Ortho Tri Cyclen (Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Name: Ortho Tri Cyclen
Brand: Generic
SKU: 2479
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

There is no brand product of Ortho Tri Cyclen.

Generic Equivalent of Ortho Tri Cyclen

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 28 day

Qty-Price (USD):

Ortho Tri Cyclen Information

Norgestimate/Ethinyl Estradiol at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

The original manufacturer of brand-name Ortho Tri-Cyclen was Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (manufactured by Janssen Ortho LLC, Manati, Puerto Rico). The brand-name Ortho Tri-Cyclen has been discontinued in both the United States and Canada.

Generic norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol is available. The specific manufacturer of the medication dispensed may vary based on pharmacy inventory. Generic norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards.

Important Information about Generic norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol

Generic norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Ortho Tri-Cyclen. It must meet the same effectiveness and quality standards. This means it is designed to work like Ortho Tri-Cyclen. Studies have shown that generic norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol is bioequivalent to brand-name Ortho Tri-Cyclen, meaning it has similar absorption and achieves comparable blood concentrations. However, individual responses to medication can vary due to factors such as metabolism, genetics, and other health conditions.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, please visit Access to Generic Drugs in Canada | Canada.ca.

Dosage:

Norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol (Ortho Tri-Cyclen equivalent) is available as:
• Triphasic 28-day oral tablet pack (21 active pills and 7 inactive (placebo) pills).

The dose is one tablet taken orally at the same time each day, in the order directed on the blister pack, for 28 consecutive days. A new pack starts the next day after completing a 28-day pack. A backup (non-hormonal) method of contraception should be used for the first 7 days of the first cycle.

Usage:

Norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol (Ortho Tri-Cyclen) is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that prevents pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. It is also used for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in females who are at least 15 years of age, have achieved menarche, and desire an oral contraceptive for birth control. Ortho Tri-Cyclen was the first birth control pill to receive FDA approval specifically for the treatment of acne. As a triphasic formulation, the norgestimate (progestin) dose increases progressively across the three active tablet phases (0.180 mg, 0.215 mg, and 0.250 mg). In contrast, the ethinyl estradiol (estrogen) dose remains constant at 0.035 mg throughout. This triphasic design was intended to more closely mimic the natural hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. However, all three phases are needed for the full cycle. Non-contraceptive benefits of COCs may include more regular and lighter periods, reduced menstrual cramping (dysmenorrhea), and reduced risk of ovarian cysts. Ortho Tri-Cyclen does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Mechanism of Action
Ortho Tri-Cyclen prevents pregnancy and treats acne by acting through its two active hormones. Norgestimate is a third-generation synthetic progestin with a particularly favorable profile. It has very low androgenic (male hormone-like) activity compared to older-generation progestins such as levonorgestrel and norethindrone. In combination with ethinyl estradiol, norgestimate does not counteract the estrogen-induced increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). As a contraceptive, the hormones suppress ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and alter the uterine lining, making it less suitable for implantation of a fertilized egg. For acne treatment, the combination of ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate increases circulating SHBG levels. This action reduces the amount of "free" testosterone available to stimulate sebaceous (oil) glands. Additionally, the hormones reduce ovarian androgen production, thereby decreasing sebum production.

Take Ortho Tri-Cyclen exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions on the product monograph. Take one tablet daily at the same time each day in the order shown on the blister pack.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before starting Ortho Tri-Cyclen, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

The information below outlines potential side effects of Ortho Tri-Cyclen (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol). It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects: These are common side effects of Ortho Tri-Cyclen; other side effects are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Acne (may improve or, in some cases, temporarily worsen when first starting)
• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods, especially during the first few months of use
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Changes in vaginal discharge
• Decreased menstrual flow or missed periods
• Decreased sex drive (libido)
• Headache

Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any of the following:
• Blood Clots (Venous or Arterial Thromboembolism): Pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in the leg, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood, chest pain or pressure, sudden pain or vision changes in one eye. Stop the medication and seek emergency care immediately if any of these occur.
• High Blood Pressure: Stop the medication if blood pressure rises significantly.
• Liver Problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale-colored stools, or severe upper right abdominal pain. Discontinue the medication if jaundice occurs.
• Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis): Hives, rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stroke or Heart Attack: Sudden severe headache, sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially one-sided), sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden vision problems, or loss of balance.
• Visual Changes: Sudden unexplained loss of vision, blurred vision, double vision, or other sudden eye changes. Discontinue and evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately.

