Brand Names: Mononessa, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Ortho-Cyclen, Previfem, Sprintec, Tri-Lo-Sprintec, TriNessa, Tri-Previfem, Tri-Sprintec

Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (Pronunciation: ETH in ill ess tra DYE ol and nor JESS ti mate)

• What is ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (Tri-Sprintec)?
• What are the possible side effects of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate?
• What is the most important information I should know about ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate?
• How should I take ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate?
• What other drugs will affect ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (Tri-Sprintec)?

Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to treat severe acne.

Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Mononessa

round, blue, imprinted with 526, WATSON

Previfem

round, imprinted with 748, LOGO TRIANGLE

TriNessa

round

Tri-Previfem

round, imprinted with 746, 747, 748, or 749, LOGO

What are the possible side effects of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;
• pain in your upper stomach, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• a lump in your breast;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea or vomiting, appetite or weight changes;
• breast swelling or tenderness;
• headache, nervousness, dizziness;
• problems with contact lenses;
• freckles or darkening of facial skin, loss of scalp hair; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Tri-Sprintec (norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol tablets-triphasic regimen) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate?

This medication can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use birth control pills if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby.

You should not take birth control pills if you have coronary artery disease, severe heart valve disorder, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, unusual vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe migraine headaches, or a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Taking hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.