Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is a prescription birth control pill. It contains both an estrogen and a progestin. The two hormones prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, changing the cervical mucus, and altering the lining of the uterus. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo packs come with three different "phases" of pills, each with a different amount of progesterone. Potential side effects of the contraceptive include nausea, headache, and vomiting.

 

What Is Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo?

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo® (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription oral contraceptive (commonly known as a birth control pill). It provides a low dose of hormones, compared with older birth control pills.
 
(Click Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo?

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is made by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
 

How Does Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo Work?

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is a combined oral contraceptive, which means that it is a birth control pill that contains two different types of hormones. It contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norgestimate). The hormones in Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, it also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, less important ways. Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo changes the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Lastly, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo alters the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
 
Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo is a triphasic birth control pill, which means that there are three different "phases" of pills in each pack, plus the last week of tablets with no active ingredients. Each week has a different amount of the progesterone hormone. This is why it is important to take Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo pills in the correct order.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;