Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo Pills FAQs

1. How Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo birth control pills can affect my periods?
Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo pills will regulate your periods. You will get more regular periods with the predictable timings. Your may experience lighter and shorter periods with lesser cramps.

2. I have seen pills in 4 different colors. What does that mean?
This is because Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo comes in a 28-day birth control cycle. The pills pack contains 21 days "active" hormones pills whereas 7 days pills are "inactive" or "placebo". Active pills comprise of 7 days white pills, 7 light blue and 7 dark blue pills. Inactive pills are in Green, which only work as reminder and develop habits to take pills every day. Once you have finished inactive pills, start the new pack of pills.

3. Will I be protected when I'm on inactive or placebo pills?
Yes. If you have taken all your active pills as prescribed, you will still be remained protected on inactive pills. However, once you finished your inactive pills doses, please immediately continue new cycle of active pills.

4. What is the effectiveness level of Ortho Tri-Cylen Lo pills?
This is 99% effective in protection against unintended pregnancies, if taken as directed. In a clinical survey of 6,000 women taken in U.S. & Canada, it was found safe and effective. Due to low level of hormones, side effects are also minimal unlike regular birth control pills.

5. What is the difference between Ortho Tri Cyclen and Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo pills?
Both are "triphasic" pills, however Lo pills contain 25 mcg estrogen whereas other delivers 35 mcg

6. Ortho Tri Cyclen helped in mild acne treatment. Does Lo do the same?
Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo pills not yet examined for acne treatment. If mild acne treatment is also a concern alongwith oral contraception then Ortho Tri Cyclen is advisable.

7. How can I get maximum protection from Ortho Tri Cyclen or Lo pill?
For getting maximum protection, you must start taking pills from the first day your periods start. If you are a Sunday starter, you will need back-up methods like condoms, spermicides or using diaphragms for atleast 7 days. Continue taking pills daily on time as prescribed. Do not miss the pill. If you missed, please take pills as directed. Please remember that your protection is in your hands as long as you are taking pills as directed.

8. Is spotting or breakthrough bleeding common with this pill?
In the first 2 or 3 months, some women may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding or bleeding between periods. However, Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo pills have the history of low rates breakthrough. In a clinical study, only 1 out of 5 women found to have experienced embarrassing spotting or breakthrough bleeding.

If you still experience the same irregular spotting or bleeding that continue for few days, please consult your healthcare provider.

9. Why fixed timing is important for taking pills?
Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo and other birth control pills are designed to take pills at the fixed time. Your protection very much depends upon releasing hormones to your body daily through pills. If you miss the pills or delay the next dose for more than 24 hours, you are at more risk of becoming pregnant if you have unprotected sex then.

10. Will I become pregnant if I miss a period?
Missing a period does not necessarily mean you are pregnant. However, it is unlikely that you would miss a period while you are taking Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo pills as prescribed. If you, however, missed a period (in case you switched over to Ortho Tri-Cycle Lo pills), please continue taking next month cycle pills. But if you still miss your second period consecutively then you might be pregnant. Please stop taking pills and consult your doctor or healthcare provider.

11. I'm not sure but I'm just thinking I'm pregnant. Should I continue taking pills?
If you have a doubt about your pregnancy, stop taking pills. Please continue back-up methods like condoms, spermicides or using diaphragms until the pregnancy is confirmed. Please do consult your doctor or healthcare provider.

12. Can I use "active" Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo pills continuously to skip menstrual periods?
No. Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo birth control pills are not "continuous" pills and not designed or recommended. In case, you want menstruation periods then you must consider Lybrel. Please discuss with your doctor or healthcare professional