Previfem (other name Ortho Tri-Cyclen)

Common use

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a combination birth control pill containing the female hormones ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. These hormones prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Ortho Tri-Cyclen is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is also used to treat moderate acne vulgaris in females who are at least 15 years old. This medicine should be used for the treatment of acne only if the patient desires an oral contraceptive for birth control.

Dosage and direction

Take Ortho Tri-Cyclen exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins. You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms with spermicide, when you first start using Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Follow your doctor's instructions. Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. You may get pregnant if you do not take one pill daily.

Precautions

To make sure Ortho Tri-Cyclen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: heart problems, high blood pressure, or if you are prone to having blood clots; high cholesterol or triglycerides, or if you are overweight; depression; a seizure or migraine headache; diabetes, gallbladder disease, underactive thyroid; liver or kidney disease; jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills; irregular menstrual cycles; or fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.
This medicine can slow breast milk production. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Contraindications

Do not use Ortho Tri-Cyclen if you are pregnant. Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control pills.
You should not take Ortho Tri-Cyclen if you have: untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure; heart disease (chest pain, coronary artery disease, history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot); an increased risk of having blood clots due to a heart problem or a hereditary blood disorder; circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes); a history of hormone-related cancer, or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina; unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor; liver disease or liver cancer; severe migraine headaches (aura, numbness, vision changes), especially if you are older than 35; or if you take any hepatitis C medication containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (Technivie).

Possible side effect

Common Ortho Tri-Cyclen side effects may include: stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting; breast tenderness; acne, darkening of facial skin; headache, nervousness, mood changes; problems with contact lenses; changes in weight; breakthrough bleeding; vaginal itching or discharge; or rash.

Drug interaction

Other drugs interact with ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Missed dose

Follow the instructions provided with your medicine. Missing an Ortho Tri-Cyclen pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant.
If you miss 1 active pill, take 2 pills on the day you remember. Then take 1 pill per day for the rest of the pack.
If you miss 2 active pills in a row in Week 1 or 2, take 2 pills per day for 2 days in a row. Then take 1 pill per day for the rest of the pack. Use back-up birth control for at least 7 days following the missed pills.
If you miss 2 or more pills, you may not have a period during the month. If you miss a period for 2 months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.
If you miss a reminder pill, throw it away and keep taking one reminder pill per day until the pack is empty.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.