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| Prescription Ortho Tri-Cyclen Drug Information |
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Ortho Tri-Cyclen Uses? |
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Ortho-Tricyclen pills are to be taken one time each day to prevent pregnancy. Additionally, this prescription can help clear acne and keep skin fresh.
Women over fifteen years old may take Ortho-Tricyclen as long as they have begun menstruating. Women with mild to moderate acne who have had no success with topical acne treatments may also find Ortho-Tricyclen useful. |
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Ortho Tri-Cyclen Directions? |
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Take Ortho Tri-Cyclen at the same time every day to ensure maximum effectiveness. Choose a time that is part of your daily routine to help you remember. The pill gives you a low daily dose of hormones that prevent pregnancy. It causes you to not ovulate and also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to get into the uterus.
This medication also lowers acne-causing hormones in your body. This drug has been shown through scientific tests to reduce mild acne for almost 90% of women who take it. |
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Ortho Tri-Cyclen Side Effects? |
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Some women who take Ortho Tri-Cyclen experience breast tenderness, nausea, bleeding between menstrual periods, vomiting, or weight change. They should be temporary.
Let your doctor know if they bother you. Call your doctor if you experience persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, a missed menstrual period, or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Get immediate medical assistance if you develop trouble breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, sharp or crushing chest pain, one-sided weakness, slurred speech, lumps in the breast, calf/leg pain or swelling, sudden severe headache, sudden shortness of breath, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, yellowing skin or eyes, or severe stomach pain. |
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Ortho Tri-Cyclen Warnings? |
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Ortho-Tricyclen is a very safe birth control method. There are some who should not take it, however. Women who smoke cigarettes are at a higher risk for heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, blood clots, and other heart and blood pressure diseases.
If for any reason you have a time of diarrhea or vomiting, Ortho-Tricyclen may not be as effective as usual. In this case, it would be a good idea to use a backup birth control method until your next period.
Women who are pregnant should not use Ortho-Tricyclen under any circumstances. Make an appointment with your doctor immediately if you suspect that you may be pregnant. This medication is passed in breast milk so talk to your doctor before using Ortho-Tricyclen if you hare nursing. |
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Ortho Tri-Cyclen Drug Interactions? |
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There are several drugs that can cause Ortho Tri-Cyclen to be less effective. Examples include drugs for epilepsy such as anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine (Tegretol® is one brand of this drug), rifampin, barbiturates (for example, phenobarbital), phenylbutazone, phenytoin (Dilantin® is one brand of this drug), and possibly certain antibiotics. Consult with your doctor about alternate forms of birth control if you must use one of these medications.
If you have to have any kind of surgery or medical procedure, including dental surgery, tell your doctor that you are using this prescription. Near sighted women or contact wearers may experience a change in their vision or a decreased tolerance for their lenses. Talk to your eye doctor.
Do not stop or start taking medications unless your doctor is aware of it. This medication can cause darkening of the skin in patches, which is known as melasma. It's worse when you are exposed to the sun, so wear sunscreen and protective clothing. |
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Ortho Tri-Cyclen Missed Dose? |
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You should take each dose at the same time of day. If while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen you forget to take a dose, take the medication as soon as you remember. Your next dose should then be taken at its regularly scheduled time. You can take more than one pill in a day using this plan. Take at least two doses before you resume sexual activity.
If you want to be cautious, use another method of birth control until you have your next period. If you forgot more than one dose, refer to the informational sheets you received from your doctor or pharmacist. |
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Ortho Tri-Cyclen Storage |
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Ortho Tri-Cyclen should be stored at room temperature and out of the reach of children. |
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Anything Else I Should Know About Ortho Tri-Cyclen? |
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Taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen is not an effective protection against sexually transmitted diseases. If you suspect that you have overdoses on this prescription, call the poison control center immediately. Overdose symptoms include nausea, restlessness, stomach cramps, rapid breathing, tremor, diarrhea, and vomiting. |
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Other Prescription Drugs |
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NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product. |
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