Drug name: Ortho-Tricyclen Possible uses: Ortho TriCyclen is an estrogen and progestin combination used to prevent pregnancy. The Medicine may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Side effects:
Side effects, that may go away during treatment with Ortho TriCyclen, include nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change. If they continue or are bothersome, as you continue with Ortho TriCyclen check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden severe headache or leg pain, yellow skin or eyes, changes in vision, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain while taking Ortho TriCyclen. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Precautions:
Smoking cigarettes while using Ortho TriCyclen may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. If you have vomiting or diarrhea for any reason, Ortho TriCyclen may not work as well. Taking certain antibiotics or anticonvulsants while you are using the medicine may decrease the effectiveness of this medicine. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control until your next period. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Ortho TriCyclen. If you wear contact lenses and you develop problems with them, contact your doctor. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Ortho TriCyclen may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. Use of the medication will not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Do not use Ortho TriCyclen if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Ortho TriCyclen is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Ortho TriCyclen, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Drug interactions:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially any nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside (any "nitric oxide donor" medicines), cimetidine, erythromycin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) or high blood pressure medicines.

Missed doses:
If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.

Storage:
Store Ortho TriCyclen at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all medications out of the reach of children.