 Ortho Tricyclen, Ortho Cyclen and Edelsin contain the active ingredients:
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norgestimate, these hormones inhibit ovulation, by
suppressing gonadotropins. They also cause changes in the cervical mucus
and endometrium which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and also reduce the likelihood of implantation which also prevents pregnancy.
Medications containing these hormones are referred to as combination oral contraceptives.
Ortho Evra contains Ethinyl Estradiol (an estrogen) and norelgestromin
(a progesterone). The Ortho Evra transdermal patch releases estrogen
and progesterone directly through the skin to prevent pregnancy in the
the same way as the oral contraceptives described above.
Other uses of combination oral contraceptives include:
Acne treatment in women and treatment of menopause symptoms : See details below
Ordering options: for Edelsin, Evra, Ortho Cyclen, Ortho Tri Cyclen and Ortho Evra are below.
No prescription is needed, but some pharmacies will require a consultation via questionnaire
to enable their staff physician to issue a prescription (this is a free consultation).
More Contraceptives Click Here : also : More Medications for Menopause Symptoms
Other Uses of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate
Acne Treatment: The combination of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate may increase the sex
hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and decrease free testosterone resulting in a decrease in the
severity of facial acne in healthy women suffering from this skin condition.
Therefore ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate therapy is indicated for the treatment of moderate
acne vulgaris in females (over 15 years of age and who have started their menstrual periods),
and who have no known contraindications to oral contraceptives, and who have tried but not
responded to topical acne medications.
Treatment of Peri-Menopause Symptoms
For some women, these oral contraceptives are one way to reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness
and other symptoms of peri menopause. (perimenopause: a period of up to 10 years when
physical changes take place but before periods stop altogether and actual menopause begins).
Cautions before taking Ortho Cyclen : Ortho Tri Cyclen : Ortho Evra : Cilest
Do not use these birth control pills or patches without the approval of your doctor if you have
any of the following disorders:
High blood pressure, angina or heart disease
Bleeding or blood-clotting disorder
Undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding
Breast or uterine cancer or another hormone-related cancer
Liver or gallbladder disease.
Epilepsy or any seizure disorder
Migraines
Asthma
Kidney disease
Diabetes.
Women who use transdermal or oral contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke
There have been reports that these contraceptives can increase the risk of women developing
DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), Pulmonary Embolism, Blood Clots, Heart Attack and Stroke.
Cigarette smoking greatly increases this risk, which increases with age and with heavy smoking
(15 or more cigarettes per day).
Combination Contraceptives Side effects
Common side effects that may go away as the body adjusts:
changes in appetite or weight
upset stomach : vomiting : diarrhea : constipation
changes in menstrual flow : painful or missed periods
bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
breast tenderness, enlargement, or discharge
swelling, redness, burning or itching of the vagina : white vaginal discharge
gingivitis (swelling of the gum tissue)
increase in body or facial hair or hair loss,
acne and/or areas of darker skin
More serious side effects have been noted that require medical attention:
shortness of breath or pain in your chest
sudden severe headache
visual changes
weakness, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg
pain, warmth or heaviness in the back of the lower leg
prolonged, heavy, vaginal bleeding
stomach or side pain
yellowing of the skin or eyes
dark-colored urine : light-colored stool
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
severe vomiting
speech problems
dizziness or faintness
coughing up blood
There maybe other side effects not listed above, if in doubt contact your doctor.
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