Trinovum
Trinovum is a biphasic oral contraceptive composed of ethinylestradiol and norethisterone in three successive weekly increased dosages. It is similar to Triadene in that it contains a synthetic version of oestrogen, but Trinovum contains norethisterone as the synthetic progesterone while Triadene contains gestodene.
Trinovum, developed by Janssen Cilag - is supplied as a combined contraceptive pill in monthly dosage packs that contain seven white tablets with the lowest dosage of norethisterone, seven pale peach-coloured tablets that contain an intermediate dosage of norethisterone, seven peach-coloured tablets with the highest concentration of norethisterone, and seven green tablets that contain no hormones at all.
How Does Trinovum Work?
Like other oestrogenic and progestogenic combination therapies, Trinovum produces a hormonal pattern that mimics the natural menstrual cycle. Trinovum inhibits ovulation by suppressing gonadotropin production and causing changes to the cervical mucus and a thinning of the endometrium. The changes to the cervical mucus inhibit sperm penetration, and the thinning of the endometrial lining of the uterus inhibits egg implantation.
Trinovum Dosage
The first week of treatment consists of seven white pills that contain 0.035 mg of the oestrogenic component, ethinyl oestradiol, and 0.50 mg of norethisterone. The second week’s dosage consists of seven pale peach-coloured tablets that each contain 0.035 mg of ethinyl oestradiol and 0.75 mg of norethisterone. The third week’s dosage consists of seven peach-coloured tablets that each contain 0.035 mg of ethinyl oestradiol and 1.00 mg of norethisterone. The fourth week’s dosage consists of seven green tablets that contain no active ingredients.
How Often is Trinovum Taken?
The pill is taken orally for 28 days in a row.
How Effective is Trinovum?
Trinovum contraceptive tablets are 92 to 99.7 percent effective when used according to directions.
Trinovum Side Effects
Trinovum therapy may cause abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, spotting, intestinal irritation, cervical secretions, persistent chloasma or melasma, changes in skin pigmentation, tenderness or enlargement of the breasts, appetite changes, increased or decreased weight, cholestatic jaundice, vaginal candidiasis, allergic rashes, and an increase in the size of uterine leiomyomata. Trinovum has also been known to cause changes to the curvature of the cornea and the inability to wear contact lenses. Some patients may experience mood changes while taking Trinovum, irritability, increased severity of PMS, and changes to libido. Temporary infertility after treatment has been discontinued has also been reported. These potential side effects are consistent with potential side effects of other hormone therapies.
What Other Medications Affect Trinovum?
Trinovum efficacy may be influenced by certain antibiotic regimens, griseofulvin, troglitazone, topiramate, barbiturates, phenytoin sodium, phenylbutazone, carbamazepine, and herbal supplements such as St. John’s Wort.
Who Should Not Take Trinovum
Patients with impaired liver function, breast cancer, oestrogen-dependent neoplasia, recurrent cholestatic jaundice, thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders, coronary artery disease, strokes, severe migraines, epilepsy, diabetes, or heart disease should not take Trinovum due to increased risk of complications.