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Tri-Linyah Dosage

Generic name: norgestimate 0.180mg, ethinyl estradiol 0.035mg; norgestimate 0.215mg, ethinyl estradiol 0.035mg; norgestimate 0.25mg, ethinyl estradiol 0.035mg;
Dosage form: tablets
Drug class: Contraceptives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 25, 2023.

How to Start Tri-Linyah

Tri-Linyah is dispensed in 28-tablet blister. Tri-Linyah may be started using either a Day 1 start or a Sunday start (see Table 1). The plastic compact is pre-set for a Sunday start. Day 1 Start day-label stickers are available. For the first cycle of a Sunday Start regimen, an additional method of contraception should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration.

How to Take Tri-Linyah

Table 1: Instructions for Administration of Tri-Linyah

Starting COCs in women not currently using hormonal contraception (Day 1 Start or Sunday Start)


Important:
Consider the possibility of ovulation and conception prior to initiation of this product.


Tablet Color:
  • Tri-Linyah active tablets are green (Day 1 to Day 7), light blue (Day 8 to Day 14) and blue (Day 15 to Day 21).
  • Tri-Linyah has white inactive tablets (Day 22 to Day 28).
 Day 1 Start:
  • Take first active tablet without regard to meals on the first day of menses.
  • Take subsequent active tablets once daily at the same time each day for a total of 21 days.
  • Take one white inactive tablet daily for 7 days and at the same time of day that active tablets were taken.
  • Begin each subsequent pack on the same day of the week as the first cycle pack (i.e., on the day after taking the last inactive tablet)
Sunday Start:
  • Take first active tablet without regard to meals on the first Sunday after the onset of menses. Due to the potential risk of becoming pregnant, use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of the patient's first cycle pack of Tri-Linyah.
  • Take subsequent active tablets once daily at the same time each day for a total of 21 days.
  • Take one white inactive tablet daily for the following 7 days and at the same time of day that active tablets were taken.
  • Begin each subsequent pack on the same day of the week as the first cycle pack (i.e., on the Sunday after taking the last inactive tablet) and additional non-hormonal contraceptive is not needed.
Switching to Tri-Linyah from another oral contraceptive Start on the same day that a new pack of the previous oral contraceptive would have started.
Switching from another contraceptive method to Tri-Linyah Start Tri-Linyah:
  • Transdermal patch
  • On the day when next application would have been scheduled
  • Vaginal ring
  • On the day when next insertion would have been scheduled
  • Injection
  • On the day when next injection would have been scheduled
  • Intrauterine contraceptive
  • On the day of removal
  • If the IUD is not removed on first day of the patient's menstrual cycle, additional non-hormonal contraceptive (such as condoms and spermicide) is needed for the first seven days of the first cycle pack.
  • Implant
  • On the day of removal
Complete instructions to facilitate patient counseling on proper tablet usage are located in the FDA-Approved Patient Labeling.

Starting Tri-Linyah after Abortion or Miscarriage

First-trimester

  • After a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, Tri-Linyah may be started immediately. An additional method of contraception is not needed if Tri-Linyah is started immediately.
  • If Tri-Linyah is not started within 5 days after termination of the pregnancy, the patient should use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of her first cycle pack of Tri-Linyah.

Second-trimester

  • Do not start until 4 weeks after a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start Tri-Linyah, following the instructions in Table 1 for Day 1 or Sunday start, as desired. If using Sunday start, use additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) for the first seven days of the patient's first cycle pack of Tri-Linyah.

Starting Tri-Linyah after Childbirth

  • Do not start until 4 weeks after delivery, due to the increased risk of thromboembolic disease. Start contraceptive therapy with Tri-Linyah following the instructions in Table 1 for women not currently using hormonal contraception.
  • Tri-Linyah is not recommended for use in lactating women.
  • If the woman has not yet had a period postpartum, consider the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to use of Tri-Linyah..

Compact Blister Dispenser

If the patient starts pill-taking on Sunday, the first active pill should be taken on the first Sunday after the patient’s menstrual period begins. Remove the first active pill at the top of the dispenser (Sunday) by pressing the pill through the blister foil.
If the patient will start pill-taking on “Day 1,” place a day-label sticker on the compact which starts with the day of the week the patient will take the first pill. Remove the first active pill at the top of the dispenser (Day 1) by pressing the pill through the blister foil.

Missed Tablets

Table 2: Instructions for Missed Tri-Linyah Tablets
  • If one active tablet is missed in Weeks 1, 2, or 3
 Take the tablet as soon as possible. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished.
  • If two active tablets are missed in Week 1 or Week 2
 Take the two missed tablets as soon as possible and the next two active tablets the next day. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets.
  • If two active tablets are missed in the third week or three or more active tablets are missed in a row in Weeks 1, 2, or 3
 Day 1 start: Throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day.
Sunday start: Continue taking one tablet a day until Sunday, then throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. Additional non-hormonal contraception (such as condoms and spermicide) should be used as back-up if the patient has sex within 7 days after missing tablets.

Advice in Case of Gastrointestinal Disturbances

In case of severe vomiting or diarrhea, absorption may not be complete and additional contraceptive measures should be taken. If vomiting or diarrhea occurs within 3 to 4 hours after taking an active tablet, handle this as a missed tablet.

Tri-Linyah Use for Acne

The timing of initiation of dosing with Tri-Linyah for acne should follow the guidelines for use of Tri-Linyah as an oral contraceptive. Consult the DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section (2.1) for instructions.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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