TRIPHASIL

Who Makes This Medicine?
Brand-name Triphasil is no longer available. It was made by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Generic versions are still available and are made by other manufacturers

Triphasil is a "combined" oral contraceptive, which means that it contains two different types of hormones. It contains an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (levonorgestrel). Combined oral contraceptives are the most commonly used type of birth control pill. Generally, combined oral contraceptives are more effective than progestin-only birth control pills.

The hormones in Triphasil prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, the pill also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, less important ways. It changes the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. It also alters the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.

Triphasil is known as a triphasic birth control pill (hence the name Triphasil), which means that there are three different "phases" of pills in each pack, plus the last week of tablets with no active ingredients. Each week has a different amount of the hormones. This is why it is very important to take the pills in the correct order.

Triphasil Overdose Symptoms
Just as with any birth control pill, an overdose with Triphasil may cause nausea and vomiting. In females (even young girls), an overdose may cause vaginal bleeding and may disrupt the menstrual cycle. No serious symptoms have been reported in cases where children accidentally took large overdoses of birth control pills.

Triphasil: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider? You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Triphasil® (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) if you have:

• High cholesterol
• An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Gallbladder disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• A clotting disorder or have ever had a blood clot
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Migraines or other severe headaches
• Had a heart attack or stroke
• Had a blood clot or a clotting disorder
• Chest pain
• Problems with your heart valves
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin during a prior pregnancy or oral contraceptive use
• Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver tumors
• Cancer (or if you have had cancer in the past)
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:

• Will be having surgery
• Smoke cigarettes
• Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Are breastfeeding.

You should also be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Triphasil is equivalent to Enpresse®, Levonest™, and Trivora® birth control pills. The information in this article also applies to these medications.)

Possible side effects of levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your lower stomach or side. This could be a sign of a tubal pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus). A tubal pregnancy is a medical emergency.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain;
• dizziness, tired feeling;
• breast pain or tenderness;
• changes in your menstrual periods; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Most important information I should know about levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive (Plan B)?
Do not use this medication if you are already pregnant. Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive will not terminate a pregnancy that has already begun (the fertilized egg has attached to the uterus).

Levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive is not intended for use as a routine form of birth control and should not be used in this manner. Talk with your doctor about the many forms of birth control available.

Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 17 years old. Contact a doctor for medical advice.