Generic name:ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (oral route) [ ETH-i-nil-es-tra-DYE-ol, nor-JES-ti-mate ]
Drug class:Contraceptives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 15, 2022.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from combination oral contraceptive use. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes smoked and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age. Use of combination oral contraceptives is contraindicated in women over the age of 35 who smoke
The Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Estarylla
- MonoNessa
- Ortho-Cyclen
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo
- Previfem
- Sprintec
- Tri-Lo-Sprintec
- TriNessa
- TriNessa 28
- Tri-Previfem
- Tri-Sprintec
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Triphasic Contraceptive Combination
Pharmacologic Class: Estrogen
Uses for Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo
Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a birth control pill that contains two types of hormones, ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, and when taken properly, prevents pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman's egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented.
Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate combination is also used to treat moderate acne in females (at least 15 years of age) who started having menstrual period and also wants to use this medicine for birth control.
No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control pills. Discuss your opt..
