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Tri-Sprintec Coupon - Tri-Sprintec 28 tablets package

tri-sprintec

Generic Ortho Tri-Cyclen
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control

Tri-Sprintec is a type of combined oral contraceptive (COC), or birth control, that's taken by mouth every day to prevent pregnancy. It's a triphasic birth control, meaning it has three different phases of hormones that tries to mimic the rise and fall of hormones in the menstrual cycle. Some people find triphasic birth controls, like Tri-Sprintec more complicated to take, especially if they need to make up for a missed dose.

Last reviewed on August 25, 2022
basics-icon

What is Tri-Sprintec?

What is Tri-Sprintec used for?

  • To prevent pregnancy

  • Treatment of moderate acne

How Tri-Sprintec works

Tri-Sprintec is a combination medication that contains two hormones, norgestimate (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). Both hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by:

  • Suppressing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary)

  • Changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement

  • Creating an unfriendly environment for the fertilized egg by changing the lining in the uterus (womb)

Tri-Sprintec can also be used to treat acne. This medication helps with acne by lowering the amount of testosterone (a hormone) in your body. This leads to less oil production and less clogging of the pores of the skin.

Are you looking for information on Tri-Lo-Sprintec (norgestimate / ethinyl estradiol) instead?
When does Tri-Sprintec start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTri-Sprintec, Tri-Estarylla, Tri-Previfem, Ortho Tri-Cyclen (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$12.65(save 28.83%)
GoodRx discount
$9.00
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Tri-Sprintec?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache or migraine (34%)
  • Breast changes (tenderness, enlargement) (8%)
  • Vaginal infection (7%)
  • Stomach pain (6%)

Other Side Effects

  • Mood changes
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Changes in weight

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
  • Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
When do Tri-Sprintec possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Changes in menstrual bleeding
Headaches
Stomach cramps
Breast pain
Mood changes
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods

anxiety

change in vision

changes in skin color

chest pain or discomfort

chills

clay-colored stools

constipation

cough

dark urine

diarrhea

dizziness or lightheadedness

fainting

fever

headache

hives or welts

itching skin

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

medium to heavy, irregular vaginal bleeding between regular monthly periods, which may require the use of a pad or a tampon

nausea

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg

pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially in the calves of the legs

pounding in the ears

rash

redness of the skin

severe headaches of sudden onset

slow or fast heartbeat

stomach pain

sudden loss of coordination or slurred speech

sudden troubled breathing

sweating

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

vomiting of blood

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Bloating

blotchy spots on the exposed skin

breast enlargement or tenderness

discouragement

feeling sad or empty

irritability

itching of the vagina or outside the genitals

loss of interest or pleasure

pain during sexual intercourse

stomach cramps

thick, white curd-like vaginal discharge without odor or with mild odor

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

trouble wearing contact lenses

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Tri-Sprintec

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken once daily

Available as a lower-cost generic

Works better to prevent pregnancy compared to some other birth control methods

Can take with or without food

thumbs-down

Cons

Dosing is complicated if you're trying to make up for missed pills

Can't be used by females over 35 years old and who smoke cigarettes because of risk for blood clots

Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Must take it at the same time every day for it to work well

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Tri-Sprintec

pharmacist
  • Take Tri-Sprintec at the same time every day. You can set an alarm to help you remember to take it. Forgetting to take your pill raises the chance of getting pregnant. If you miss a dose, refer to the instructions that came with your blister pack or call your provider or pharmacist for further instructions.

    • If you have vomiting or diarrhea, Tri-Sprintec might not work as well for you. Always use a back-up birth control method until you're able to check with your healthcare provider.

      • Let your provider or pharmacist know all of your current medications. Certain medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), can interact with Tri-Sprintec and make it work less well to prevent pregnancy. Some medications can raise the risk of breakthrough bleeding (bleeding outside of the scheduled week of placebo pills).

        • Check with your provider if you don't have a regular period during the placebo pill week while taking Tri-Sprintec to make sure you're not pregnant. Studies haven't shown a risk of birth defects in females who've used birth control pills before pregnancy or during early pregnancy, but it's no longer necessary to take them once you're pregnant.

          • If you want to start Tri-Sprintec after having a baby, check with your provider first. You need to wait at least 4 weeks after delivering your baby before you can start your birth control. Starting any earlier raises your risk of blood clots.

            • Before starting Tri-Sprintec, discuss your full medical history with your provider. This medication can worsen certain conditions. Some examples are chloasma (a condition that causes dark skin patches) and hereditary angioedema (episodes of severe swelling in your body). If you have a history of chloasma, avoid sun exposure while taking Tri-Sprintec.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Tri-Sprintec

