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.
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 PMT 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 them lighter, as well as helping with PMT 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 sexually transmitted diseases, though these aren’t always 100% effective.
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, so 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.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Tri-PrevifemNorgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol
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 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 leaflet that come 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.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Tri-PrevifemNorgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol
Tri-PrevifemNorgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol
Tri-Previfem: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Is Tri-Previfem similar to any other birth control pills?
Answer:
Tri-Estarylla, Tri-Sprintec and Ortho Tri-Cyclen are all birth control pills that contain the same levels of the same hormones and are phasic, like Tri-Previfem. These are all the same type of birth control pills but made by different manufacturers and with slightly different packaging.
There’s also a non-phasic version called Previfem. It contains the same hormones as Tri-Previfem but it isn’t a phased pill, so the level of hormones you get from it stays the same throughout the 21 active pill period.
How is Tri-Previfem different to other birth control pills?
Answer:
Tri-Previfem is a phased pill that delivers different amounts of hormones at different times of the month. This matches your cycle more closely than other types of birth control which are monophasic. By being closer to a natural cycle, Tri-Previfem can lower the risks of side effects and relieve menstrual symptoms.
Do I need a prescription for Tri-Previfem?
Answer:
You need a prescription for Tri-Previfem so a doctor can make sure it’s safe for you to take. They’ll check out your medical history and speak to you about whether it’s the right birth control for you. A doctor will usually ask you some medical questions and do a general health check too.
How effective is Tri-Previfem?
Answer:
Vienva is more than 99% effective when taken correctly every day . This is equivalent to less than one women in one hundred taking it perfectly becoming pregnant in a whole year. This effectiveness drops slightly if you miss a pill, make a mistake or the pill isn’t absorbed due to sickness.
Why should I buy Tri-Previfem online with Treated?
Answer:
At Treated we listen to your health needs. We’ll help you find the right birth control and give you personalized recommendations based on your health and circumstances. We want you to find effective birth control that works with your natural cycle.
You can easily and safely buy Tri-Previfem online with Treated. All of our medication is delivered safely, securely and discreetly, straight to your door. We’ll also check in with you after you start taking your birth control to make sure that you’re happy with it and it’s working for you.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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