A new oral contraceptive, recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and available by prescription, can actually improve moderate acne and help maintain clearer skin. The ORTHO TRI-CYLCLEN LO tablets are an important new birth control option because they offer a dose of hormones that contain smaller amounts of estrogen; and a progestin derivative, called norgestimate, which has been associated with low rates of such side effects as weight gain, acne and facial hair growth. Almost 50 percent of women who stop using the Pill do so because of side effects often related to its dose and type of hormones. Developed by Ortho-McNeil Pharaceutical, Inc., ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN is indicated to be a good choice for women 15 or over with mild to moderate acne, who have reached menstruation, are seeking contraception, have no known contraindications to birth control pills, and are unresponsive to topical acne medication. Both hormone components prevent ovulation and support the endometrium (the lining of a woman’s uterus) to provide cycle control and minimize breakthrough bleeding and spotting. The new, low-dose formulation provides a daily 25 mcg dose of estrogen for 21 days and three different doses of norgestimate. The last seven days contain no active ingredients. The tablets can be used with six different designs of ORTHO PERSONAL PAK birth control pill dispensers. Oral contraceptives are not for everybody. To learn more, talk to your health care provider.
