Drug Detail:Ortho tri-cyclen (Fmay af [ eth-i-nil-es-tra-dye-ol-and-nor-jes-ti-mate ])
Generic Name: norgestimate 0.180mg, ethinyl estradiol 0.035mg; norgestimate 0.215mg, ethinyl estradiol 0.035mg; norgestimate 0.25mg, ethinyl estradiol 0.035mg;
Dosage Form: tablets
Drug Class: Contraceptives
How to Start ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN
ORTHO-CYCLEN and ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN are dispensed in either a DIALPAK Tablet dispenser or a VERIDATE Tablet Dispenser [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)]. ORTHO-CYCLEN and ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN may be started using either a Day 1 start or a Sunday start (see Table 1). For the first cycle of a Sunday Start regimen, an additional method of contraception should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration.
How to Take ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN
Complete instructions to facilitate patient counseling on proper tablet usage are located in the FDA-Approved Patient Labeling. | |
Starting COCs in women not currently using hormonal contraception (Day 1 Start or Sunday Start) Important: Tablet Color:
|
Day 1 Start:
|
Sunday Start:
|
|
Switching to ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN from another oral contraceptive | Start on the same day that a new pack of the previous oral contraceptive would have started. |
Switching from another contraceptive method to ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN | Start ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Starting ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN after Abortion or Miscarriage
First-trimester
- After a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN may be started immediately. An additional method of contraception is not needed if ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN is started immediately.
- If ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN is not started within 5 days after termination of the pregnancy, the patient should use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of her first cycle pack of ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN.
Second-trimester
- Do not start until 4 weeks after a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN, following the instructions in Table 1 for Day 1 or Sunday start, as desired. If using Sunday start, use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of the patient's first cycle pack of ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN. [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.]
Starting ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN after Childbirth
- Do not start until 4 weeks after delivery, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN following the instructions in Table 1 for women not currently using hormonal contraception.
- ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN are not recommended for use in lactating women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
- If the woman has not yet had a period postpartum, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of ORTHO-CYCLEN or ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN. [See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Use in Specific Populations (8.1 and 8.3), and FDA-Approved Patient Labeling].
DIALPAK® Tablet Dispenser:
SET THE DAY:
|
|
Insert the new refill by lining up the "V" shape on the refill with the "V" shape at the top of the DIALPAK. Snap the refill in place. Pill "1" is ready to be taken. Always begin the pill cycle with pill "1," as shown on the inner part of the refill ring. | |
Remove pill "1" by pushing down on the pill. The pill will come out through a hole in the back of the DIALPAK. | |
The patient should wait 24 hours to take the next pill. To take pill "2," turn the dial on the DIALPAK in a clockwise direction to the next day. Continue to take one pill each day until all the pills have been taken. | |
Turn the dial to the pill "1" position to remove the empty refill and insert a new refill. The first pill in every refill will always be taken on the same day of the week, no matter when the patient's next period starts. |
VERIDATE® Tablet Dispenser
- Place the refill in the VERIDATE Tablet Dispenser so that the V notch in the refill is at the top of the dispenser. Press the refill down so that it fits firmly under all the nibs (see illustration below).
- If the patient starts pill-taking on Sunday, the first active pill should be taken on the first Sunday after the patient's menstrual period begins. Remove the first active pill at the top of the dispenser (Sunday) by pressing the pill through the hole in the bottom of the dispenser.
ORTHO-CYCLEN:
- If the patient will start pill-taking on "Day 1," choose a blue pill that corresponds with the day of the week the patient will take the first pill. Remove that blue pill by pressing the pill through the hole in the bottom of the dispenser.
ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN:
- If the patient will start pill-taking on a day other than Sunday, a calendar label has been provided and should be placed over the calendar in the center of the VERIDATE. To place the label correctly, identify the correct starting day, locate that day printed in blue on the label, and line that day up with the first white pill directly under the V notch at the top of the dispenser. Remove the label from the backing. Press the center of the label down onto the center of the printed calendar. Remove that white pill by pressing the pill through the hole in the bottom of the dispenser.
- After all the dark green pills have been taken, insert a new refill into the VERIDATE. The patient should take the first pill on the next day, even if the patient's period is not over yet.
Missed Tablets
|
Take the tablet as soon as possible. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. |
|
Take the two missed tablets as soon as possible and the next two active tablets the next day. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets. |
|
Day 1 start: Throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Sunday start: Continue taking one tablet a day until Sunday, then throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets. |
Advice in Case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances
In case of severe vomiting or diarrhea, absorption may not be complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 3 to 4 hours after taking an active tablet, handle this as a missed tablet [see FDA-Approved Patient Labeling].