Feedback on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, page 14

About Ortho Tri-cyclen®

If you’ve used Ortho Tri-cyclen®, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history. You can use the form below to add your comments, feedback or Ortho Tri-cyclen review.

Subj: Changes in period start day
Date: 1/22/2005
I used Ortho Tri-Cyclen for almost four years and always got my period on Tuesday of my green placebo pills. My doctor recommended that I switch to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, and I did. My first period came on the Friday of my dark blue pills, the second period came on the Tuesday of my green pills (like before!), but my latest period came on the Saturday of my LIGHT blue pills (10 days early!!!). What is going on? Are these pills ineffective for me??? Please help. Thank you.

Rhonda

AskDocWeb: It takes time for your body to adjust to the new birth control pills. The fourth month should indicate what is normal for you in the way your period starts. If not, talk with your doctor about this.

Subj: Changing from tri-cyclen to lo
Date: 1/23/2005
I have been on regular tri-cyclen for 10+ years, this month my doctor changed me to lo (He just wanted me to try it for the long term health benefits of less estrogen, since I will prob take it for a long time). I have not had any problems on the regular. Since I was very young (11) when I started the pill (due to TERRIBLE periods, [I stared my periods when I was 9]), the only side effect was large breasts. (30F)

This month I have experienced bleeding right in the middle of my cycle (in the middle of the light blue pills). This is not the ‘typical’ spotting I have randomly encountered in the past 14 years, but more than my regular period on the regular tri cyclen. Is this normal? Or should I just switch back to the regular? This is just a bit frightening, am I going to get my terrible periods back???

Becca

AskDocWeb: When you change birth control pills, it may take three months for your periods to become regular again. Unfortunately, it is not possible to tell beforehand, what your periods will be like at the end of that time.

Subj: Weight gain with Orth Tri-cyclen
Date: 1/23/2005
I have not yet taken Ortho Tri-cyclen, but my doctor advised me to take that brand, I’m afraid of weight gain. What’s the percentage of weight gain when taking Orth Tri-cyclen.

Kelly

AskDocWeb: The problem is that the progesterone in the pill makes some women hungry. Although many women don’t gain any weight while on the pill, those that do usually gain from 8-10 pounds. This number may be deceptive because many of the women who gain weight will just stop taking the pill rather than to wait and see how much they will gain.

Subj: Effectiveness of birth control methods
Date: 1/23/2005
What is the percentage of effectiveness in a condom and birth control pills? What percentage of protection do both of them offer against pregnancy?

Jeremiah

AskDocWeb: I seem to remember that the failure rate for condoms ranges from 5% to 45% depending on the manufacturer. Birth control pills are near 100%, so using them together is a pretty sure thing. That is, if the woman remembers to take her pills on schedule.

Subj: Rash with Ortho Sprintec
Date: 1/24/2005
I recently switched to ortho tri sprintec from ortho sprintec and I’m experiencing severe mood swings, crying alot and getting angry for no reasons. Also I have developed a rash over different parts of my body that make it tender to touch.

I had some of these symptoms when I started to take ortho sprintec and I found that as time went by I became less moody though the vaginal dryness stayed. Should I remain on ortho tri sprintec for a little while longer to see if my body adjusts (I’ve only been on it a week) or should I look into something else right away?

T.W.

AskDocWeb: The fact that you have a rash indicates you may be having an allergic reaction. Time to see your doctor.

Subj: Worried about being pregnant
Date: 1/24/2005
I wasn’t aware that I had to take a backup form of birth control when I began ortho tri cyclen a week ago. I was using ortho cyclen just before and then switched? I did have sex numerous times since then and now I am worried that I might be pregnant. What are the chances? Should I continue to take the pill?

S.K.

AskDocWeb: If you don’t want to get pregnant then you need to continue to take your birth control pills. I suggest you get and use a home pregnancy test.

Subj: Headaches with ortho lo
Date: 1/24/2005
Hi, I took ortho lo for a little less than three months and had to stop because of the headaches I was experiencing, which I was told by my gyno was a sign of could-be very serious complications. I wanted to know if taking a different brand could be tried, or if the headaches mean that I just can never take BCP’s. Thanks.

Anjali

AskDocWeb: If one type of pill doesn’t work for you, you can still try another. The headaches may go away but if not, you could try the patch. Some women have very good experience with using the patch.

Subj: dizzy and hot
Date: 1/25/2005
I have been taking ortho tricyclin lo for about 7 months now. Two about month ago I started having these spells that happen right when I get out of bed in the morning. I will get really dizzy and hot (feeling like I’m going to pass out) and like I’m going to throw up. It’s only happened 3 times since then. I was wondering if maybe it was the pill, I take it at the same time every day and I even use a condom when I have sex too. I also only weigh 100 pounds could it be that there is an imbalance of something?

Jenna

AskDocWeb: Three possibilities come to mind; 1. You could be pregnant. Use a home pregnancy test to find out. 2. You could also have a viral infection. And 3, your weight could also be an issue if you are underweight. You can find out with our BMI calculator. Be sure to read the exceptions that the BMI calculator doesn’t work for, like body builders.

Subj: Change is sex
Date: 1/27/2005
I have been on Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo for about 2 weeks and I’ve been feeling kind of funny. After reading the comments of other people I’m wondering if this is a result of the pill. I am okay waking up in the morning but then I’m ready for bed again by the afternoon…this I could deal with but now I’ve noticed a change in sex. Has anyone else experienced an INCREASE in lubrication on Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo?? I’ve also noticed that sex feels slightly duller…like I’m not as sensitive down there? And this is the same guy I had great sex with before the pill. Could this be a side-effect of the pill or something else?

Elizabeth

AskDocWeb: Yes, it could be a side effect of the pill. The word from the doctors office is to give the pill 3 months, your body should adjust and you should go back to being normal. I’m beginning to suspect that some women just get used to the duller sex and reduced pleasure.

Subj: How long to return to normal
Date: 1/27/2005
I took Ortho Tri-Cyclen for a period of 4 months, and 2 months later a period of 3 months. Both times my skin broke out worse than it ever has. Even after discontinuing the pill, my skin is still worse than it was before taking it. How long does it take for the body to return to “normal”?

Colleen

AskDocWeb: The manufacturer says three months.

Subj: Big concern about weight gain
Date: 1/28/2005
I have a problem with weight gain and I know that some pills are worse than others. My doctor recently prescribed me ortho try cyclen lo. I did mention that weight gain and mood swings were a big concern to me. Most people I have talked to said they gained alot of weight on this pill (my sister 30 lbs in a month). I want to make sure that there is not a greater risk of weight gain with this pill before I start taking it. I am switching from seasonal because of the break thought bleeding and was able to loose 10 lbs on that pill, which is a huge amount for me considering on other pills I just gained.

Jessie

Subj: Long periods
Date: 1/29/2005
I’m 29 years old. I was ortho tri from the time I was 14 to 19 years old, then started a family. My youngest is now 7 so I decided to go back on bc for the first time in 9 years, so dr. put me on ortho lo…I’m on the third back, as I write to u, my period is now 16 days old. In all my life have never experienced a 16 day period and counting. I BELEIVE I SHOULD GO BACK to the regular ortho, which was great! Could it be the ortho low causing my long periods. Thank you,

Kathy-KY

AskDocWeb: Yes, it could be the ortho low.

Subj: Trying to conceive
Date: 1/29/2005
I have been on Ortho tri-cyclen lo for about two years and when I was ready to get pregnant six months ago I stopped taking it. However, I have conceived yet. What shall I do?

Woder

AskDocWeb: Your doctor would likely tell you to wait and be patient, that it could take 6 months to one year. You may have heard that many women get pregnant only after they have given up trying. With that in mind, you might want to explore a change in what you are going after. Instead of trying to “get pregnant” go for “having great sex”. How many ways can you think of to have great sex? If you need help, there are plenty of books to help. “The Joy of Sex” is a good one.

Subj: First month on lo
Date: 1/29/2005
Hi. I’ve been taking ortho-tri cyclen lo for a month (I’m on my second green pill) and for this entire month I’ve had a brown discharge and slight bleeding. When am I going to get my period and what is the brown discharge?

Larissa

AskDocWeb: Don’t worry about the brownish colored discharge, it’s likely just your body adjusting to the new pills. Your period should start, though probably not normally for the first three months. If you have breakthrough bleeding after that discuss this problem with your doctor.

Subj: Like Ortho Tricyclen – Hate Lo version
Date: 1/29/2005
I took Ortho Tricyclen a while back and I liked it, but after the birth of my daughter I started taking the Lo version and I hate it! I’ve been having a period for like a month and I crave chocolate constantly, just like when I’m on my period. I want to get back on the regular Tricyclen, but my gyno gave me Ovcon 35. Is this stuff any good?

Amanda

AskDocWeb: We haven’t looked at Ovcon yet. Maybe someone who has used it can tell their story.

Subj: Which BC to take
Date: 1/30/2005
I am trying to figure out which BC to take, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo or Ovcon 35. Anyone have any suggestions?

Jenna

AskDocWeb: Both would be recommended by your doctor, but judging from the feedback, a lot of women are dissatisfied with the Lo version of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Read more feedback


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