Feedback on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, page 69

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.

Subj: Unusual period
Date: 10/17/2006
I have only been on ortho lo for almost a month now. Just around the time that I started taking the last seven pills (the green ones), I began discharging more than normal, and now suddenly approx. 3 days later, the discharging is looking more and more like spotting, and as weird as it sounds, I am not sure if this spotting is actually my period, but a really light one instead of my usual heavy period.

Amanda

AskDocWeb: This seems to be common during the first three months after starting a new birth control drug. If you continue to have problems after the first three months talk with your doctor.

Subj: Period still hasn’t started
Date: 10/18/2006
I have been taking ortho try-cyclen lo for about a month… I started taking the green pills…and I am on the third one and my period still hasn’t came. Is there a reason for concern?

Kristina

AskDocWeb: There is probably no cause for concern. If you have never forgotten to take a pill and used other methods of birth control the first three weeks, you should be safe. Your periods will be abnormal the first three months, while your body is getting used to them.

Subj: Chances of getting pregnant
Date: 10/18/2006
I was wondering what the chances were of getting pregnant while taking ortho-tricyclin lo, as in not missing any pills.

Adina

AskDocWeb: The failure rate is 5% per year.

Subj: Ortho Tri-Cyclen lo side effects
Date: 10/18/2006
I just started Ortho Tri-Cyclen lo about a week ago and I am already experiencing symptoms like nausea, headaches, stomach cramps, ‘vomiting, and mood swings. I’m worried because I’m never sick and I don’t get mad very easily. Is this normal?

Marissa

AskDocWeb: We would like to see women stand up for themselves and not put up with such miserable symptoms. Talk with your doctor about changing to another birth control pill.

Subj: Starting Ortho Tri-cyclen
Date: 10/18/2006
I just began to take again ortho tri-cyclen and I am at the end of my 4th pack but the 3 week of my forth pack I started to spot a little brown in the morning and then light spotting red rest of the day. I have 3 more blue pill before my week 4. I took a pregnancy test but it showed negative, should I call my doctor? Is it true that it can be a sign of early pregnancy?

Lulu

AskDocWeb: Yes it could, but it could also be caused by being under a lot of stress or being on an antibiotic.

Subj: Period has not come
Date: 10/18/2006
I have taken ortho tri-cyclen low for 2 months. Now that I have not taken it for this month my period has not came and I am experiencing headaches and nausea everyday. Is this normal?

Roshevra

AskDocWeb: Yes, this may happen as your body is adjusting to being off the pill.

Subj: Strange period
Date: 10/21/2006
I just recently switched my birth control pill to Ortho Tri-cyclen lo from a different pill. The first month in which I switched I got a strange period. It only lasted one day. Is this normal upon switching pills. I have never had anything like this occur and I have been on the pill for over 7 years. I have already taking a pregnancy test and it came out negative. What else do you recommend that I do?

Rachel

AskDocWeb: This seems to be common when switching birth control pills. Your body is just adjusting to the new pill, which can take up to three months.

Subj: Safe method?
Date: 10/24/2006
This is my first time taking this or any kind of protection method other than the condom. I am currently taking “the pill”. Is this a safe method and what if I want to get pregnant later, will this affect me from doing that?

Meka

AskDocWeb: Yes, it is a safe method (if the rest of your health is good) and it won’t affect you getting pregnant later.

Subj: Hair loss
Date: 10/25/2006
I’ve been on orthotriclen lo for two years now. About five months ago I have noticed increased hair loss. I went for blood work (T4 and TSH) and everything is normal. What is going on? Is it the birth control pills?

Ashley

AskDocWeb: Not everyone experiences it but hair loss is one of the side effects of this birth control drug.

Subj: Brownish discharge
Date: 10/25/2006
I am on my first month of orth tri cyclen lo. I started the first 24 hours of my period. I am on my first placebo pill and I haven’t gotten my period yet. In the third week up until now…I have had brownish discharge. Is this normal, when can I expect my period or is THIS my period? Please help!!

Sarah

AskDocWeb: Yes, the brownish discharge is normal. Your periods will be abnormal the first three months while your body is adjusting to the new Ortho.

Subj: Irregular periods
Date: 10/25/2006
I was on Ortho Tricyclen for 4 years, then switch to Tri Nessa and have been on it for almost 2. I never had any problems until the last 6 months. I used to be able to time my period to the hour. Last month it came 6 days earlier than normal and lasted until my next pack started. Periods have been heavy one month, barely there another month and just altogether more irregular. I am at a healthy weight, exercise regularly and eat healthy. What could be causing this?

