OTC-Lo - a few questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-07-2003
OTC-Lo - a few questions
1
Mon, 07-05-2004 - 8:33am
Hello,



I have some doubts about Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo that I wanted to clear up...First of all, pack I'm currently taking expires November of this year. I know that's 6 months away, but just to be on the safe side: is that still safe? I'm used to the expiration date being 2 years from the present.

Also: OTC-Lo really IS as effective as any other pill, right? There haven't been any recalls lately or anything? Just wondering, since I heard it's relatively new.

I've just started my 3rd month on OTC-Lo; surprisingly, I've had very few side effects (except for some acne on the 3rd week) though I must say when I used the regular OTC it was pretty much the same. But I did want to make SURE: it IS safe to start having sex without back-up now, isn't it? I'm a Sunday starter, have been taking it religiously for the past 2 months and 1 week (the first pill of my previous pack was taken 12 hours late, but with the PRESENT pack I've been on time every single day), and haven't been on antibiotics or had vomiting or diarrhea. Oh, and my relationship is monogamous. The pill should have kicked in by now, right? Just to be on the safe side. Thanks in advance for any answers.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 07-05-2004 - 12:43pm
Hi dianna_pentacle, welcome back!

If your pack of pills is within the expiration date then it is effective to use and OTC-Lo is as just as effective as other oral contraceptives, so if you have been taking your pills correctly you should be quite safe. As a Sunday starter your pills were effective after 7 continuous days of correct pill use so you should be quite safe without using back-up.

As for recalls, I’m not aware of any concerning OTC-Lo. However, you can check the FDA recall list at: http://www.fda.gov/ It’s good to be cautious but try not to over think the problem, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill