Triqular Tab

TRIQULAR TAB by ZYDUS CADILA

Triquilar is a combined oral contraceptive pill, commonly known as a "birth control pill," manufactured by Zydus Cadila. It is available in 21-day and 28-day packs.

Composition

Triquilar contains two active hormonal ingredients: levonorgestrel (a synthetic progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen). The dosage of these hormones varies across the active tablets to simulate the natural menstrual cycle, making it a triphasic oral contraceptive.

• Days 1-6 (Light Brown Tablets): Each tablet contains 0.05 mg of levonorgestrel and 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol.
• Days 7-11 (White Tablets): Each tablet contains 0.075 mg of levonorgestrel and 0.04 mg of ethinyl estradiol.
• Days 12-21 (Ochreous Tablets): Each tablet contains 0.125 mg of levonorgestrel and 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol.
• Triquilar 28 Pack: Includes an additional 7 inert (hormone-free) white tablets for the last week of the cycle.

Uses

Triquilar is primarily prescribed for contraception to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, altering cervical mucus, and modifying the uterine lining. Beyond contraception, it may also be used to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding, and assist in the management of conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Dosage and Administration

One tablet should be taken orally at approximately the same time each day.

• 21-day pack: Take one active tablet daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval, then begin a new pack.
• 28-day pack: Take one active tablet daily for 21 days, followed by one inert "reminder" pill daily for the next 7 days, then begin a new pack.

If a dose is missed, specific instructions apply, and it may be necessary to use a barrier method of contraception for a period to maintain effectiveness.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include acne, nausea, stomach pain, changes in weight, headache (including migraines), mood changes (such as depression), breast tenderness or swelling, and spotting or breakthrough bleeding.

Serious side effects, though less common, can include blood clots (in legs, lungs, eyes, heart, or brain), signs of a heart attack or stroke, severe allergic reactions, jaundice, breast lumps, increased blood pressure, worsening migraines, severe depression, gallbladder disease, and liver tumors. Immediate medical attention is required if these serious symptoms occur.

Precautions

Triquilar is contraindicated in individuals with a history of blood clots or clotting disorders, severe high blood pressure, diabetes with complications, very high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, certain heart valve diseases, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease or tumors, known or suspected estrogen-dependent cancers (e.g., breast or uterine cancer), pancreatitis, or known allergy to any of its ingredients.

Important warnings:

• Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, particularly for women over 35 years of age.
• This medication does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.
• Discontinue use before major scheduled surgery due to an increased risk of blood clots.
• Not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Caution is advised for patients with cardiovascular or renal impairment, asthma, epilepsy, migraines, depression, or conditions exacerbated by fluid retention.
• Certain medications can interact with Triquilar, including some antibiotics, antiepileptic drugs, antiretrovirals, antifungals, and St. John's wort.

Storage

Store Triquilar tablets at room temperature, generally below 30°C or 25°C. Protect the medication from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What is TRIQUILAR TAB used for?

TRIQUILAR TAB is primarily used as a combined hormonal contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to treat irregular periods and can improve conditions like acne in women aged 14 and older who are able to use birth control pills. Additionally, it may offer other health benefits such as reducing the incidence of uterine and ovarian cancers, benign breast disease, and ovarian cysts.

How does TRIQUILAR TAB work?

TRIQUILAR TAB is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing two female sex hormones: ethinylestradiol (an estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestin). These hormones work together through several mechanisms to prevent pregnancy. They inhibit ovulation, which is the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries. The medication also thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus and fertilize an egg. Furthermore, it alters the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to the implantation of a fertilized egg.

What is the usual dosage for TRIQUILAR TAB?

TRIQUILAR TAB should be taken orally once a day, at the same time each day, for 28 consecutive days. It is available in 21-day and 28-day packs. In a 28-day pack, the first 21 tablets contain active hormones, and the remaining 7 are hormone-free placebo tablets to maintain the daily routine. Your doctor will advise whether to start taking the pills on the first day of your menstrual period, on Day 5, or on the first Sunday after your period begins. The tablets can be taken with or without food. It is recommended to use an additional barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, for the first 7 days of the first cycle of pill use.

What are the possible side effects of TRIQUILAR TAB?

Common side effects of TRIQUILAR TAB can include headache (sometimes migraines), nausea, breast pain or tenderness, weight gain, abdominal pain, and mood changes, including depression. You might also experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding between menstrual periods, or changes in menstrual flow. Less common side effects can include acne, fatigue, constipation, vomiting, and swelling due to water retention.

More serious, though rare, side effects that require immediate medical attention include signs of a blood clot (e.g., sudden vision changes, chest pain, pain/swelling in the leg, sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood), signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest pain, pain spreading to arm, sweating, vomiting), signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat), breast lumps, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Is TRIQUILAR TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, TRIQUILAR TAB is not safe during pregnancy and should not be used if you are pregnant or suspect you might be. It is a contraceptive and should be discontinued immediately upon detection of pregnancy.

It is also not recommended for use while breastfeeding. The hormones in the pill can pass into breast milk, potentially reducing its quantity and quality, and the long-term effects on the developing child are not fully known. It is advisable to use an alternative method of contraception and consult your doctor about when it is safe to start oral contraceptives after breastfeeding.

Can TRIQUILAR TAB be taken with other medications?

Certain medications can interact with TRIQUILAR TAB, potentially making it less effective in preventing pregnancy or increasing the risk of breakthrough bleeding. It is crucial to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products, that you are currently taking.

Some medications known to interact include antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin, tetracycline, ampicillin), anti-epileptic drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine), antiretroviral drugs used for HIV (e.g., nevirapine, ritonavir), antifungals (e.g., griseofulvin), and the herbal supplement St. John's wort. If you need to take any interacting medication, your doctor may recommend using a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, during and for a period after taking these drugs.

What precautions should be taken while using TRIQUILAR TAB?

Several precautions should be taken when using TRIQUILAR TAB:

• Smoking: Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially for women over 35 years of age. TRIQUILAR TAB should not be used by women over 35 who smoke.
• Medical Conditions: This medication is not suitable for individuals with a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, certain heart valve conditions, severe high blood pressure, diabetes with complications, very high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, liver disease or tumors, or known or suspected cancers of the breast, uterus, or cervix.
• STIs: TRIQUILAR TAB does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. It is advisable to use condoms in combination with birth control pills for STI protection.
• Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have fibroids (as the medication may worsen them), gallbladder disease, or inflammation of the pancreas. Regular medical check-ups, including cervical screening tests, are recommended. Also, inform your doctor if you are scheduled for any blood tests, as TRIQUILAR TAB may interfere with some results.

What happens if a dose of TRIQUILAR TAB is missed?

If you miss one active tablet, take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two tablets at the same time, then continue with your usual dosing schedule. You should still be protected against pregnancy if the missed tablet is taken within 12 hours of the usual time.

If you miss two active pills in a row during the first two weeks of your cycle, take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day. Continue taking one pill daily until the pack is finished and use a backup method of birth control for the next 7 days.

If you miss two active pills in a row during the third week, or three or more active pills at any time, discard the remaining pills in the current pack and start a new pack on the same day. Use a backup method of birth control for at least the next 7 days. You may not have a period that month.

If you vomit within 3-4 hours of taking a tablet, it should be considered a missed dose, and you should take another tablet as soon as possible. If you are unsure about what to do after missing a dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How should TRIQUILAR TAB be stored?

TRIQUILAR TAB should be stored in its blister pack in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. It should be kept away from moisture and direct sunlight. Always keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. Do not use the medicine if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.