Tri-Previfem

What is Tri-Previfem?

Tri-Previfem is a combination hormone medication that’s used to stop you from getting pregnant. It contains two different hormones: levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol. When used correctly it’s over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. ^[1]

It releases varying levels of hormones in the active birth control pills (also known as tri-phasic), meaning that this mimics your natural cycle more effectively. This phased dose can be better to control PMS symptoms that are usually associated with your period. Tri-Previfem comes in packs of 28 pills.

How does Tri-Previfem work?

The hormones in Tri-Previfem work to stop your body from releasing an egg during ovulation, stop your womb lining from thickening so an egg can’t implant itself and it also makes your cervical fluid thicker so that sperm can’t get through. These all make pregnancy less likely.

It can also help to regulate your period and make it lighter, as well as helping with PMS symptoms.

Tri-Previfem doesn’t protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases, it just reduces the risk of pregnancy. Barrier birth control methods like condoms are the only way to prevent both sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy at the same time, though these aren’t always 100% effective. ^[2]

What doses of Tri-Previfem are there?

There are 28 pills in each pack of Tri-Previfem. This is split into 21 active birth control pills and 7 inactive pills. The inactive pills don’t give you a dose of hormones to allow you to have your period during this time.

The active birth control pills contain levonorgestrel (0.18mg for the first phase, 0.215mg for the second and 0.25mg for the third) and ethinyl estradiol (0.035mg) to phase the delivery of hormones throughout the month. There are low hormone dose versions that work similarly called Tri-Lo-Sprintec and Tri-Lo-Estarylla. There’s also a version that gives you the same dose of hormones each month (known as mono-phasic) called Previfem.

How to take Tri-Previfem

You should always follow the guidance given to you by your health provider and read the instructions that come with your Tri-Previfem prescription carefully – even if you’ve used it before or you feel that you’re familiar with using birth control.

It’s important to take this birth control as instructed to ensure that you’re more than 99% protected from unwanted pregnancy. The instructions will tell you what to do if you miss a dose. It’s essential with birth control that delivers varying doses of hormones, like Tri-Previfem, to take the pills according to the instructions that come with them, to make sure you’re taking them in the right order.

Here are some general instructions for taking Tri-Previfem:

• Take Tri-Previfem by mouth, usually once a day, every day (usually at the same time)
• Find the first pill in the packet of Tri-Previfem, and follow the arrows along the pill strip
• It’s important not to skip any doses, start any packs late or take your pill at a different time of day to usual as this could leave you unprotected.

You should get your period during the 7 days where you take your inactive pills. After you’ve taken the last inactive pill then you should start a new pack the next day whether you’ve had a period or not. If your period doesn’t come during this time, it’s best to get checked out by your doctor.

Some people find it useful to set a reminder to take their pill so that they don’t forget to take it, even if they’re traveling or in a different time zone.

Vomiting, diarrhea and illness can stop all birth control from working well. If you’ve been unwell you might need to use a back-up birth control method (like condoms) to ensure that you don’t become pregnant.

How long does it take Tri-Previfem to work?

If it’s the first time you’re taking birth control, or you’re starting without switching from another type of hormonal birth control then you’ll need to use another type of contraception to prevent pregnancy.

For the first cycle of Tri-Previfem, you should use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control (like condoms or spermicide) for the first 7 days to prevent pregnancy.

This will mean that the hormones in Tri-Previfem have had enough to reach optimum levels in your body to protect you from pregnancy. If you’re not sure about this or you need help, ask your doctor for advice.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Tri-Previfem?

If you forget to take a pill or you’ve been ill with vomiting or diarrhea, then you may not be protected. If this is the case, take your pill straight away, but if it’s been more than 24 hours, then you should use a back-up method of birth control like condoms or spermicide for 7 days to avoid becoming pregnant.

You should follow the directions in the package insert that comes with your prescription on what to do next. If you’re not sure if you took your pill, or you think you may have taken too many birth control pills too closely together, consult your doctor for help or advice.

As the hormones in Tri-Previfem are phased, it’s important to take them in the right order to ensure that you’re getting the right hormone levels at the right times of the month. Ask your doctor for advice if you’re not sure of what to do if you think you’ve taken the wrong pill at the wrong time or if your phased doses are out of sync.

If you do not get your period during the time where you’re taking the inactive pills in the pack then you should get in touch with your doctor for a check up, especially if you have any concerns about something that might have affected the effectiveness of Tri-Previfem.