WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for October, 1999: Re: ortho tricyclen

Re: ortho tricyclen

From: Patti Tessler, FNP (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 7 Oct 1999 11:42:06 -0500 (CDT)

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At Wed, 6 Oct 1999, Pikin wrote: >
>I started taking ortho cyclen two and a half years ago and then switched
>to ortho tricyclen two years ago. I am now 22 and have suddenly broken
>out with terrible acne. My face has been impecable for years and
>haven't changed my diet, exercise, or skin care. I have been very
>stressed out about this and believe it has something to do with my
>hormones. Will ortho cyclen produce better results on my skin, or
>should I go off the pill entirely? I am married, so an effective form of
>birth control is essential. Thanks for your attention.

Because you indicate that your acne has been sudden and severe, I urge you to consult with a dermatologist. Some skin diseases closely resemble acne, but have different causes and treatments. If, indeed, the problem is acne, perhaps you can try some acne medication while continuing your preferred birth control method.

Many, many women find relief from acne with the birth control pill. Occasionally, women have a worsening of acne with one pill formulation or another. As you may know, Tricyclen is the only pill specifically approved for decreasing acne, although other pills do appear to have the same effect (their manufacturers simply haven't asked the FDA for approval of this specific indication). I have had clients who report an increase in acne on Tricyclen, but this side effect usually comes up in the first six months of use.

No one can predict if your acne will improve, worsen, or stay the same with a change in contraception (changed brand or changed method). I doubt that a change from Tricyclen to Cyclen will make any difference, since the chemicals are exactly the same (only the mix for each week is different).

--
Patti Tessler, BSN, MSN, RN, CS
Family Nurse Practitioner

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