Kelly

AskDocWeb: This sounds like it may be time to consult with your doctor about changing your pill to another brand. Either that or depending on your age, you could be starting to go through menopause.

Subj: Off the pill
Date: 10/26/2006
I have been on Ortho Tri-cyclen for six years. Recently my husband and I decided to try to have a baby. I have been off the pill for about 6 weeks and have not have my period nor have experienced any spotting. This seems a little strange to me since when I was on the pill if I missed as little as two pills I began spotting. Is this normal?

Alicia

AskDocWeb: Yes, this sounds normal. It can take up to 12 weeks for your periods become normal after discontinuing birth control pills.

Subj: Hair loss
Date: 10/28/2006
Approximately four months ago I discontinued use of Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo after using the medicine for 2.5 years. I began to notice hair loss this month, however I believe it has been getting thinner of a period of months. I went to my doctor and she ran a blood panel to check for thyroid disorders, but everything came back normal. She thinks it is related to the birth control. Is this normal? Do you know when my hair will start growing back?

JL

AskDocWeb: Yes, many women have hair loss due to birth control pills, and it may or may not grow back. You could encourage hair growth by using a shampoo that fights hair loss. We recommend Nisim Biofactors.

Subj: Feet and ankles swelling
Date: 10/28/2006
I was on ortho Lo for 8 years with no side affects. I have since then had another child in Nov of 2005 and all of the sudden my feet and ankles look like elephants. Could this be from the pill? I have also been very moody!

Kim

AskDocWeb: Most oral contraceptive can cause edema (fluid retention) with swelling of the fingers or ankles and feet. This symptom is a sign that you need to contact your doctor. You may need to change pills.

Subj: Ortho tri-Cyclene Lo
Date: 10/30/2006
I’ve been on Ortho tri-Cyclene Lo for about 5 months now and I really like it. No nausea, no weight gain, my periods are regular and last only 3 days, and I can’t say enough about it. I recommend this pill to anyone who’s regular pill makes them nauseous or doesn’t quite regulate their period. I take mine at night before bed because it’s easier for me to remember to take it that way. I hope others out there share my feelings.

Lori

Subj: Loss of sex drive
Date: 10/31/2006
I was on estrostep for about 7 years(started at 18 to reduce cramps) and recently switched to Ortho tri cyclen lo due to insurance reasons. For a year now I have noticed a decrease in my sex drive, and feel now that it’s at its all time worst. I’m thinking of getting off of the pill all together and giving my body a chance to be normal. I’m afraid my loss of sex drive has affected my relationship and I long to be how I used to be.

Lauren

Subj: Solution for loss of sex drive and vaginal lubrication?
Date: 11/1/2006
I am about to go back on Ortho tricyclen. I am concerned about loss of sex drive and vaginal lubrication since I am 40. Is there something my dr. can prescribe for me to make sure I don’t experience this?

Carol

AskDocWeb: There is nothing available that can prevent the loss of sex drive and lubrication that comes with using birth control pills. There are however, products designed to help you cope with these symptoms. Sexual enhancers like Vigorelle enhance the sexual experience. Both K-Y jelly and AstroGlide are widely used solutions for lubrication.

Subj: Switching birth control pills
Date: 11/2/2006
I have been on Ortho Tri-cyclen for nearly 9 years! Yup, I said 9! I have never had any problems with them. Spotting for maybe the 1st month and since then I have been fine. My breasts did get larger but that could also be due to genetics! I started taking them when I was 19. I did put on a little weight but I was away at University at the time so I was never sure of the cause.

I did switch last year because they weren’t available in the UK. Then I turned into a raging, emotional something or other! Cried for no reason and was generally depressed. They switched me to ‘Cilest’ then to another phasic one called ‘Tri-Minulet’ and was a little better. I switched for about 4 to 6 months, can’t quite remember anymore. But eventually had to go back to Tri-cyclen and have been taking them again for another year since the switch. I am feeling back to normal and will be very cautious if I ever have to switch pills again. But I am definitely looking forward to coming off them soon and having an increase in libido as all the literature claims. I’ve been on them too long to remember how I was before them! So here’s hoping!

At the moment I am worried about the antibiotics I was taking for 2 weeks and their effect on the pill. At the same time I decide not to take a week break from the pills and ever since my cycle has been a mess. Spotting and starting and stopping over the past month! Anyone know the chance of getting pregnant as a result of the antibiotics? Or how long before my cycle normalizes itself again?

Jenn
AskDocWeb: The use of antibiotics does reduce the protection provided by birth control pills, enough that a backup form of birth control is recommended. It can take up to three months for your period to get back to normal. Read more feedback


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