This article will compare two commonly prescribed birth control pills Tri-Cira Lo and Alesse.

If you are prescribed either or planning to take them, keep on reading!

Tri-Cira Lo and Alesse

Tri-Cira Lo and Alesse are combined contraceptive pills containing progestin and estrogen. When taken regularly as advised by the doctor and without missing a dose, the pills are effective in 98% – 99% of cases. 

According to the CDC, the use failure rate for Tri-Cira Lo and Alesse maybe 7% if one may miss or not take it properly. However, this rate can be improved when combined with another form of contraceptives such as a condom.

Along with preventing pregnancy, doctors in Canada commonly advise these prescription oral contraceptive pills to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.

How Do Tri-Cira Lo and Alesse Work?

When taken as directed, both Alesse and Tri-cira Lo prevent pregnancy by:

  • Preventing ovulation during the menstrual cycle.
  • Making your vaginal fluid thicker to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
  • Altering the uterine lining, preventing attachment of the fertilized egg.

They may also help you regularize periods, treat acne and decrease blood loss during periods. 

How many tablets are in Tri-Cira Lo?

Each pack of Tri-Cira Lo contains 21 or 28 tablets which consist of pills of different colors, including white, light blue, dark blue, and green. The reason for these colors is that it is triphasic meaning the concentration changes throughout the pack.

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What do different pill colors mean in Tri-Cira Lo?. White tablets contain 0.180 mg norgestimate and 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol, light blue tablets contain 0.215 mg norgestimate and 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol and dark blue tablets contain 0.250 mg norgestimate and 0.025 mg ethinyl estradiol.

The dark green tablets in Tri-Cira Lo contain inert ingredients.

How to take Tri-Cira Lo?

For Tri-Cira Lo 21, one pill is to be taken daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a break of 7 days. 

For Tri-Cira Lo 28,  take the medication pill for 21 days, followed by a reminder pill for seven days. 

How to take Alesse?

Alesse comes as a pack with either 21 or 28 tablets. The pack with 21 pills contains only active pills, while the 28 pill packet comes with 21 active pills and seven placebo pills. 

For Alesse 21, one pill is to be taken daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a break of 7 days. 

For Alesse 28,  take the medication pill for 21 days, followed by a reminder pill for seven days. 

Here are certain directions for taking this medicine:

  • Take the pill once daily as directed by your doctor, preferably at the same time every day.
  • Use a backup contraceptive method such as condoms in case of diarrhea and vomiting.
  • One can take the pill at bedtime or after the evening meal, especially if you face nausea or an upset stomach with the medication.
  • It is essential to take this pill at the same time every day, 24 hours apart.

How else are Tri-Cira Lo and Alesse similar?

As mentioned before, both Tri-Cira Lo and Alesse pills include synthetic versions of estrogen and progestin hormones, which means they are produced in laboratories. 

Benefits of Tri-Cira Lo and Alesse

As combination pills, both Tri-cira Lo and Alesse can potentially help with:

  • Regulating menstrual periods
  • Minimizing blood loss 
  • Preventing pain during periods
  • Managing acne
  • Lowering the risk of ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer
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Similarly, both Tri-cira Lo and Alesse have a similar side effects profile, including the following:

  • Abdominal bloating or cramping
  • Breast pain, swelling, or tenderness
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Headaches
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Painful menstrual cramps
  • Back pain
  • Fatigue

Contact a doctor or medical professional if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

  • Mood changes (depression)
  • Breast lumps
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Continuous spotting, sudden heavy bleeding
  • Dark coloured urine

Tri-Cira Lo Vs. Alesse: Do They Cause Acne?

Content of Tri-Cira Lo and Alesse may help reduce the secretion from the skin glands responsible for acne, lessening breakouts.

So, these pills may aid in preventing or managing acne, and the prevalence of acne in women taking these pills is extremely rare.

Which Pill Causes More Weight Gain?

Usually, weight gain with hormonal pills is very rare. Even when a woman gains weight while on these pills, it is due to water retention and not because of an increase in fat.

Alesse Vs. Tri-Cira Lo Price Comparison

Alesse costs about $26 per pack, and Tri-cira Lo costs $23. So, the cost of both medicines is almost similar.

Which Is The Better Option For You?

As discussed before, both Alesse and Tri-cira Lo have similar actions and side effects.

Tri-cira Lo Vs. Alesse: Reviews

Reviews of both the pills are quite similar. Alesse and Tri-cira Lo have an average rating of 5.2% and 6.7%, respectively.

Alesse reviews

The major benefit reported by the women on this pill is reduced cramps and flow during the menstrual cycle. 

The negative effect includes moodiness. They go through a lot of emotions and cry for no reason. However, this side effect is short-lasting and resolves within and few months of taking Alesse.

Tri-cira Lo reviews

Women on this pill were happy as it did not cause bloating or weight gain and helped to regularize their periods. Most of them didn’t notice any side effects.

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How Do I Get Tri-cira Lo and Alesse?

Oral contraceptive pills are available only through a prescription from a registered physician in Canada. So, one needs to consult a doctor to get either of the birth control pills. The doctor will take a medical history. They will also inquire if you are taking any medicines or supplements.

You can reach out to PocketPills and speak to us about how we can help make using birth control an easier experience.

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