Korean Job Discussion Forums

MollyBloom · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Location: James Joyce's pants

So I did a search, but did not really find what I was looking for.

Basically, I am looking for a pill somewhat like either Ortho-tri cyclin (tri-phasic) or Ortho novum (mono-cyclic). I read on here that there are a lot of pills sold in the pharmacies that come from England (one with a green case? I don't remember). And I know Triquilar (?) is the Irish one that is like Ortho-Tri...has anyone been on a mono-cyclic and switched to the Triquiliar?

What can the ladies recommend for my preference? Thanks!

willneverteachagain · Joined: 17 Dec 2006

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=928

MollyBloom · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Location: James Joyce's pants

Yeah, I already read it, but I need info that was not mentioned on there. Thanks for looking out, though.

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

I was on every BCP imaginable since 18... mono, tri.. whatever.. I switched from mono to tri and I don't know why I didn't to begin with.

Triquilar is very good.. you can/should give it a go - but I would talk to your GP back home first to get approval, so to speak. Never fun to switch meds.

MollyBloom · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Location: James Joyce's pants

Tzechuk...does it really help to clear the complexion?

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

I don't know if tzechuk's pills were all that effective

maeil · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: Haebangchon

Miss Bloom,

If you're worried about the hormones (though the pills have been in use since the 1960's, you'd think we'd hear of something like that by now...), why not try the low-dose variety? I got on it in the states because the regular dose triggered migraines in me. In Korea, I use the Mercilon brand. It's pronounced (in Korean, at least) Mer-shih-lon. Lower dose of hormones, same effectiveness, fewer side effects.

That may mean, however, that it has less of an effect on clearing the complexion than the others.

juliebaas · Joined: 19 Aug 2006 Location: Somewhere near Seoul

Hi Molly,

In the states I used Seasonale, which I loved because I used it for 11 weeks and then went off for a week, when I got here, my extra birth control got lost in the move, so I took my package to the pharmacy, and I got the green packaged pills - it says minivlar on the package, I was told these were the same as seasonale, I use them like Seasonale (11 on/ 1 off) but you can also use them 3 weeks on/1 off. And what I love the most, only $5.00 for a three week supply - beats $75 with insurance in the states. Anyway, don't know if that helps. Smile

tacon101 · Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Location: seoul

have you girls had any problems getting them over here? i used to get mine from the states, but a) they're expensive b) i didnt get any this past time (dumb) ...

is it awkward asking and not having a wedding ring? in the US, i could care less, but korea seems a little different

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

SunnyD · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Location: USA

I'm hoping it won't be a problem to replenish my supply of the mini-pill. I'm currently on Nor-QD. I can't take the regular (mono/triphasic pills) due to a high risk for stroke. The mini-pill is Progestogen only, an equal amount in each pill. No placebo. Check wikipedia for a list of all the various bc pills, what hormones they contain, and mg. It also lists what the pills are called in other countries, so you can arm yourself with a list of possibilities when you go to the Korean pharmacy. Hope it works for me anyway.

Wikipedia BC Formulations

Mini-pill has to be taken within a 3 hour window every day. If you miss the window, you're unprotected. However, take your next 2 pills on schedule and you're protected again. It only takes 48 hours to be effective. Not bad, huh?

If you miss the window, you're likely to spot or have a period. However, most women who take it on schedule have lightened/missed periods, which could be a good thing. If you miss, though, you need to be concerned about pregnancy.

No weight gain. Can be used by breastfeeding moms. Is not affected by use of antibiotics!! Just take it on time, every day, and you're good.

Incidentally, this was prescribed to me as treatment for migraines (about 6 days/month of hell). No headaches since I've been on it. Somehow, it's regulating my hormones without adding more estrogen to my body. Hallalujah!

*edited to add link

SunnyD

tzechuk · Joined: 20 Dec 2004

They sell mini pills here.. may be not the same brand as the one you are taking now, but there will be something with the same composition.

Mea · Joined: 24 Mar 2006

MollyBloom - I'll be arriving in Daechi in a weeks and will need to find something like Tri-Cyclen as soon as I can because I'm almost out... so let me know the results of your search!

ticktock · Joined: 14 Apr 2005

MollyBloom, if you want something to help clear your complexion, you can get 'Diane 35' (aka Dianette back in UK) over the counter in Korean pharmacies.

This might also be of your interest:

http://forums.handbag.com/showthread.php?t=116760

You can get lots of info on different brands of pill available in the UK from this website.