Tri-Lo-Sprintec

Tri-Lo-Sprintec is an FDA-approved combined oral contraceptive pill that uses ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate to prevent pregnancy.

Tri-Lo-Sprintec is a triphasic contraceptive pill, meaning that, unlike other contraceptive pills, which contain the same dose in each pill, it contains three different doses. Because the dose fluctuates, some women find that triphasic pills are easier to adjust to.

Combined contraceptive pills are also used to reduce acne, help with premenstrual symptoms, regulate menstrual periods, and make them lighter and less painful.

You can order Tri-Lo-Sprintec, as well as Tri-Lo-Estarylla, an equivalent alternative, online from Speedy Health.

Estrogen and progesterone are natural hormones which fluctuate throughout the course of your menstrual cycle. Tri-Lo-Sprintec uses ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone, to provide a consistent supply of these hormones in a way that prevents pregnancy.

These hormones work together to prevent ovulation, make it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg, and thin the lining of the womb so that any fertilized egg would be unable to implant into the womb and grow.

There are 28 tablets in your pill pack, with 21 tablets containing the active ingredients, and 7 inactive tablets.

The hormone levels change every week and are colored differently so that you can tell them apart. They should be taken in the order listed on the pack, as outlined below:

• Day 1 to Day 7 - Gray
• Day 8 to Day 15 - Light Blue
• Day 16 to Day 21 - Blue
• Day 22 to Day 28 - White

Take one tablet daily for 28 days at the same time each day. Do not skip any tablets.

If you start Tri-Lo-Sprintec on the first day of your period (the first day you begin bleeding) you will be immediately protected against pregnancy. If you begin later, you will need to use a back-up contraception method, such as a condom, for the first seven days.

It is important to follow the advice of the prescribing doctor and read the information provided with your treatment when beginning any medication.

Store Tri-Lo-Sprintec at room temperature.

What if I miss a pill?

If you miss one pill in the first three weeks, take the next one as soon as you remember, continuing with the remaining pills as normal.

If you miss two pills in the first two weeks, take the missed pills as soon as you remember, and the next two active pills the next day, continuing with the remaining pills as normal.

If you miss two pills in the third week or three or more active pills in a row during the first three weeks, and you began taking them on the first day of your period, discard the rest of the pack, starting the next one on the same day.

However, if you started on Sunday, take the rest of the pills as usual until Sunday, discard the rest of the pack and begin the next one on the same day. Use a barrier contraception method, such as a condom, as a back-up if you have had sex within 7 days of missing a pill.

Vomiting and diarrhea

If you vomit or have diarrhea within 3-4 hours after taking an active tablet, the medication may not be as effective. Treat all instances of severe stomach upset as though you have missed a tablet.

Every medication comes with the risk of side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

The most common side effects include:

• irregular spotting or bleeding
• nausea
• headache
• breast tenderness

Side effects are usually experienced within the first few months of use, and those who do experience them may find that they are mild or short-lived. If they become concerning or if you experience something more serious, seek immediate medical attention.

Blood clots

Combined birth control pills like Tri-Lo-Sprintec may increase your risk of blood clots. Your risk is higher if you smoke, are older than 35, have high blood pressure, experience frequent migraine attacks, have certain heart conditions, have diabetes, and if you are overweight.

Symptoms of a blood clot include cramping, limb pain, shortness of breath, sharp pains in the chest, and coughing up blood. Get immediate medical help if you think you have a blood clot.

Combined contraceptive pills are not recommended for women who smoke, as it could increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as blood clots, especially for those over the age of 35.

This medication is also unsuitable for those who have:

• a history of blood clots
• had breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers
• uncontrolled high blood pressure
• liver tumors or liver disease
• certain heart conditions
• gallbladder disease
• diabetes with vascular problems
• unexplained vaginal bleeding
• a history of heart attack or stroke
• an allergy to any of the ingredients in this medication

It is important to mention any other treatments you are using during your consultation, even if they are not prescribed, as Tri-Lo-Sprintec may not be as effective when taken alongside certain prescription drugs and supplements, such as St. John's Wort, HIV medications such as ritonavir, and medications used to treat hepatitis C, such as ombitasvir.

Your doctor may recommend that you use a different form of contraception if you are breastfeeding, as combined birth control pills may affect milk production.

It is still important to practice safe sex, as Tri-Lo-Sprintec will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You can buy Tri-Lo-Sprintec and Tri-Lo-Estarylla online from Speedy Health after completing a simple online consultation. Once submitted, one of our doctors will review your consultation and assess your suitability. If approved, your prescription will be sent out to our pharmacy, and your medication will be sent with next-day delivery.

Are there alternatives to Tri-Lo-Sprintec?

Tri-Lo-Sprintec is a combined contraceptive pill manufactured by Teva, but different manufacturers have made the same formulation available under other brand names. This includes Tri-Lo-Estarylla, Tri-Lo-Linyah, Tri-Lo-Mili, and TriNessa Lo.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo has been discontinued by the manufacturer, but contains the same active ingredients and is equivalent to Tri-Lo-Sprintec.

Tri-Lo-Sprintec differs from Tri-Sprintec as it uses a lower amount of estrogen. It also uses the same hormones as Sprintec but differs as it is a triphasic pill.

You can order both Tri-Lo-Sprintec, as well as Tri-Lo-Estarylla online from Speedy Health.