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.
To prevent pregnancy
Treatment of moderate acne
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.
Source: DailyMed
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
change in vision
changes in skin color
chest pain or discomfort
chills
clay-colored stools
dark urine
dizziness or lightheadedness
fainting
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Tri-Sprintec can prevent pregnancy, but it can't protect against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). One way to prevent STDs is to use condoms.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
28 tablets | 1 package | $9.00 | $9.00 |
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.
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.
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
To prevent pregnancy
Treatment of moderate acne
To prevent pregnancy
Moderate acne in females age 15 years and older
To prevent pregnancy
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