Triadene
Triadene is a combined contraceptive pill, consisting of a compound of Ethinylestradiol and gestodene in varying dosages. Triadene is developed by Bayer and is used to prevent pregnancy in women of child-bearing age.
How Does Triadene Work?
The active ingredients in Triadene cause the ovaries in women to stop producing eggs. Triadene also causes changes in the uterine lining and the mucous on the cervix, which makes it more difficult for sperm to travel to the uterus, while also making implantation of a fertilized egg to the lining of the uterus.
Triadene is a contraceptive pill (also called the Pill), but may also be prescribed for purposes other than birth control, which are not covered here.
Triadene Dosage
Triadene is a tri-phasic oral contraceptive, which is dosed as a package of 21 pills in a blister package consisting of three rows (phases) of seven colour-coded pills. Each seven-day phase is a different colour.
How Often is Triadene Taken?
Take one pill a day for 21 days. Take each pill around the same time every day. The first pill should be taken within the first five days of the menstrual cycle. After all 21 pills have been taken, no tablets are to be taken for seven days. Start taking the pills again after seven days.
Take it exactly as prescribed. Do not skip a dose and do not take more than one pill a day. For the first three months of taking Triadene, you should use additional types of birth control, such as a spermicide or condoms.
How Effective is Triadene?
When taken as directed, Triadene is highly effective in preventing pregnancy after the first three months of use.
Triadene Side Effects
The following side effects are common, but they are mild and usually reduce in severity or go away after taking Triadene for a few months. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects beyond the first three months, if they are severe or if they get worse over time:
- Breakthrough bleeding and other menstrual changes
- Breast enlargement and tenderness
- Headaches, including migraines
- Fluid retention and weight gain
- Photosensitivity or irritation when using contact lens
- Loss of libido
- Stomach upset
Notify your doctor if you experience the following, as other medications may be needed.
- Hypertension
- Depression
Contact your doctor right away if you experience the following side effects, as they may indicate a serious complication:
- Sudden swelling in the legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
What Other Medications Affect Triadene?
Talk to your doctor if you take other medications. The following medications may interfere with Triadene’s efficacy or cause complications: Antibacterial medications, including rifamycins, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, some antifungal medications, protease inhibitors, corticosteroids, barbiturates, medications to treat high blood pressure, tacrolimus, modafinil, antidiabetics, aprepitant, some immunosuppressant medications, selegiline, theophylline, antiviral drugs, HIV medications and St. John’s wort.
Who Should Not Take Triadene
Do not take Triadene if you are a heavy smoker, have a personal history of heart or arterial disease, blood clots, liver disease, or have had a stroke. Women over the age of 50 or obese women have a higher incidence of stroke when taking Triadene. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or are nursing, do not take Triadene.