              Why is Tri-Sprintec called a triphasic birth control?
              Tri-Sprintec is called a triphasic birth control because it contains three different phases of hormone levels throughout the first three weeks. This is designed to mimic your natural hormone levels more closely compared with birth control pills that contain the same doses of hormones in all of the active pills. Ask your provider if you're not sure whether a triphasic birth control is right for you.
              Why are the Tri-Sprintec pills different colors?
              Tri-Sprintec is made up of four different sets of colored pills, each with different dosages of hormones (or no hormones in the case of the inactive pills). As mentioned above, Tri-Sprintec has three different combinations of hormone levels. The first three weeks are "active" pills, which means that they contain hormones. The fourth week is made up of "inactive" pills, which don't have hormones. It's important for you to take the tablets in the correct order so your body can follow the appropriate hormone levels.
              What is the difference between Tri-Sprintec and Tri-Lo-Sprintec?
              Tri-Sprintec and Tri-Lo-Sprintec both contain the same hormones, but Tri-Lo-Sprintec has a lower dose of estrogen. Tri-Sprintec has 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol in each active pill, while Tri-Lo-Sprintec only has 25 mcg of ethinyl estradiol in the active pills. The amount of norgestimate found in each phase of pills is the same between these two medications. Your provider might suggest you take Tri-Lo-Sprintec if you need a lower dose of estrogen. While both [EDITOR|DRUG_DISPLAY_NAME]] and Tri-Lo-Sprintec are approved to prevent pregnancy, Tri-Sprintec can also be used to treat acne.
              Can I take Tri-Sprintec for acne?
              Yes, Tri-Sprintec is FDA-approved to treat moderate acne in certain people. If you're at least 15 years old and you're already planning on using a COC for birth control, then your provider might consider prescribing Tri-Sprintec to treat your acne.
              What should I do if I miss a pill of Tri-Sprintec?
              It's important for you to take Tri-Sprintec every day for the medication to prevent pregnancy. But if you missed a dose, your next steps depend on when you missed it and how many pills you missed. If you only missed 1 pill, you can take the missed pill as soon as you remember and continue taking the next pill at your regular time. If you missed pills multiple days in a row, you might have to take 2 pills on the same day to make up for it. Or you might have to throw away your current pack and start a new pack. Since Tri-Sprintec is a triphasic birth control, it can be more complicated to make up for missed pills. Make sure to follow the instructions on the patient information sheet that was provided with your medication, or contact your provider or pharmacist. Also, ask them if you need to use another method of birth control to prevent pregnancy during this time.
              Can I take Tri-Sprintec while breastfeeding?
              Small amounts of Tri-Sprintec can pass into your breast milk and affect your baby. This medication can also lower the amount and quality of your breast milk, so it's not recommended to use until after you've stopped breastfeeding. It's best to speak to your provider to see which form of birth control is safe for you and your baby while you're breastfeeding.
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              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Tri-Sprintec?

              Tri-Sprintec can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems

              • Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke cigarettes

                If you smoke cigarettes, using combined oral contraceptives (COCs), like Tri-Sprintec, raises your risk for serious health problems, such as strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. Females age 35 years and older who smoke are at even higher risk for these problems. If you smoke, talk with your provider about safer birth control alternatives.

                risk-warning

                Blood clots and strokes

                • Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke | Females over 40 years old who don't smoke | Recent surgery with a long period of bed rest | Starting Tri-Sprintec less than a month after childbirth | High blood pressure | People identified as obese | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Higher dose of estrogen

                  Tri-Sprintec raises your risk of blood clots. These clots can occur anywhere in your body, including your lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE), legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), brain (stroke), and heart (heart attack). Get emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot:

                  • Brain: weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, or face on one side of the body, trouble speaking, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or confusion

                    • Eyes: trouble seeing, bulging eye, double vision

                      • Heart: chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness

                        • Lungs: trouble breathing, chest pain, or cough

                          • Legs: cramps, swelling, pain, or muscle tightness

                            If you need to have surgery, tell your provider you're taking Tri-Sprintec. They might have you stop taking it 4 weeks before until 2 weeks after your surgery to lower your risk of blood clots. If you recently delivered a baby, you shouldn't start Tri-Sprintec until 4 weeks after delivery if you're not breastfeeding your child.

                            risk-warning

                            Irregular bleeding

                            People who take Tri-Sprintec can sometimes experience irregular bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 3 months of taking this medication. Irregular bleeding can vary from slight staining to bleeding similar to a regular period. This problem might be temporary, so continue taking your medication as directed. Let your provider know if the bleeding is a problem for you and they can change your birth control. If you missed your period(s), contact your provider or get a pregnancy test to make sure you're not pregnant.

                            risk-warning

                            High blood pressure

                            • Risk factors: Older age | Using COCs for a long time | High blood pressure | Kidney problems

                              Tri-Sprintec can raise your blood pressure, so make sure you check your blood pressure while you're taking this medication. The risk is higher in females who are older and have been taking birth control for a long period of time. Females who have high blood pressure that's not under control shouldn't take Tri-Sprintec. Speak to your provider if this medication raises your blood pressure and they can help you pick a different method of birth control that's safer for you.

                              risk-warning

                              High blood sugar and cholesterol

                              • Risk factors: Prediabetes or diabetes | High triglycerides

                                Tri-Sprintec can raise your levels of blood sugar and triglycerides (a type of fat). If you're prediabetic or diabetic, your risk of having your blood sugar rise is much higher. This is because Tri-Sprintec can prevent your body from breaking down sugar efficiently. Additionally, this medication can also affect your level of triglycerides. High triglycerides might lead to a higher risk of pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation). Speak with your provider before starting Tri-Sprintec if you have a history of high blood sugar or triglycerides. Your provider might help you choose another birth control or monitor your blood works more closely if you take this medication.

