Consumer information: Tricira-Lo®

What is Tricira-Lo Used For?

• Tricira-Lo® is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) used for preventing pregnancy.
• It contains varying amounts of norgestimate (0.180 mg, 0.215 mg, 0.250 mg) and ethinyl estradiol (0.025 mg).

How Does Tricira-Lo Work?

• Prevents ovulation: Stops the release of an egg from the ovaries.
• Thickens cervical mucus: Makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
• Alters the uterine lining: Reduces the likelihood of implantation of a fertilized egg.

Effectiveness:

• Perfect use: When taken exactly as directed, Tricira-Lo is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
• Typical use: With missed or late pills, the effectiveness decreases slightly.
• Tricira-Lo does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so use condoms for STI protection.

Who Should Not Use Tricira-Lo?

• Contraindications include:
  • History of or current blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or liver disease.
  • Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
  • Breast cancer or estrogen-dependent cancers.
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes with vascular complications.
  • Women over 35 who smoke.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.
• Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, particularly in women with hypertension, obesity, or diabetes.
• Liver disease: Tricira-Lo should not be used in women with active liver disease or liver tumors.

Possible Side Effects:

• Common side effects include:
  • Nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
  • Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods.
  • Breast tenderness or enlargement.
  • Weight changes and mood swings.
• Serious side effects (less common):
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
  • Stroke or heart attack.
  • Liver tumors.

When to Start Tricira-Lo:

1. Starting after a period:
   • Begin taking Tricira-Lo on Day 1 of your menstrual cycle (first day of the period) for immediate contraceptive protection.
   • If starting after Day 1, use backup contraception for the first 7 days.
2. After childbirth:
   • For non-breastfeeding women, start Tricira-Lo 21 to 28 days after delivery.
   • Use backup contraception for the first 7 days if starting later.
3. After miscarriage or abortion:
   • Start Tricira-Lo immediately after a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion for immediate protection.

Missed Pills:

1. Missed one pill:
   • Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then take the next pill at your usual time (you may take two pills in one day). No backup contraception is required.
2. Missed two pills in a row:
   • Take two pills on the day you remember, and two pills the next day.
   • Use backup contraception for 7 days.
3. Missed three or more pills:
   • Discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack.
   • Use backup contraception for 7 days.

What to Do if You Vomit or Have Diarrhea:

• If you vomit or have severe diarrhea within 3-4 hours of taking a pill, take another pill as soon as possible.
• Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Other Considerations:

• Breastfeeding: Tricira-Lo may reduce breast milk production and is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
• Take the pill at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness.

Storage Information:

• Store Tricira-Lo between 15°C and 30°C, protected from light and moisture.