Switching from Ortho Tri cyclen to Seaso

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-25-2005
Switching from Ortho Tri cyclen to Seaso
1
Mon, 04-10-2006 - 4:42pm

I've been on the Ortho Tri Cyclen for 8 days today.I was only taking it because it was given free to me at a clinic,however,I had asked for Sesanole from my Doctor,my prescription was filled and I now would like to start Sesanole.I like the idea of not having a period for 3 months,so my question,can I just start taking Sesanole in place of Ortho tri cyclen?Would the 8 days of taking the Ortho be in vain?Will it be like starting all over,or am I still protected?Any answers will help.

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 04-10-2006 - 5:30pm

Hi rallyaround, welcome!

>>can I just start taking Sesanole in place of Ortho tri cyclen?Would the 8 days of taking the Ortho be in vain?Will it be like starting all over,or am I still protected? <<

Yes, you can start taking Seasonale instead of OTC. Having Taken Ortho Tri for 8 days is not enough time to protect you if you took a hormone-free interval before you began Seasonale but there should be no decrease in your protection if you start taking Seasonale right away at your usual OTC pill time. With no break you should be fine, but you can always use back-up for the first 7 days on Seasonale if that would make you feel more confident. It will be like starting over again as far as your body adjusting to the new hormones in Seasonale but that is true when you switch pills pretty much regardless of what they are.

Irregular bleeding is a very common side effect when starting Seasonale and it can take as long as 3 extended cycles for your body to adjust to taking 84 active pills in a row. If you should experience mid cycle bleeding on Seasonale you can stop taking the actives for a few to get your period and then begin the actives again. If you need to do that the thing to remember is that you should take at least 21 active pills in a row before stopping so that you will be protected for the 7 24-hour days of your hormone free week.

Thanks for stopping by. If you have more questions please ask. Let us know how you like Seasonale, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill