General Information

ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN can be a good choice for women 15 or over with mild to moderate acne who have reached menstruation, are seeking contraception, have no known contraindications to birth control pills, and are unresponsive to topical acne medication.  back to top

Possible Side Effects

Most side effects of the pill are not serious. And those that are, occur infrequently. Serious risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks, and are increased if you smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially if you're over 35. Women who use oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. Some studies have reported an increase in the risk of developing breast cancer among women who use oral contraceptives. However, the majority of studies have found no overall increase in this risk. You should talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about how this risk relates to your use of the pill. Some women should not use the pill, including women who have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant.The pill does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.  back to top

Are ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN and ORTHO-CYCLEN effective?

Yes. Oral contraceptives are one of the most effective methods for pregnancy prevention. However, as with all oral contraceptives, your pill must be taken every day - at the same time each day - to be most effective.  back to top

What makes ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN and ORTHO-CYCLEN different from other oral contraceptives?

ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN and ORTHO-CYCLEN contain a progestin called norgestimate. Norgestimate has very little androgenic activity and may be less likely to cause unpleasant side effects among its Pill users. What's more, both ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN and ORTHO-CYCLEN, packaged in the ORTHO DIALPAK® Tablet Dispenser, or the ORTHO PERSONAL PAK dispenser, helps you take the right pill day after day.  back to top

Is it true that ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN is proven to help eliminate blemishes and maintain clearer skin?

Yes. ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN is the #1 prescribed birth control pill and clinically proven to help eliminate blemishes and maintain clearer skin. Studies show that, overall, 9 out of 10 women tested saw improvement in their skin. So, if you are at least 15 years old, desire contraception, have no medical reasons not to use the pill, have menstrual periods, and do not improve on topical anti-acne medications, then ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN may be right for you.  back to top

Why do some packages of ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN or ORTHO-CYCLEN have green pills?

A package with green pills is a 28-day regimen. The green pills contain no active ingredient, but are intended to help you take your pills correctly. Take the green pills after all the other pills have been taken, as a reminder to continue onto your next pack of pills.
Your ORTHO DIALPAK® Tablet Dispenser is labeled with the days of the week, so you'll know exactly which pill to take each day. If your package contains green pills, be sure you take a pill every day at approximately the same time. Once you have taken the last green pill, begin a new cycle of pills.  back to top