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 primary care doctor online.*
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 the name norgestimate-ethinyl estradiol.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen is 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 take the birth control pills as prescribed unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t take Ortho Tri-Cyclen daily, 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
Acne
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:
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Nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach
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Breast tenderness
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Vaginal itching or discharge
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Problems with contact lenses
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Mood changes
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Weight changes
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Severe migraine headaches
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Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles
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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 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 many possible 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:
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Certain antidepressant medications, including Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram)
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St. John's Wort
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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
Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription FAQs
How much does Ortho Tri-Cyclen cost?
How can I refill my Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription?
How long does it take for Ortho Tri-Cyclen to work?
Does Ortho Tri-Cyclen have to be taken at the same time every day?
Can you start Ortho Tri-Cyclen anytime?
Who should not take Ortho Tri-Cyclen?
Avoid taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
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Untreated high blood pressure
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Heart disease (coronary artery disease, chest pain, history of heart attack or blood clots)
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Liver disease or liver cancer
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Severe migraine headaches
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Circulation problems
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Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
What happens if I miss a dose of Ortho Tri-Cyclen?
What happens if I take too much Ortho Tri-Cyclen?
3 simple steps to request your Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription today
Book an Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription.
Pick up your Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription.
Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription pricing details
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Paying with insurance
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$19.99
First month free
Visits
Copay
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
$19.99
First month free
Visits
$129
Visit price without insurance
Ortho Tri-Cyclen prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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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
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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
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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.