Tri-Cira Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Tri-Cira Tablet contains norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol, a combined oral contraceptive. It is taken daily to prevent pregnancy and can also treat moderate acne in eligible females. The hormones work by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus. It is available in 21-day and 28-day tablet packs.

What is Tri-Cira Tablet

Tri-Cira is a combined birth control pill that contains two hormones, norgestimate (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It is taken daily to prevent pregnancy and can also treat moderate acne in some women.

Tri-Cira Tablet uses

• Prevents pregnancy in females of reproductive potential.
• Treats moderate acne vulgaris in eligible females aged 15 years and older who have achieved menarche and also desire contraception.
• Suppresses ovulation as the primary contraceptive mechanism.
• Thickens cervical mucus to reduce sperm penetration.

Benefits of Tri-Cira Tablet

• Provides effective pregnancy prevention when used correctly.
• May reduce moderate acne lesions in appropriately selected patients.
• Combines estrogen and progestin in one tablet.
• Uses a structured three-phase hormone schedule.

How Tri-Cira Tablet works

The hormones in Tri-Cira stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month and thicken the mucus at the cervix, which makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg.

Tri-Cira Tablet dosage

Take one pill at about the same time every day. It can be taken with or without food. Follow the order of pills in the pack and always start a new pack on the set date.

If using a 21-day pack, take a pill daily for three weeks, then take no pills for one week. If using a 28-day pack, take a pill daily for three weeks, then take the reminder pills (without hormones) for the last week, with no break between packs. Your doctor will tell you which day to start your first pack, based on your menstrual cycle.

Consider using a backup method of birth control, such as condoms with spermicide, for the first week of your first pack. It's common to have spotting, light bleeding, or mild nausea during the first few months; keep taking your pills unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember and continue the rest of the pack as usual; contact your pharmacist if you are very late taking a dose. Vomiting, diarrhea, or certain other medications (like antibiotics) may make the pill less effective; use a backup birth control method until you check with your doctor. There is no need to stop taking the pills for a rest period.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet (21-day pack)
• Tablet (28-day pack)

Side effects of Tri-Cira Tablet

Common

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
• Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns or breakthrough bleeding
• Weight changes or fluid retention/swelling
• Mood changes
• Appetite changes
• Brown, blotchy spots on skin exposed to sunlight
• Changes in hair growth
• Changed interest in sexual activity
• Diarrhea
• Discomfort wearing contact lenses
• Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Gas
• Rash
• Swelling of ankles and feet
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

Serious

• Breast lump
• Changes in uterine bleeding pattern, including heavy, prolonged, or absent periods
• Severe headaches or migraines
• Increased blood pressure
• Signs of depression such as poor concentration, weight changes, sleep changes, or thoughts of suicide
• Signs of liver problems such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools
• Swelling, pain, or tenderness in the upper abdomen
• Symptoms of a urinary tract infection
• Vaginal infection with itching, irritation, or unusual discharge
• Signs of a blood clot in an arm or leg (pain, swelling, warmth, redness) or in the lungs (difficulty breathing, sharp chest pain, coughing blood)
• Signs of a heart attack (chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to shoulder or arm, nausea, sweating)
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction (abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat)
• Signs of a stroke (sudden severe headache, loss of coordination, vision changes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness)

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine raises the risk of serious blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, especially in smokers. 
• Do not smoke while taking this medicine, especially if you are over 35, because it greatly increases the risk of heart and blood vessel problems. 
• This medicine does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. Do not take this medicine if you are using certain hepatitis C medications, as this combination can cause liver problems.
•  This medicine should not be used by women with a history of blood clots, certain liver diseases, severe high blood pressure, active breast cancer, or certain types of migraines.
• Tri-Cira should not be taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking it, contact your doctor right away.
• Using Tri-Cira while breastfeeding is not recommended, since the hormones pass into breast milk and may reduce its quantity and quality.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, as this is a condition your doctor will want to discuss before you start this medication.
• Do not use this medicine if you have liver disease, liver tumors, or jaundice linked to liver problems.
• Let your doctor know about your alcohol use, since it can affect how this medication works.

Storage

• Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Store in original packaging, between 15°C to 30°C. Leave contents in carton until time of use to protect from light. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you notice signs of a blood clot, such as sharp chest pain, coughing up blood, sudden shortness of breath, or pain and swelling in the leg. 
• Get emergency help right away if you have crushing chest pain or heaviness, which could be a heart attack. Get emergency help right away for signs of a stroke, such as sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, vision or speech changes, or weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg. Get emergency help right away if you suddenly lose vision, partly or completely, or see double. 
• Get emergency help right away for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
• Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice a breast lump, unexpected vaginal bleeding, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or ongoing sad mood. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your healthcare professional or local poison control center right away, even if you feel fine.

Alternatives

• Tri-Cyclen
• Tri-Cira Lo
• Tri-Sprintec