Other Brand Names Containing the Same Estrogen and Progestin

Alesse, Aviane, Enpresse, Lessina, Levlen, Levlite, Levora, Lutera, Lybrel, Nordette, Portia, Lessina, Tri-Levlen, Trivora

Other Brands of Birth Control that Contain the Progestin Levonorgestrel

• Emergency Contraceptives: Plan B, Plan B One Step, Next Choice
• Monophasic: Alesse, Aviane, Lessina, Levlen, Levora, Lutera, Lybrel, Nordette, Portia, Sronyx
• Multiphasic: Enpresse, Levlite, Tri-Levlen, Trivora
• Extended Cycle Pills: Jolessa, LoSeasonique, Quasense, Seasonale, Seasonique
• Non-pill Methods: Mirena (IUD)

What Makes it Different

• All brands containing the progestin levonorgestrel have been FDA approved for use as an Emergency Contraceptive.
• Speak to a healthcare professional before using Triphasil as Emergency Contraception.
• To use Triphasil as an Emergency Contraceptive, take all pills no more than 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours (three days).
• Dosage for emergency contraception: take four yellow pills and, exactly 12 hours later, take another four yellow pills.

How it Works

Triphasil (ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel) prevents pregnancy in three ways, utilizing a combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin. Triphasil hormones prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from one of the ovaries). The hormones also thicken the cervical mucus, inhibiting sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. Lastly, Triphasil prevents the uterine lining from thickening, making it less hospitable to implantation.

Oral contraceptives are only to be utilized as a form of birth control. They do not protect against the transmission of HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How to Use

To begin, take your first pill on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after your period has begun.  Take one pill at the same time each day until you reach the end of your pack. Use Triphasil as your healthcare provider has instructed. Do not take it more often or longer than your healthcare provider mandates.

If you miss a dose of Triphasil, your risk of pregnancy will be higher. It is sometimes possible to make up for missing a pill and maintain the effectiveness of the birth control. For further instruction, contact your healthcare provider immediately upon realizing you’ve missed one or more pills.

Effectiveness

Triphasil has been shown to prevent pregnancy in over 99% of situations when it is the only birth control method utilized and when Triphasil is used exactly as directed.

Cost

Most birth control pills cost $15-50 per pack. Each pack lasts one month.

Benefits

Triphasil is an effective method of birth control when used correctly. All birth control pills, Triphasil included, have also been shown to possibly have the following benefits:

• Menstrual cycle may be come more regular
• Menstrual blood flow may become lighter (reducing the chances of anemia
• Cramps or other pain during menstruation may become less frequent and less intense
• Noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast may be less common
• Ectopic pregnancies may occur with less frequency
• Acute pelvic inflammatory disease may occur with less frequency

Risks

All birth control pills, including Triphasil, can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack. This is especially true for women who smoke and/or are older than 35. Women who are taking oral contraceptives should not smoke.

Possible side effects include

• Changes in menstrual period, decreased sex drive
• Mild Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating, stomach cramps
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Headache, nervousness, dizziness or tired feeling
• Freckles or darkening of facial skin
• Increased hair growth or loss of scalp hair
• Breast pain, swelling or tenderness
• Problems with contact lenses
• Vaginal itching or discharge