Ortho TriCyclen and Alcohol Interaction

Ortho TriCyclen and Alcohol

Ortho TriCyclen generic name ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate is also sold under brand names Mononessa, Ortho Cyclen, Previfim, Sprintec, Tri-Previfem, Tri-Sprintec and TriNessa and is used as a contraception to prevent pregnancy and may also be used to treat severe acne.

The drug contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation and also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining that makes it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

It is suggested moderate drinking only while using this drug.

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. If anything more than that it is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

Before using Ortho TriCyclen advise your doctor if you are allergic to any other drug or substance, if you are using dietary or herbal supplements, are pregnant, plan to be or are breastfeeding, a history of stroke, blood clot, circulation problems, hormone related cancer such as breast or uterine, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease, liver cancer, severe migraine headaches, jaundice caused by birth control pills, high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina, history of heart attack, high cholesterol, overweight, history of depression, gallbladder disease, diabetes, seizures, epilepsy, history of irregular menstrual cycles, history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules or an abnormal mammogram.

Side Effects

Less serious side effects are mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps, breast pain, tenderness, swelling, frackles, darkening facial skin, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair, changes in weight or appetite, problems with contact lenses, vaginal itching or discharge, changes in menstrual periods, headache, nervousness, dizzy or tired. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as hives difficult breathing, tight chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue, sudden numb or weak especially on one side of body, sudden headache, confusion, vision speech balance problems, cheat pain, heavy feeling, pain spreading to arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling, a change in pattern of migraine headaches, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay coloured stools, jaundice, swelling in hands, ankles or feet, symptoms of depression such as sleep problems, weakness or mood changes. If these occur get emergency medical help.

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

Ortho TriCyclen and Alcohol Ortho TriCyclen and Alcohol

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