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| Triphasil |
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Drug Uses -
Triphasil is an oral contraceptive. It is used to prevent pregnancy and regulate your menstrual cycle. It also may used for treating acne or as a pill for emergency contraception ("morning after"). It does not protect from HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
How Taken -
It is recommended to take Triphasil with food or immediately after a meal (to prevent stomach upset). In case it is impossible try to take this medication at the same time each day. Follow the recommendations of your doctor carefully. During the first week of taking this medication you should use a supplemental form of birth control since it takes Triphasil a few days to be effective. In case Triphasil is used as a "morning after" pill, you should follow the recommendations of your doctor.
Warning -
Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of having heart problems (stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure and heart attacks) while using Triphasil. The risk is growing greatly with frequent smoking (more than 15 cigarettes per day) and with age (in women greater than 35 years of age).
Precautions -
Do not use Triphasil if you are pregnant. You should talk to your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Triphasil may pass into breast milk and affect milk production (may have unfavourable effects on a baby). You should consult with your doctor in case you are breast-feeding a baby. Before using Triphasil, tell the doctor your medical history: your family medical history, with special focus on: high blood pressure, asthma, stroke, kidney disease, liver or heart disease, blood clots, heart attack, history of jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes) or high blood pressure during pregnancy, excessive weight gain or fluid retention during menstrual cycle, seizures, migraine headaches, breast cancer, high blood level of cholesterol or lipids (fats), diabetes, depression.
This medicine may lead to a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma), depending on strength (higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma). This darkening could be intensified by sunlight. Try to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult with your doctor in case you want to use sunscreens and protective clothing. After you stop using Triphasil, it may take a long time for you to become pregnant.
The risk of strokes, heart attacks, gallbladder disease, blood clots, high blood pressure, vision problems, and liver tumors may be slightly increased while using birth-control pills. In case you have any questions you should consult with your doctor, including questions regarding possible use in nonsmokers over 40 years of age. You may experience vision problems if you are near-sighted or wear contact lenses and your tolerance of the lenses may decrease. Contact your eye doctor if these problems appear. Inform your doctor that you use birth control pills before undergoing surgery, including dental surgery.
Interactions -
You should inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking. Griseofulvin, many antibiotics (e.g., penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines, sulfas, cephalosporins), chloramphenicol, many seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, barbiturates, primidone, carbamazepine), dapsone, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), modafinil, nevirapine, nelfinavir, ritonavir, St John's wort, troglitazone may decrease the effectiveness of Triphasil. You should ask your doctor if you need additional birth control methods while taking any of the drugs mentioned above. Inform your doctor in case you take: thyroid hormone drugs, certain benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide), prednisone-like drugs, certain antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), "blood thinners" (anticoagulants such as warfarin), and insulin. This medicines can affect the results of lab tests (e.g., thyroid). Inform all laboratory personnel that you take Triphasil. Be careful, birth control pills may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not start or stop any medicine without medical consultation.
Over Dose -
The symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting and vaginal bleeding. In case an overdose is suspected, seek emergency.
Missed Dose -
Look at the product package information that should include advice on missed doses. Ask your doctor in case you have any questions.
Possible Side Effects -
You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. In case these effects persist or worsen you should consult with your doctor (e.g. groin or calf pain, sudden severe headache, severe depression, chest pain, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling in the arms or legs, yellowing of the eyes or skin). In case you experience any other effects not listed above, consult with your doctor.
Storage -
Triphasil should be stored at indoor temperature between 15 and 30 0C (59 and 86 0F) away from humidity and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Notes -
Before prescribing Triphasil your doctor will examine you and take a medical and family history. Reexamination takes place at least once a year. Tell your doctor about any conditions mentioned above. Do not skip appointments with your doctor and the laboratory tests because it helps to determine early signs of side effects. You should follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report about any lumps immediately. Follow all the recommendations carefully. A manufacturer's fact sheet about this drug should be dispensed with each prescription. Ask your health care professional or pharmacist for other information.
Disclaimer -
This is not complete information about this drug. It does not cover all aspects of Triphasil usage (directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects). This data should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be used for any particular patient. We point out reliability of this information and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse after-effects to persons, however such damages or sequels arise. No warranty is made in regards to this information.
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