|
The following
information is a summary about Ortho Tri-Cyclen.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's
instructions.
USES:
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.
HOW
TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
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.
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.
PRECAUTIONS:
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.
DRUG
INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and
prescription medication you may use, especially
any nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin,
isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside (any "nitric
oxide donor" medicines), cimetidine, erythromycin,
azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole,
ketoconazole), mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g.,
rifampin) or high blood pressure medicines.
NOTES:
DO NOT
SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was
not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other
health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN
EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before
your supply runs out. |
Ortho
