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Ortho-Cyclen is a prescription combined oral contraceptive. This article from the eMedTV Web site explains how Ortho-Cyclen works and provides a more in-depth look at the birth control pill's effects, potential side effects, and dosing information.
Common Ortho-Cyclen side effects may include nausea, changes in sex drive, and bloating. This eMedTV Web page describes other potential side effects of Ortho-Cyclen, including serious side effects that should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Ortho-Cyclen is an oral contraceptive that is primarily used for preventing pregnancy. As this eMedTV resource explains, however, it can also be used off-label for other purposes. Common off-label Ortho-Cyclen uses are listed in this article.
There is only one standard Ortho-Cyclen dosage, regardless of your weight or age. This segment from the eMedTV site provides basic Ortho-Cyclen dosing instructions and explains what you should do if you miss any of the pills.
Medicines that may cause Ortho-Cyclen drug interactions include cyclosporine, antibiotics, and modafinil. This eMedTV segment lists other medicines that may interact with Ortho-Cyclen and describes the potential effects of these drug interactions.
Ortho-Cyclen may increase blood sugar, particularly in women with diabetes. This eMedTV article lists other side effects that may occur with Ortho-Cyclen. Warnings and precautions on who should not take this form of birth control are also included.
Serious problems are not likely to occur with an Ortho-Cyclen overdose, but nausea or vomiting is possible. This eMedTV resource explores other possible effects of an Ortho-Cyclen overdose and describes the treatment options that are available.
You should not knowingly take Ortho-Cyclen during pregnancy, as problems could occur. This page from the eMedTV library offers more information on Ortho-Cyclen and pregnancy, and explains the risk of using birth control pills during pregnancy.
It is generally recommended to avoid taking Ortho-Cyclen while breastfeeding. This part of the eMedTV site provides more information on Ortho-Cyclen and breastfeeding, and describes the problems that may occur if you use the pill while breastfeeding.
There are several generic Ortho-Cyclen products, including MonoNessa, Previfem, and Sprintec. This eMedTV resource describes generic Ortho-Cyclen in more detail and explains whether these products are equivalent to the brand-name version.
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