Tri-Sprintec Side Effects
Serious side effects
- severe allergic reactions (consult doctor if this occurs) including hives, difficult breathing, tight chest, swelling of the face
- severe and sudden headaches/migraines with minor chest pain
- swelling of the limbs including hands, fingers, feet and ankles, calf and leg pain (sign of a blood clot), with numbness in the arms and legs.
- one sided weakness/numbness with dizziness and fainting, and slurred speech, confusion and balance problems
- trouble breathing/short breaths and chest pains, with bloody coughs (may be a sign of a blood clot in the lungs)
- lumps in the breast, missed periods and recurring heavy vaginal bleeding that is not normal
- high blood pressure and high cholesterol with sudden cough, wheezing and rapid breathing
- signs of liver damage including darkening of the skin (melasma), dark urine, severe abdominal pain and yellowing eyes/skin,
- inflammation of the colon and cardiac problems like stroke, heart attack and blood clots
Common side effects
- Weight gain with increased appetite with some minor nausea and vomiting
- difficulty wearing some contact lenses with minor changes in vision
- bloating and breast tenderness/swelling, with spotting in between periods
- decreased libido with acne, oily skin and hair loss
- some depression with fatigue and sleep problems, muscle spasms
- vaginal itching and unexplained discharge with abnormal hair growth
Warnings & Recalls for Tri-Sprintec
Cardiac complications with Tri-Sprintec are increased with the use of cigarettes. Patients are advised to NOT SMOKE while on tis medication.
Patients should not take Tri-Sprintec if they are allergic to any of its ingredients (ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate).
Potential patients with a history of brain/heart blood vessel abnormalities, heart valve problems, history of heart attacks, high/low blood pressure, abnormal vaginal bleeding, history of cancers, liver problems, history of blood clots or strokes, diabetes, endometriosis, epilepsy, cholesterol problems, history gallbladder or kidney disease, pancreatitis, uterus tumors or elevated calcium levels should consult a doctor before using Tri-Sprintec.
Tri-Sprintec may cause melasma (darkening of the skin) so patients should avoid direct sunlight until they are aware of how they will react.
Tri-Sprintec should not be used in females that have not yet begun menstruating.
This drug has been known to have the following benefits: decrease the frequency of breast tumors, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy, menstrual irregularity, iron deficiency, decreases pelvic inflammatory disease risks and endometrial cancer.
Contraindications:
Medications with contraindications include troleandomycin, azole antifungals, aprepitant, barbituates, felbamate, carbamazepine, bosentan, griseofulvin, HIV protease inhibitors, hydantoins, modafinil, nevirapine, penicillins, rifampin, St. John's wort, tetrayclines, topiramate, troglitazone, beta-blockers, cotricosteroids, cyclosporine, theophyllines, troleandomycin and lamotrigine.
Some antibiotics and anticonvulsants may also be contraindicated.
Family Planning:
Patients should not take Tri-Sprintec if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If patients become pregnant while on Tri-Sprintec, they should consult their doctor immediately.
Patients who have just given birth or have had fetal loss/abortion after the first trimester should advise their doctor about when it is safe for them to take estrogen-form birth control again.
It may take longer than usual for women to become pregnant after halting birth control pill usage.
Nursing mothers should be advised that Tri-Sprintec passes into the breastmilk and will cause fetal harm. Patients should not take Tri-Sprintec while breastfeeding unless told to do so by their doctor.
Tri-Sprintec Treatment and Use
What is Tri-Sprintec?
Tri-Sprintec | Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is used to prevent pregnancy, regulate menstrual cycles, treat menopause symptoms and other hormonal problems.
How does Tri-Sprintec work?
Tri-Sprintec combines estrogen and progestin, and increases these levels in patients. Tri-Sprintec prevents pregnancy in three ways: it prevents the release of an egg, changing the cervical mucus- making it difficult for eggs to fertilize, and changes the womb lining (endometrium) which will make it difficult for fertilized eggs to attach to the lining of the womb.
Dosage Information
A pack of Tri-Sprintec contains 21 active pills, and 7 reminder placebo pills. The active pill contains the hormones that the patient should take once a day for 21 consecutive days. Patients should menstruate while they are taking the 7 placebo pills, then start a new pack after they have consumed all 7 (whether or not the patient has menstruated- in which case they should consult a doctor).
For first time users during the first cycle, patients should use another form of birth control that is non-hormonal for at least the first month to prevent pregnancy. The likelihood of pregnancy increases if the patient misses pills or is inconsistent with the time of day the pill is taken. Tablets should be taken at the same time every day, 24 hours apart from each other.
Tri-Sprintec can be taken with food or at bedtime to help with upset stomach and nausea that occurs with the medication.
Other Names for Tri-Sprintec
Tri-Sprintec is also known as Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo.
Lawsuits & Legal Information for Tri-Sprintec
