Tri-Sprintec

Tri-Sprintec is an FDA-approved triphasic birth control pill (known as “the pill” or combined oral contraceptive pill). It uses ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate to prevent pregnancy.

While some combined contraceptive pills supply the same dose in each pill, triphasic contraceptive pills such as Tri-Sprintec contain three different doses. Because of the varying hormone levels, some women may find it easier to adjust to triphasic pills.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, combined contraceptive pills can also reduce acne, premenstrual symptoms, regulate your periods, and make them lighter and less painful.

Sprintec uses the same hormones as Tri-Sprintec but is a monophasic pill. Tri-Sprintec differs from Tri-Lo-Sprintec as it contains a higher amount of estrogen.

Tri-Sprintec, as well as Tri-Previfem and Tri-Estarylla, which are equivalent alternatives containing the same active ingredients, are available to order online from Speedy Health.

Tri-Sprintec uses a combination of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate, an estrogen and an artificial progestin. These hormones prevent ovulation and create changes in the womb. This ensures that eggs cannot be fertilized, sperm is less likely to reach an egg, and that any fertilized egg would be less able to implant into the womb and grow.

There are 28 tablets in four different colors in your pill pack. These include 21 active tablets, which contain the active ingredients, and 7 inactive tablets, which do not contain the active ingredient.

The hormone levels vary in each tablet, so they need to be taken in the order listed on the pack, which is also 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 active tablet daily for 21 days at the same time each day, followed by the inactive tablets.

If you begin taking Tri-Sprintec on the first day of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy immediately. If you start later, you should use an additional contraception method, such as a condom, for the first seven days to prevent pregnancy.

You should always follow the advice of your doctor and read the information provided with your treatment when taking any medication.

This medication should be stored at room temperature.

What if I miss a pill?

If you miss one pill in the first three weeks of your pack, take the next one as soon as possible, and the remaining pills as usual.

If two pills are missed in the first two weeks, take the missed pills as soon as possible and the next two active pills the next day, and the remainder of the pack as usual.

If two pills are missed in the third week or three or more active pills are missed subsequently in the first three weeks, the next steps depend on when you started the pack.

If you began taking them on the first day of your period, discard the remainder of the pack and begin a new pack on the same day.

If you started on Sunday, continue taking tablets as normal until Sunday, discard the remainder of the pack, and start on a new pack on the same day. If you have had sex within 7 days after missing a tablet, you should use an additional nonhormonal contraception, such as a condom, as a back-up.

Vomiting and diarrhea

Experiencing vomiting or diarrhea within 3-4 hours after taking an active tablet may decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Treat any instance as though you have missed a tablet.

Side effects are possible with most medications, however combined contraceptive pills are usually well tolerated. Not everyone will experience side effects, and those who do experience them often find that they are mild or short-lived.

The most common side effects include:

• spotting or bleeding in between periods
• fluid retention and bloating
• nausea and vomiting
• headache
• weight gain
• breast tenderness

These side effects are usually more common within the first few months of use. If they are persistent or if you experience any more serious side effects, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Blood clots

Taking combined contraceptive pills may increase your risk of getting a blood clot. This risk is further increased if you smoke, are older than 35, have high blood pressure, have migraine, certain heart conditions, diabetes, and if you are overweight.

Symptoms of a blood clot include cramping, limb pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. It is important to get immediate medical assistance if you suspect you have a blood clot.

You should not take Tri-Sprintec if you smoke, especially if you are over the age of 35.

You should also not use this medication if you have:

• a history of blood clots
• uncontrolled high blood pressure
• impaired liver function or liver disease
• gallbladder disease
• a history of severe migraine headaches
• unexplained vaginal bleeding or spotting
• a history of heart attack or stroke
• previously or currently had breast cancer
• high cholesterol or triglyceride levels
• an allergy to any of the ingredients in this medication

You will need to detail your medical history, including any other prescription drugs or supplements you may be taking, as some may negatively interact.

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding, as this medication may not be suitable.

Tri-Sprintec cannot protect you from sexually transmitted infections, so you will still need to practice safe sex.

You can buy Tri-Sprintec tablets online from Speedy Health by completing a quick online consultation. Once your consultation has been submitted, one of our doctors will determine whether or not this medication is suitable for you. If your consultation is approved, it will be sent to our registered pharmacy and shipped out with next-day delivery.

Are there alternatives to Tri-Sprintec?

Tri-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-Estarylla, Tri-Linyah, Tri-Mili, TriNessa, and Tri-Previfem.

You can order Tri-Sprintec, Tri-Previfem, and Tri-Estarylla online from Speedy Health.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen has been discontinued by the manufacturer but contains the same active ingredients as Tri-Sprintec.