Can I use Tri-Sprintec as emergency contraception?
Patient: Can I use Tri-Sprintec as emergency contraception? There s a list of birth control pills that can be used as such on Planned Parenthood s website, but Tri-Sprintec is not on there. However, a doctor on another site said it can be used and I would like a second opinion. Doctor: Hello, and I hope I can help you today.It is true that any brand of combined oral contraceptives can be used as the morning-after pill.  They may list the most commonly prescribed pills on the Planned Parenthood website, however I will illustrate how you may use Tri-Sprintec correctly as a morning-after pill.The most important part of the regimen is making sure that the pills that you take total more than 100 µg of estrogen per dose.  The dose is need to be taken twice, 12 hours apart to be effective. It is recommended that emergency contraception be taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse, however there may be some benefit for up to five days. So for example, with a pill with 20 µg of estrogen (like Aviane, for example) you need to take to five pills per dose, in two doses, 12 hours apart.Tri-Sprintec contains 35 µg of estrogen in the darkest colored pills the week before the placebo week.  So if you take three pills from that section of the pack in two doses 12 hours apart (a total of six pills) you will be able to use Tri-Sprintec as an emergency contraceptive.As a warning, using estrogen containing products as emergency contraception usually causes severe nausea as a side effect. Try to eat right before taking your first dose, as you may not feel up to eating when the second dose is due.I hope that I was able to adequately answer your question today, and that this information was helpful.Best wishes,Dr. Brown