What is TriRegol?
TriRegol is a combined contraceptive pill. It contains synthetic versions of two female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Combined contraceptive pills, like TriRegol, prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg and thins the lining of the womb and are 99% effective.
What do you need to know before taking TriRegol?
TriRegol is a triphasic pill. Each 21 day pack contains three different types of tablets, each containing a slightly different dose of hormones in it.
TriRegol pills must be taken at the same time each day and in the order specified on the pack. One pill is taken every day for 21 days and you then have a seven day break from pill-taking. During this break you will experience a withdrawal bleed similar to your normal period.
If you experience sickness or diarrhoea for more than 24 hours while taking TriRegol it can mean that your protection against pregnancy is affected.
What are the benefits of using TriRegol?
Correctly used, TriRegol is one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception. Using TriRegol as a contraceptive does not interrupt sex. Additional benefits:
- 99% effective in preventing pregnancy
- Lighter, less painful periods
- More regular menstrual bleeding
- It may help with premenstrual symptom
Who can use TriRegol?
TriRegol can be used by women who are older than 18 years old, sexually active and who require an effective method to prevent pregnancy.
TriRegol is not for you if you are:
- Allergic to any of its ingredients. Consider using another form of contraception
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding (the combined pill should not be taken until your child is weaned or six months after birth)
- A smoker who smokes more than 40 cigarettes a day
- Over 50 years of age
- Experiencing severe hypertension (high blood pressure)
In what dosages is TriRegol available?
The pink tablets contain 30mg ethinylestradiol and 50mg levonorgestrel. The white tablets contain 40mg ethinylestradiol and 75mg levonorgestrel and the ochre tables contain 30mg ethinylestradiol and 125mg levonorgestrel.
Triregol comes in three-month packs.
How do I take TriRegol correctly?
TriRegol is supplied in a 21-day pack with three different pills with different dosages of hormones.
Take the pills for 21 days in the order shown, starting on day 1. This should ideally be on the first day of your menstrual cycle. After 21 days take a 7 day break.
Take TriRegol at the same time each day, with water.
What happens if I forget to take TriRegol?
If you forget to take your pill at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember.
If you miss a pill (take it more than 24 hours late) you should take the pill you missed as soon as possible, even if this means taking two pills at the same time. Continue taking the rest of the pack as normal and you will be protected against pregnancy.
If you miss two or more pills you won’t be protected against pregnancy. Take the last pill you missed as soon as possible and leave out the other missed ones. Then continue to take your pills as normal.
You should either not have sex or use an extra barrier method of contraception for the next seven days. Condoms would be an appropriate option.
Do I have to take TriRegol every day?
You take TriRegol for 21 days and then have a break of 7 days. The daily dose of hormones tricks your body into thinking that ovulation has already happened which prevents an egg from being released by the ovaries.
If you miss a pill it will affect your hormone levels, and prevent Triadene from working properly. You could become pregnant if you are miss a pill and engage in sex.
Is it safe to take TriRegol with other medication?
Some medicines speed up the breakdown of hormones in this contraceptive by the liver, which makes it less effective at preventing pregnancy.
Some medicines can have an influence on the blood levels of TriRegol and can stop it from working properly - for example:
- Some medicines used to treat epilepsy
- Some medicines used to treat HIV and Hepatitis C Virus infections
- Griseofulvin (an antifungal medicine)
- Certain antibiotics
- Certain sedatives
- St John’s Wort
Our doctors will review your medication to ensure that it is safe for you to take TriRegol.
What are the side effects of TriRegol?
Common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Weight Gain
- Acne
Can I miss my period, while taking TriRegol?
You may miss a period every so often if you are taking a combined contraceptive pill. This is not usually a cause of concern.
Can I use TriRegol to delay my period?
TriRegol can be used to delay your period. You can do this by skipping the pill free week between packs and starting the next one right away.
Do birth control pills like TriRegol cause weight gain?
Some people may experience weight gain (between 100 and 1000 out of every 10,000 that take the combined contraceptive pill). The majority of people will not experience weight gain and a small amount may experience weight loss.
How do I know if TriRegol is the right pill for me?
If you are over the age of 18 and under 35 and wish to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy then a combined contraceptive pill, like TriRegol, could be right for you.
If you have heavy or painful periods Triadene could help reduce your discomfort. Our doctors will check whether any of your existing medications might impact the effectiveness of TriRegol.
Can I take TriRegol while breastfeeding?
If you are breast-feeding you may be advised by your doctor not to take TriRegol. The hormones in contraceptive pills can reduce the production of breast milk.
I am lactose intolerant, is TriRegol safe for me to take?
All contraceptive pills, including TriRegol, contain Lactose in small amounts. You should consult your GP before using any form of oral contraception.
Leaflet info
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from the PDF-version from this website because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged or the medicine is from another brand.