Tri-Lo-Sprintec Dosage
Generic name: NORGESTIMATE 0.18mg, ETHINYL ESTRADIOL 0.025mg; NORGESTIMATE 0.215mg, ETHINYL ESTRADIOL 0.025mg; NORGESTIMATE 0.25mg, ETHINYL ESTRADIOL 0.025mg;
Dosage form: tablets
Drug class: Contraceptives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 23, 2024.
How to Start Tri-Lo-Sprintec
Tri-Lo-Sprintec is dispensed in a blister pack tablet dispenser. Tri-Lo-Sprintec may be started using either a Day 1 start or a Sunday start (see Table 1). For the first cycle of a Sunday Start regimen, an additional method of contraception should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration.
How to Take Tri-Lo-Sprintec
Table 1: Instructions for Administration of Tri-Lo-Sprintec |
|
Starting COCs in women not currently using hormonal contraception (Day 1 Start or Sunday Start) Important: Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of this product. Tablet Color:
|
Day 1 Start:
Sunday Start:
|
Switching to Tri-Lo-Sprintec from another oral contraceptive |
Start on the same day that a new pack of the previous oral contraceptive would have started. |
Switching from another contraceptive method to Tri-Lo-Sprintec |
Start Tri-Lo-Sprintec: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Complete instructions to facilitate patient counseling on proper tablet usage are located in the FDA-Approved Patient Labeling. |
Starting Tri-Lo-Sprintec after Abortion or Miscarriage
First-trimester
- After a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, Tri-Lo-Sprintec may be started immediately. An additional method of contraception is not needed if Tri-Lo-Sprintec is started immediately.
- If Tri-Lo-Sprintec is not started within 5 days after termination of the pregnancy, the patient should use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of her first cycle pack of Tri-Lo-Sprintec.
Second-trimester
- Do not start until 4 weeks after a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start Tri-Lo-Sprintec, following the instructions in Table 1 for Day 1 or Sunday start, as desired. If using Sunday start, use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of the patient’s first cycle pack of Tri-Lo-Sprintec.
Starting Tri-Lo-Sprintec after Childbirth
- Do not start until 4 weeks after delivery, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with Tri-Lo-Sprintec following the instructions in Table 1 for women not currently using hormonal contraception.
- Tri-Lo-Sprintec is not recommended for use in lactating women.
- If the woman has not yet had a period postpartum, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of Tri-Lo-Sprintec..
How to Use the Blister Cards
There are two ways to start taking birth control pills, Sunday Start or Day 1 Start. Your healthcare professional will tell you which to use.
- Pick the Days of the Week Sticker that starts the first day of your period. (This is the day you begin bleeding or spotting, even if it is midnight when bleeding begins.) When you have picked the right sticker, throw away the others and place the sticker on the blister card over the pre-printed days of the week and make sure it lines up with the pills.
- Your blister package consists of three parts, the foil pouch, wallet, and a blister pack containing 28 individually sealed pills. Note that the pills are arranged in four numbered rows of 7 pills, with the pre-printed days of the week printed above them. There are 7 gray “active” pills, 7 light blue “active” pills, 7 blue “active” pills, and 7 white “reminder” pills. Refer to the sample of the blister card below:
- After taking the last white pill, start a new blister card the very next day no matter when your period started. You will be taking a pill every day without interruption. Anytime you start the pills later than directed, protect yourself by using another method of birth control until you have taken a pill a day for seven consecutive days. After taking the last white pill, start taking the first gray pill from the blister card the very next day.
- Take the pills in each new package as before. Start with the gray pill on row #1 and take one pill each day, left to right, until the last white pill has been taken.
Three Ways to Remember in What Order to Take the Pills
- Follow the sticker with the days of the week (placed above the pills).
- Always go from left to right.
- Always finish all your pills.
Missed Tablets
Table 2: Instructions for Missed Tri-Lo-Sprintec Tablets |
|
|
Take the tablet as soon as possible. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. |
|
Take the two missed tablets as soon as possible and the next two active tablets the next day. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as backāup if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets. |
|
Day 1 start: Throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Sunday start: Continue taking one tablet a day until Sunday, then throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets. |
More about Tri-Lo-Sprintec (ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (246)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: contraceptives
Patient resources
Other brands
Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Ortho Cyclen, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, TriNessa, ... +4 more
Professional resources
Other brands
Estarylla, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Mili, Tri-Estarylla, ... +19 more
Other formulations
Related treatment guides
See also:
Premarin
Premarin is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. Learn ...
Mirena
Mirena (levonorgestrel) is a plastic intrauterine device placed in the uterus and is used to ...
Aqneursa
Aqneursa information from Drugs.com, includes Aqneursa side effects, interactions and indications.
Provera
Provera is used for abnormal uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, birth control, endometrial cancer ...
Eligard
Eligard (leuprolide) reduces levels of testosterone and is used to treat prostate cancer. Includes ...
Depo Provera
Depo-Provera is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to reduce pain cause by ...
Megestrol
Megestrol systemic is used for abnormal uterine bleeding, AIDS Related Wasting, anorexia, breast ...
Leuprolide
Leuprolide is used to treat endometriosis, prostate cancer, and early-onset puberty. Includes ...
Medroxyprogesterone
Medroxyprogesterone (Provera) treats conditions such as absent or irregular menstrual periods, or ...
Levonorgestrel
Levonorgestrel systemic is used for birth control, emergency contraception, heavy menstrual bleeding
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.