Oral contraceptive formulations instructions for administration

Instructions for administration
Sunday Start Day 1 Start Use of oral contraceptives in the event of a missed menstrual period ACNE

Sunday Start
When taking ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN® and ORTHO-CYCLEN® the first tablet should be taken on the first Sunday after menstruation begins. If period begins on Sunday, the first tablet should be taken that day. Take one active tablet daily for 21 days followed by one green inactive tablet daily for 7 days. After 28 tablets have been taken, a new course is started the next day (Sunday). For the first cycle of a Sunday Start regimen, another method of contraception should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration. If the patient misses one (1) active tablet in Weeks 1, 2, or 3, the tablet should be taken as soon as she remembers. If the patient misses two (2) active tablets in Week 1 or Week 2, the patient should take two (2) tablets the day she remembers and two (2) tablets the next day; and then continue taking one (1) tablet a day until she finishes the pack. The patient should be instructed to use a back-up method of birth control such as condoms or spermicide if she has sex in the seven (7) days after missing pills. If the patient misses two (2) active tablets in the third week or misses three (3) or more active tablets in a row, the patient should continue taking one tablet every day until Sunday. On Sunday the patient should throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. The patient should be instructed to use a back-up method of birth control if she has sex in the seven (7) days after missing pills. Return to top

Day 1 Start
The dosage of ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN® and ORTHO-CYCLEN®, for the initial cycle of therapy is one active tablet administered daily from the 1st day through the 21st day of the menstrual cycle, counting the first day of menstrual flow as "Day 1" followed by one green inactive tablet daily for 7 days. Tablets are taken without interruption for 28 days. After 28 tablets have been taken, a new course is started the next day. If the patient misses one (1) active tablet in Weeks 1, 2, or 3, the tablet should be taken as soon as she remembers. If the patient misses two (2) active tablets in Week 1 or Week 2, the patient should take two (2) tablets the day she remembers and two (2) tablets the next day; and then continue taking one (1) tablet a day until she finishes the pack. The patient should be instructed to use a back-up method of birth control such as condoms or spermicide if she has sex in the seven (7) days after missing pills. If the patient misses two (2) active tablets in the third week or misses three (3) or more active tablets in a row, the patient should throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. The patient should be instructed to use a back-up method of birth control if she has sex in the seven (7) days after missing pills. Return to top

Use of oral contraceptives in the event of a missed menstrual period
considered at the time of the first missed period and oral contraceptive use should be discontinued if pregnancy is confirmed. should be ruled out. Return to top
 * If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed schedule, the possibility of pregnancy should be
 * If the patient has adhered to the prescribed regimen and misses two consecutive periods, pregnancy

ACNE
The timing of initiation of dosing with ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN® for acne should follow the guidelines for use of ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN as an oral contraceptive. Consult the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section for oral contraceptives. The dosage regimen for ORTHO TRICYCLEN for treatment of facial acne, as available in a DIALPAK® Tablet Dispenser, utilizes a 21-day active and a 7-day placebo schedule. Take one active tablet daily for 21 days followed by one green inactive tablet for 7 days. After 28 tablets have been taken, a new course is started the next day. Return to top