- Sexual Health
- Women’s Health
- Birth Control
Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen birth control prescription available online
If you're interested in pregnancy prevention, Ortho Tri-Cyclen can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Ortho Tri-Cyclen birth control from a caring, board-certified doctor online.*
Book an appointment
Combination pill that contains ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate
Available as a tablet
Help treat acne in females over 15 years old
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is a combination oral contraceptive containing the hormones ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. Like other hormonal contraceptives, Ortho Tri-Cyclen prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary).
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is used as oral contraceptive therapy to prevent pregnancy. It can also help treat acne in females over 15 years old. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen may be prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Ortho Tri-Cyclen, be sure to complete the full course of the birth control pills unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t discontinue Ortho Cyclen, the birth control pills may not be effective in preventing pregnancy.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for Ortho Tri-Cyclen, but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.
Your PlushCare doctor may prescribe Ortho Tri-Cyclen tablets for any of the following reasons, or other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy prevention
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy. It works by inhibiting ovulation and altering the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and endometrium.
Acne
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is FDA-approved to treat moderate acne in females over 15 years old. Your healthcare provider will prescribe Ortho Tri-Cyclen for acne only if you're interested in oral contraceptive therapy for birth control.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen side effects
The side effects associated with taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen are typically mild. Most Ortho Tri-Cyclen side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen has some common side effects. They may include:Nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach
Breast tenderness
Vaginal itching or discharge
Problems with contact lenses
Mood changes
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Severe migraine headaches
Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles
Signs of a blood clot
You should call your doctor if you notice any adverse reactions, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Ortho Tri-Cyclen use in children under age 15 is not advised.
How to take Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. For contraception and acne, Ortho Tri-Cyclen tablets are typically taken once per day at the same time each day. If you're taking the chewable tablet, you may swallow it whole or chew it thoroughly and swallow.
What to avoid while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Ortho Tri-Cyclen has 432 drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Ortho Tri-Cyclen include:
Certain antidepressant medications, including Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram)
St. John's Wort
Certain antibiotic medications
It's safe to drink alcohol while taking Ortho Cyclen tablets. Avoid smoking while taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen, especially if you're older than 35, as it can increase your risk of serious cardiovascular events.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Use additional protection, such as condoms, to protect yourself from these diseases.
Medication alternatives to Ortho Tri-Cyclen
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest other oral contraceptives or acne medications in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Pregnancy prevention
Mirena (levonorgestrel)
Estarylla (ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate)
Medroxyprogesterone
Acne
Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription FAQs
How much does Ortho Tri-Cyclen cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, Ortho Tri-Cyclen costs about $321 for 168 Ortho Cyclen active tablets without insurance. Most insurance plans cover all methods of birth control without any out-of-pocket expenses, including the birth control pill.
How can I refill my Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription?
To refill your Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
How long does it take for Ortho Tri-Cyclen to work?
When starting Ortho Cyclen, your body will take at least seven days to adjust before it can effectively prevent pregnancy. Women taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen should use backup birth control for the first seven days of their cycle.
Does Ortho Tri-Cyclen have to be taken at the same time every day?
As long as you take pills within 24 hours, it doesn't matter what time you take Ortho Tri-Cyclen each day. However, taking pills at the same time each day can help you remember your pill.
Can you start Ortho Tri-Cyclen anytime?
Yes, you can start taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen at any point during your menstrual cycle.
Who should not take Ortho Tri-Cyclen?
Avoid taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
Untreated high blood pressure
Heart disease (coronary artery disease, chest pain, history of heart attack or blood clots)
Liver disease or liver cancer
Severe migraine headaches
Circulation problems
Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
What happens if I miss a dose of Ortho Tri-Cyclen?
Follow the instructions on your pill pack for missed doses. If you miss one active pill (active blue tablet), take two pills on the day you remember. Then, take one pill per day for the rest of your pill cycle.
What happens if I take too much Ortho Tri-Cyclen?
If you've taken too much Ortho Tri-Cyclen, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention.
3 simple steps to request your Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription today
Step 1
Book an Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
DailyMed. Ortho Tri-Cyclen- norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol kit. Accessed on September 29, 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=384e7a40-dcbd-4908-bf5e-65abc9932973
Food and Drug Administration. Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription label. Accessed on September 29, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/019653Orig1s046,%20019697Orig1s042lbl.pdf
Mayo Clinic. Ethinyl Estradiol And Norgestimate (Oral Route). Accessed on September 29, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ethinyl-estradiol-and-norgestimate-oral-route/description/drg-20061380
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.