Tri-Sprintec

Tri-Sprintec is a combined oral contraceptive containing two hormones: norgestimate (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It is approved to help prevent pregnancy. It is also approved to treat moderate acne in certain females age 15 and older who have started their periods and also want an oral contraceptive for birth control.

• Tri-Sprintec is a prescription medication taken by mouth.
• The 28-day pack contains 21 active hormone tablets followed by 7 inactive tablets.
• The amount of norgestimate changes during the three weeks of active tablets, while each active tablet contains 35 mcg of ethinyl estradiol.
• Tri-Sprintec does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
• A healthcare provider can determine whether Tri-Sprintec is appropriate for you based on your health history.

Tri-Sprintec is taken once every day by mouth, at the same time each day, following the order shown on the blister pack. It can be taken with or without food. For birth control, combined oral contraceptives like Tri-Sprintec work mainly by stopping ovulation, which reduces the chance of pregnancy.

• Take the tablets in the order shown in your pack.
• Each pack includes 21 active tablets and 7 inactive tablets.
• Try not to skip or delay a dose, since taking the pills on schedule is important for contraceptive use.
• Starting Tri-Sprintec, switching from another contraceptive, or missing pills may require specific instructions or temporary backup contraception.
• Follow the FDA-approved Patient Information and your healthcare provider’s directions for these situations rather than changing how you take the tablets on your own.

Like other medicines, Tri-Sprintec can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include headache or migraine, breast pain or tenderness, stomach discomfort, vaginal infection or discharge, mood changes including depression, and changes in weight. Not everyone will experience these effects.

• Serious blood clots can occur and may affect the legs, lungs, heart, brain, or eyes.
• Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, sudden severe shortness of breath, or leg pain that does not go away.
• Get urgent help for a sudden severe unusual headache, sudden vision changes, trouble speaking, or weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.
• Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular problems with combined oral contraceptives; Tri-Sprintec should not be used by people over 35 who smoke.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you develop concerning or persistent side effects.

See Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information.

Tell your provider about your health history and any medicines or supplements you take. This helps them decide whether Tri-Sprintec is appropriate for you.

Be sure to mention if you smoke, have migraines, high blood pressure, a history of blood clots, heart or liver problems, diabetes with blood vessel problems, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or a history of breast cancer. Also tell your provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have surgery planned.

Tri-Sprintec is available by prescription, so a healthcare provider needs to review whether it is a suitable option for you. This generally includes reviewing your medical history, current medicines and supplements, and important risk factors such as smoking and blood pressure.

A prescription is not guaranteed. If Tri-Sprintec is not appropriate for you based on your health information, your provider can discuss other options.

What to do depends on how many active pills you missed and where you are in your pack. You may need to take a missed pill as soon as possible, continue your pack, or use backup birth control for a period of time.

Because the instructions vary, follow the FDA-approved Patient Information or contact your healthcare provider for the steps that apply to you.

Yes. Tri-Sprintec can be taken with or without food. Try to take your tablet at the same time each day and follow the order shown in your blister pack.

If you have vomiting or severe diarrhea after taking a pill, the medicine may not be fully absorbed. Check the Patient Information or ask your provider what to do next.

Backup contraception may be needed in certain situations, such as when starting Tri-Sprintec, after some missed pills, or when taking medicines or herbal products that can reduce contraceptive effectiveness.

The correct steps depend on your situation. Ask your provider or follow the FDA-approved Patient Information rather than guessing how long backup contraception is needed.

Some people may have lighter periods or occasionally miss a period while taking Tri-Sprintec. However, a missed period can also be a reason to check for pregnancy, especially if pills were missed or taken incorrectly.

If you think you may be pregnant, contact your healthcare provider. Tri-Sprintec should be stopped if pregnancy is confirmed.

No. Tri-Sprintec does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Its use as a contraceptive does not replace methods used to reduce STI exposure.

If STI protection is important for you, talk with your healthcare provider about appropriate prevention options alongside your birth control.

TRI-SPRINTEC - norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol kit / Source: DailyMed

Link: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=843cbef6-cbfb-4a44-bb80-22930753e4c0 / Published: March 12, 2025