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Ortho Tri-Cyclen, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take Ortho Tri-Cyclen or norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol if:
• Active Liver Disease or Liver Tumors: Including hepatitis with abnormal liver function, benign or malignant liver tumors (e.g., hepatocellular adenoma), or a history of oral contraceptive-related cholestatic jaundice.
• Allergies: Known hypersensitivity to norgestimate, ethinyl estradiol, or any ingredient in the tablet.
• Blood Clot History: You have a current or past history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or heart attack, or are known to have a high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases.
• Diabetes Mellitus with Vascular Involvement: Such as nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, or other vascular disease.
• Hereditary or Acquired Thrombophilia: Such as Factor V Leiden mutation, antiphospholipid syndrome, protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency.
• Known or Suspected Hormone-Sensitive Cancer: Such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer.
• Migraine with Aura: A history of migraines with focal neurological symptoms (aura).
• Pregnancy: Norgestimate or ethinyl estradiol is contraindicated during pregnancy. Discontinue immediately if pregnancy is confirmed.
• Uncontrolled Hypertension: Severely or uncontrollably elevated blood pressure.
• Undiagnosed Abnormal Uterine or Vaginal Bleeding
• Valvular Heart Disease with Complications or Coronary Artery Disease.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Ortho Tri-Cyclen. This is crucial as certain conditions affect the drug's safety.
• A history of depression or mood disorders
• Chloasma or a history of facial skin darkening during pregnancy
• Hereditary angioedema
• Hyperlipidemia or hypertriglyceridemia
• Hypertension
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen, discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, please refer to the product monograph at https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00055270.PDF.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, recreational drugs, and any significant dietary changes. Norgestimate or ethinyl estradiol may interact with other medicines, including but not limited to:
• Cyclosporine, Theophylline, and Prednisolone: Ethinyl estradiol may inhibit the metabolism of these drugs, increasing their blood concentrations.
• CYP3A4 Enzyme Inducers (Drugs That May Decrease Effectiveness): such as certain anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate, phenobarbital, primidone), the antibiotic rifampin (rifampicin), certain HIV antiretrovirals (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine), and the herbal supplement St. John's Wort. These drugs accelerate the metabolism of contraceptive hormones, potentially lowering their plasma levels and reducing contraceptive effectiveness, and increasing breakthrough bleeding. Use a backup or alternative method of contraception when these enzyme inducers are used concurrently.
• CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Drugs That May Increase Hormone Levels): Itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, and grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of ethinyl estradiol, potentially increasing estrogen-related side effects.
• HIV Antiretrovirals and Hepatitis C Drugs: Many HIV protease inhibitors, NNRTIs, and combination hepatitis C regimens (especially ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir with or without dasabuvir) significantly alter plasma hormone levels. Co-administration with the hepatitis C combination regimen is contraindicated due to the risk of liver enzyme elevations.
• Statins such as Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin: Co-administration may increase ethinyl estradiol levels.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is contraindicated during pregnancy. It must be discontinued immediately if pregnancy is confirmed. Norgestimate or ethinyl estradiol is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. The hormones pass into breast milk in small amounts. The drug can also decrease the quantity and quality of breast milk. Consult your doctor before starting or continuing any oral contraceptive while breastfeeding.

Use in Children:

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is not safe for use in children before menarche (the onset of the first menstrual period). For acne, Ortho Tri-Cyclen is approved for use in females aged 15 years or older who have reached menarche.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ortho Tri-Cyclen at Canada Pharmacy Online

Why is norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol, are generally lower in Canada than in the U.S. due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower prices than in the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is dedicated to offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1.866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many I can order at once?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can dispense up to a three-month supply of norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol per prescription from your doctor.

Can I buy norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol from you over the counter?

No, norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Ortho Tri-Cyclen?

Yes, the generic norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol is available.

Blog Posts

The 101 on Retin-A, Differin and Other Topical Anti-Aging Skincare Products

Latest News

Comparison of Substances in Combined Oral Contraceptives Used in Acne Vulgaris, Hirsutism, Migraine, and Dysmenorrhea (study published February 2026)

Similar Drugs in the category of Birth Control Pills:

Nextstellis Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo Yasmin Diane 35 Nuvaring Vaginal Ring

The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

Reviews From Real Customers