                                risk-warning

                                Breast and cervical cancer

                                • Risk factors: History of breast or cervical cancer | Taking COCs for a long time

                                  Study results are mixed, but there's a possibility that Tri-Sprintec and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.

                                  Don't take Tri-Sprintec if you currently have or have had breast cancer because some types of breast cancer grow faster in the presence of estrogen, a hormone in this medication. The risk of developing breast cancer might be slightly higher in females who currently take COCs, have taken them within the past 6 months, or are taking them for a long time (8 years or more). You can examine your breasts regularly at home or get yearly breast exams with your healthcare provider to help with early breast cancer detection. Let your provider know if you notice any new or abnormal lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

                                  Make sure you follow up with your provider to get proper screenings for cervical cancer. Report any signs of vaginal bleeding or discharge that's not normal.

                                  risk-warning

                                  Liver problems

                                  • Risk factors: Taking COCs for a long time | Hepatitis C treatment

                                    Don't take Tri-Sprintec if you have liver problems, such as sudden liver infection caused by a virus, severe (decompensated) scarring of the liver, or liver tumors. Although rare, Tri-Sprintec can raise your risk of benign liver tumors. If you experience signs of liver problems, you should stop taking Tri-Sprintec and ask your provider for a different type of birth control. Signs of liver problems can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), along with fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, or dark colored urine. People with liver problems might have trouble breaking down hormones.

                                    Talk to your provider before starting Tri-Sprintec if you are taking Viekira Pak (dasabuvir / ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir) to treat hepatitis C. This medication can cause liver problems if you are taking it together with a COC. Stop taking Tri-Sprintec and discuss other birth control options with your provider if you need to start your treatment for hepatitis C. You can restart Tri-Sprintec 2 weeks after your Viekira Pak treatment is complete.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Headache

                                    Let your provider know if you experience new or worsening migraines or headaches while taking Tri-Sprintec. You will have to stop your medication if your migraine or headache doesn't go away or becomes severe.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Depression

                                    • Risk factors: History of depression

                                      Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of depression or worsening depression while taking Tri-Sprintec. In cases of serious depression, your provider might have you stop taking it.

                                      dosage

                                      Tri-Sprintec dosage forms

                                      The average cost for 1 package of 28 tablets of Tri-Sprintec is $9.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 28.83% off the average retail price of $12.65.
                                      package
                                      Package
                                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                      28 tablets1 package$9.00$9.00

                                      Typical dosing for Tri-Sprintec

                                      Tri-Sprintec (and its branded generics) comes in a 28-day pack. Your medication might look different depending on which branded generic your provider prescribes. Please take the medication as instructed by your provider or following the directions on the package. In general:

                                      • Day 1 through 7: 0.18 mg norgestimate and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol

                                      • Day 8 through 14: 0.215 mg norgestimate and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol

                                      • Day 15 through 21: 0.25 mg norgestimate and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol

                                      • Day 22 through 28: Placebo tablets (hormone-free)

                                      The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth at the same time every day for 28 days, following the order as instructed on the package.

                                      interactions

                                      Interactions between Tri-Sprintec and other drugs

                                      Tri-Sprintec may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Tri-Sprintec. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                      drug-cost

                                      How much does Tri-Sprintec cost?

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                                      contraindications-icon

                                      Tri-Sprintec contraindications

                                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Tri-Sprintec will not be safe for you to take.
                                      • Women over 35 years old who smoke

                                      • Current or history of blood clots

                                      • Health condition that makes it more likely for your blood to clot

                                      • A history of heart attack or stroke

                                      • Heart valve problems or irregular heart beat that raies the risk of having blood clots

                                      • High blood pressure that's not under control

                                      • Diabetes with kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel problems

                                      • Certain kinds of severe migraine headaches with aura, numbness, weakness, or vision changes

                                      • Any migraine headaches for women over 35 years old

                                      • Liver problems, including liver tumors or cancer

                                      • Unexplained vaginal bleeding that hasn't been diagnosed

                                      • Current or history of breast cancer

                                      • Taking hepatitis C medication with ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir

                                      alternatives

                                      What are alternatives to Tri-Sprintec?

                                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tri-Sprintec. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                      Tri-Sprintec
                                      Used for:
                                      • To prevent pregnancy

                                      • Treatment of moderate acne

                                      $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                      Used for:
                                      • To prevent pregnancy

                                      • Moderate acne in females age 15 years and older

                                      $53.32 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                      latest news

                                      What is the latest news about Tri-Sprintec?

                                      images

                                      Tri-Sprintec images

                                      White Round B And 143 - Tri-Sprintec 28-Day 0.25mg-0.035mg / 0.215mg-0.035mg / 0.18mg-0.035mg Tablet
                                      This medicine is White, Round Package Imprinted With "B" And "143".White Round B And 143 - Tri-Sprintec 28-Day 0.25mg-0.035mg / 0.215mg-0.035mg / 0.18mg-0.035mg Tablet

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