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General Medication Fact Sheet for Tri-Cyclen
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Tri-Cyclen |
| Generic Name | Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestimate |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptives, especially in women who are over 35 years of age. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. |
| Purpose | Oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy; can also treat acne |
| Mechanism of Action | Prevents ovulation by suppressing gonadotropins. Also alters cervical mucus and uterine lining to prevent sperm penetration and implantation. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets |
| Available Strengths | Varying strengths of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (e.g., Tri-Cyclen, Tri-Cyclen Lo) |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo or no pills |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, vomiting, headache, bloating, breast tenderness, changes in menstrual periods, weight changes |
| Serious Side Effects | Blood clots (DVT, PE), stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, liver tumors, gallbladder disease, depression |
| Drug Interactions | Certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampin), antifungals (e.g., griseofulvin), anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), St. John’s Wort, HIV protease inhibitors |
| Important Notes | Take at the same time each day. Consult a doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain, chest pain, vision changes, severe headaches, or leg pain. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you miss more than one pill, consult the product insert or your healthcare provider for instructions. Use backup contraception if you miss pills. |
| Alternatives | Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol), Loestrin (norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol), generic equivalents of combined oral contraceptives |
Tri-Cyclen Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate) | Prevents ovulation, alters cervical mucus | Lower dose of estrogen compared to Tri-Cyclen. |
| Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) | Prevents ovulation, alters cervical mucus | Contains drospirenone, a progestin with anti-androgenic effects. |
| Loestrin (norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol) | Prevents ovulation, alters cervical mucus | Available in various strengths. |
| Generic combined oral contraceptives (various formulations) | Prevents ovulation, alters cervical mucus | Many generic options available, consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best fit. |
Tri-Cyclen Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Blood clots (DVT, PE) |
| Headache | Stroke |
| Breast tenderness | Heart attack |
| Changes in menstrual periods | High blood pressure |
| Weight changes | Liver tumors |
| Mood changes | Gallbladder disease |
Tri-Cyclen Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contraception | One tablet daily | One tablet daily | Take at the same time each day for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo pills. Start a new pack on the 8th day. |
| Acne | One tablet daily | One tablet daily | Take at the same time each day for 21 days, followed by 7 days of placebo pills. Start a new pack on the 8th day. |
Tri-Cyclen Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $15 – $50 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $80 – $150 |
| From Canada | $30 – $60 |
