Drug Uses
Triphasil is an oral birth control medicine which is indicated for prevention from pregnancy and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Some types of contraceptives may be used to treat acne or as an emergency contraception. Please, talk to your doctor about that. Triphasil cannot protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, gonorrhea, etc.

How Taken
Triphasil should be taken once a day with food or after a meal to avoid stomach problems. It may be helpful to take the pill at the same time every day so that you will not forget to take it. You should read the instructions on the package very carefully and strictly follow the dosage schedule. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You need to use a second birth control method during the first week of usage, because the medicine needs time to take effect. If you want to use Triphasil as an emergency contraceptive, follow the instructions of your doctor.

Warning
The risks of heart problems are enhanced if you are smoking during the usage of Triphasil. These risks are higher if you smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day and if you are older than 35 years of age. Avoid smoking while you use Triphasil.

Precautions
You should not take Triphasil if you are pregnant or think you are pregnant. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine if you are breast feeding because it may pass into the milk and may harm a nursing baby and may affect the production of milk. Notify your doctor about your medical history and especially if you have any of the following diseases: high blood pressure, asthma, stroke, kidney disease, liver 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. Triphasil may cause darkening of the skin on the face (melasma) which may be increased by sunlight. Consult your doctor about usage of sunscreens and protective clothing. A longer period of time may be required to become pregnant after the discontinuation of Triphasil. Discuss this issue with your doctor. Birth control medicines enhance the risk of strokes, heart attacks, gallbladder disease, blood clots, high blood pressure, vision problems, and liver tumors. The risk of heart problems is further enhanced if you smoke more that 15 cigarettes a day and if you are a smoker over 35 years of age and a non-smoker over 40 years of age. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Contraceptives may cause vision problems in individuals who are near-sighted or who use contact lenses. If you experience such a problem, consult your doctor. Notify your doctor or dentist that you use contraceptives if you are about to undergo a medical or dental procedure.

Interactions
Inform your doctor about all other prescription or over-the-counter medicines you use. The efficiency of Triphasil may be reduce by some medicines inlcuding 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. You may need to use a second contraceptive method during a therapy with the above-mentioned medicines. You should also inform your doctor if you use: 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. Triphasil may affect the results from somelaboratory tests (e.g. thyroid) and you should notify the laboratory personnel that you are taking this contraceptive medicine. Birth control pills may enhance the effects of alcohol. Discuss this issue with your doctor. Do not start or stop taking Triphasil without a consultation with your doctor or pharmacist.

Over Dose
Immediately search for medical help if you suspect an overdose. An overdose of Triphasil may be signaled by nausea and vomiting, or vaginal bleeding in females.

Missed Dose
The instructions on the package should include information about appropriate action in case of missed doses. These actions depend on the type of the medicine, the number of missed doses, etc. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Possible Side Effects
Triphasil may cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. Consult your doctor if the following adverse effects continue longer or worsen: 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. Consult your doctor if you experience some other side effects.

Storage
Triphasil should be stored at a room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C). Protect it from moisture and sunlight. Do not keep the medicine in the bathroom.

Notes
You should not miss appointments with your doctor or with the laboratory. You should have a full medical examination at least once a year (blood pressure, breast and pelvic examinations, PAP test for vaginal cancer). Do not give your contraceptive to someone else. You should exam your breasts yourself following the advices of your doctor and report immediately in case you find any lumps. Read the information in the leaflet of the medicine very carefully. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.