ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following 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 use of the drug
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
HOW TO TAKE ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN: Follow the directions
for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine
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 this medicine
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 this medicine, 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 ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN: Side effects, that
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 ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN: Smoking cigarettes
while using this medicine 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, your medicine 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. This medicine 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 pregannt, contact your doctor
immediately. This medicine 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 ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN: 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.
MISSED DOSE ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN: If you miss a dose,
do not double the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule.
STORAGE ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN: Store at room temperature
away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications
out of the reach of children.
NOTES ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN: 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.
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