Why Is Tri-Legest Fe Used for Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition. The
causes of acne can vary, but hormones, particularly male hormones (known medically as androgens), may cause many cases.
Tri-Legest Fe is approved for treating moderate acne in women age 15 and older who have started their menstrual periods and who have not responded to topical
acne treatments (treatments applied to the skin). Tri-Legest Fe is only approved to treat acne in women who also desire to take an
oral contraceptive for birth control and who plan to stay on the medication for at least six months. If you do not desire contraception, other
types of acne treatment may be more appropriate.
How Does Tri-Legest Fe Work?
As mentioned, Tri-Legest Fe is a "combined" oral contraceptive, which means that it contains two different types of hormones: an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (norethindrone). Combined oral contraceptives are the most common type of
birth control pill used today. Generally, they are more effective than progestin-only birth control pills.
The hormones in Tri-Legest Fe prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, it also works to prevent pregnancy in two other, minor ways. Tri-Legest Fe changes the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. It also alters the lining of the uterus (the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
Tri-Legest Fe is known as a triphasic birth control pill, which means that there are three different "phases" of pills in each pack, plus the last week of tablets (which does not contain any hormones). Each week of Tri-Legest Fe tablets contains a different amount of hormones. This is why it is important to take the pills in the correct order.
Like most birth control pills, each pack of Tri-Legest Fe contains 21 active tablets, which contain the hormones, followed by 7 inactive tablets, which do not contain any hormones. The last seven tablets, however, do contain iron (the chemical symbol for iron is Fe). The iron may help prevent anemia due to blood loss during your period.
Previous
