When and How to Use Ortho-Cyclen
General considerations for when and how to use the medication include the following:
- Ortho-Cyclen comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth once a day, at the same time each day.
- You can take it with food or on an empty stomach. If the drug bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Each pack of Ortho-Cyclen contains 28 pills. Be sure to take them in order. Once you finish a pack, start a new pack right away. You will probably start your period during the last seven days of the pack.
- Ortho-Cyclen comes in special packaging called a Dialpak®. Make sure you know how the Dialpak works (such as where to start and how to remove the pills).
- It is very important to take Ortho-Cyclen every day, at the same time each day. Try to pick a time that will be easy to remember (such as at bedtime or breakfast). If you have trouble remembering, please talk with your healthcare provider, as missing pills increases your risk of pregnancy.
- Make sure you know exactly what to do if you miss any pills. In some circumstances, you may need to use a backup method of contraception (such as condoms) for a week.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
There is only one standard way to dose Ortho-Cyclen, regardless of your age or weight. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
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