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Compare Sprintec vs. Tri-Lo-Sprintec

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Sprintec (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) and Tri-Lo-Sprintec (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) are both combined oral contraceptives, but they have some key differences. Sprintec is a monophasic birth control, meaning all active tablets contain the same dose of hormones, while Tri-Lo-Sprintec is triphasic, with three different doses of hormones throughout the cycle. Tri-Lo-Sprintec has a lower dose of estrogen (25 mcg) compared to Sprintec (35 mcg), which might be preferable if you want a birth control with less estrogen. Additionally, Tri-Lo-Sprintec is not FDA-approved for treating acne, unlike Tri-Sprintec, another triphasic option. Both medications require you to take one active pill daily for 21 days, followed by 7 placebo pills. Both options are highly effective in preventing pregnancy if taken as directed, but you should discuss with your provider to determine which is best for you.

  • Sprintec
    Tri-lo-sprintec (norgestimate / ethinyl estradiol)
  • Sprintec
    Tri-lo-sprintec (norgestimate / ethinyl estradiol)

  • Summary of Sprintec vs. Tri-Lo-Sprintec

    Summary for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Prescription only

    Sprintec is a type of combined oral contraceptive (COC), or birth control, that contains both estrogen and progesterone hormones. It's a monophasic birth control, meaning all active tablets contain the same doses of hormones. Sprintec works well to prevent pregnancy if it's taken daily at the same time every day.

    Summary for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Prescription only

    Tri-Lo-Sprintec (norgestimate / ethinyl estradiol) is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that's taken by mouth every day prevent pregnancy. It contains 2 medications: norgestimate (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It's a triphasic birth control, meaning the doses of hormones in the active pills change three times in the 28-day pack. The "Lo" in its name means that it contains a lower dose of estrogen than many other similar birth controls. Potential side effects include headache, nausea, and mood changes. <br> Tri-Lo-Sprintec (norgestimate / ethinyl estradiol) is a generic of the discontinued brand name Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo. Other generics include Tri-Lo-Estarylla, Tri-Lo-Mili, and Tri-Vylibra Lo (norgestimate / ethinyl estradiol).

  • Indications of Sprintec vs. Tri-Lo-Sprintec

    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy
    Indications for
    •To prevent pregnancy

  • Pros and Cons of Sprintec vs. Tri-Lo-Sprintec

    Pros and Const for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Pros
    •Taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Active pills are all one color so they're easy to identify
    Cons
    •Not recommended for females who smoke cigarettes
    •Can affect mood and behavior
    •Risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and stroke
    Pros and Const for Estrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
    Pros
    •Once-daily dosing
    •Works better to prevent pregnancy compared to some other birth control methods
    •Comes in a convenient blister pack to help you keep track of your doses
    Cons
    •Need to take your pill at the same time every day for it to work well
    •Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
    •Can't be used by females over 35 who smoke cigarettes because of risk for blood clots

  • Common Side Effects of Sprintec vs. Tri-Lo-Sprintec

    Common Side Effects for
    •Changes in menstrual bleeding (up to 34%)
    •Headache/migraine (33%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Vaginal infection (8%)
    •Genital discharge (7%)
    •Breast pain, discharge, or swelling (6%)
    •Mood changes (5%)
    •Passing gas (3%)
    •Nervousness (3%)
    •Rash (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache or migraine (31%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (16%)
    •Breast changes (10%)
    •Stomach pain (9%)
    •Period pain or changes to period bleeds (9%)
    •Mood changes (8%)

  • Warnings of Sprintec vs. Tri-Lo-Sprintec

    Common Side Effects for
    •Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems
    •Blood clots and strokes
    •Irregular bleeding
    •High blood pressure
    •High blood sugar and cholesterol
    •Headache
    •Breast and cervical cancer
    •Liver problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems
    •Blood clots and strokes
    •Risk of breast and cervical cancer
    •Liver problems
    •Gallbladder problems
    •High blood sugar and triglycerides
    •High blood pressure
    •Headache
    •Irregular bleeding
    •Depression
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Sprintec vs. Tri-Lo-Sprintec

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    Learn more about Tri-lo-sprintec

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