact lenses.
Contact your doctor immediately 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. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist.
IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, tremor, rapid
breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
