Ortho TriCyclen LO General Information

Ortho TriCyclen LO (OTL) is a birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. It is an oral contraceptive, which regularizes the menstrual cycles and prevents the release of an egg from the ovary.

Ortho TriCyclen LO Uses

OTL is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. The pills have been found effective in protection from developing cancers of the ovary or uterus.

How Take Ortho TriCyclen LO

OTL is made available as a pack of 28 pills, which contains 21 "active" pills (with hormones) in three different colors to be taken for first 3 weeks. Once this dosage is over, follow up with the final seven pills for 1 week, which do not contain any hormones.
Recommended dosage:
No. of pills are seven for type:
Active: week one, two, or three)
Inactive: week four

Ortho TriCyclen LO Warnings

Cigarette smoking individuals must not consume OTL as it poses a threat in the form of heart related problems, which may be fatal. Pregnant women must NEVER take this pill as it may terminate the pregnancy.

Ortho TriCyclen LO Missed Dose

In all cases, it is wise to use an alternate contraceptive like a condom.
In case number of pills missed:
One: Take two pills as you remember and continue as usual.
Two in a row in week one or two: Take two pills per day for two days. Then continue as earlier with one pill per day.
Two in a row in week 3 or Three in a row during any of the first 3 weeks: In case you started the pill on the first day of your period, throw the rest of the pack and start a new on the same day. If you started the pill on the first Sunday after your period started, continue taking a pill every day, until next Sunday, when you throw the rest of the pack and start a new one.
Two or more: In this case, you may not have period during that month. In case you miss period for two consecutive months, consult doctor, as you might be pregnant.

Ortho TriCyclen LO Side Effects

Most side effects if noticed happen in the initial few days and stops when the body adjusts to the medicine such as breakthrough bleeding, spotting, nausea
Headaches, dizziness, fainting spells, groin pain, stomach pain, shortness of breath, Swelling of hands or feet, increase in blood pressure, or vaginal infection.

Ortho TriCyclen LO Storage Advice

Temperatures: 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C)
Avoid: Heat, moisture, and light
Keep away from Children and pets

Ortho TriCyclen LO Overdose

An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting or vaginal bleeding

Ortho TriCyclen LO More Information

This medication is a primarily used and prescribed as an oral contraceptive for pregnancy prevention. Choose an easy way of remembering to take the pill at the same time everyday e.g. at bedtime or breakfast.  
HIV or any other STD cannot be treated or protected from with this medicine.