Triquilar
✅ Prevents pregnancy
✅ Hormonal contraception
✅ Regulates menstrual cycle
✅ Reduces menstrual pain
✅ Contains Levonorgestrel
Triquilar contains Levonorgestrel & Ethinylestradiol.
✓ Medically reviewed by Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience · Last reviewed: May 2026
💡 Quick Answer
Triquilar is a triphasic combined oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol in three different dose levels across the 21-day active cycle, designed to mirror natural hormone fluctuations. ~99% effective with perfect use (~91% typical). Take exactly in pack order — the tablet colours matter. Unlike monophasic pills, mid-pack switching to a different pack disrupts the cycle.
What Is Triquilar?
Triquilar is a triphasic combined oral contraceptive — the progestin (levonorgestrel) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) doses vary across three phases of the 21-day active pack. This variable dosing was designed in the 1980s to reduce total hormone exposure and mirror natural cycle hormone fluctuations. Manufactured by Bayer.
Typical Triquilar pack structure (21 active tablets + 7-day break):
- Days 1–6 (brown/first-colour): levonorgestrel 0.05 mg + EE 0.03 mg
- Days 7–11 (white/second-colour): levonorgestrel 0.075 mg + EE 0.04 mg
- Days 12–21 (yellow/third-colour): levonorgestrel 0.125 mg + EE 0.03 mg
- Days 22–28: tablet-free (withdrawal bleed occurs)
Triphasic vs Monophasic — Which Is Better?
Modern evidence suggests monophasic COCs perform as well as triphasic for cycle control, and are easier to use (one type of tablet all week). Triphasic pills are no longer considered first-line by most guidelines but remain well-tolerated by established users. Do not switch between triphasic and monophasic without clinician input — timing matters.
How to Take Triquilar
- Start on day 1 of your period. Take the first (typically brown) tablet marked for day 1.
- Take one tablet every day at the same time. Follow pack order strictly — tablet colours indicate phase.
- After 21 active tablets, take a 7-day tablet-free break. Withdrawal bleed typically starts 2–3 days into the break.
- Start the next pack after exactly 7 days off, regardless of whether bleeding has stopped.
- If you miss a tablet — treat as for monophasic COC but note the phase (a missed day-12 tablet means re-synchronising to the third phase). Consult the package leaflet or a pharmacist for phase-specific guidance.
Missed Pill Rules
Same general rules as monophasic COCs: 1 pill missed <24 hours = take + continue, no backup. 2+ pills missed = take most recent + 7 days of backup. Triphasic-specific note: because each phase contains different doses, missing multiple pills disrupts the intended progression. For 2+ missed pills in triphasic regimens, many clinicians recommend simply completing the pack with caution and using backup for the full 7 days.
Side Effects and Safety
Side-effect profile, contraindications, and VTE risks of triphasic LNG+EE are essentially the same as monophasic LNG+EE products. Triquilar is a levonorgestrel COC, which has the lowest VTE risk among COCs (~5–7 cases per 10,000 woman-years).
Contraindications include: smoking + age ≥35, VTE history, migraine with aura, uncontrolled hypertension, active liver disease, breast cancer (active or recent), unexplained vaginal bleeding, major surgery with prolonged immobilisation. See the full contraindication list on any LNG-containing COC page.
Storage
Store at room temperature (15–25 °C). Keep in original blister (colour-coded by phase). Do not remove from the blister until ready to take. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the tablets come in three different colours?
Each colour represents a different dose phase. Taking them in the wrong order disrupts the intended hormonal rhythm. Always take the tablet for the correct day of your cycle.
Can I skip the tablet-free week?
Not recommended with triphasic pills — continuous use is harder to do cleanly because you would be starting the next pack on phase-1 tablets while your body is in phase-3 state. For cycle-skipping, monophasic pills are easier.
I forgot which tablet I was on — what do I do?
Take the tablet for the current day of your cycle (counting from when you started the pack). If you cannot tell, discard the current pack, wait for the withdrawal bleed, and start fresh on day 1. Use backup contraception for 7 days.
Is triphasic Triquilar safer than monophasic?
Not meaningfully. Modern low-dose monophasic COCs are as safe and effective as triphasic regimens — and simpler to use. Triphasic was designed to reduce total hormone exposure but modern monophasic formulations achieve low exposure without the dosing complexity.
Will I gain weight on Triquilar?
Weight change is generally minimal (1–2 kg fluid shifts). Modern low-dose COCs are weight-neutral in most placebo-controlled trials.
When does contraceptive protection begin?
Immediately if started on day 1 of your period. If started another day, use backup contraception for 7 days.
Can I switch from triquilar to a monophasic pill?
Yes, but discuss with a clinician. Complete the current triquilar pack first, take the 7-day break, and start the new monophasic pack on day 1 of the next cycle.
Does Triquilar protect against STIs?
No. Use condoms for STI protection.
Related Contraceptive Products
- Yasmin (Drospirenone + EE)
- Yaz (Drospirenone + EE 0.02)
- Ovral-L (Levonorgestrel + EE)
- Ovral-G (Norgestrel + EE)
- Loette (LNG + EE ultra-low)
- Duoluton-L (LNG + EE)
- Femilon (Desogestrel + EE low-dose)
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: Hormonal contraceptives have contraindications and interactions. Consult a clinician before starting. If you smoke and are over 35, have migraine with aura, a history of VTE, active liver disease, or known cardiovascular disease, combined oral contraceptives may not be safe for you. Emergency contraception is not a substitute for regular birth control.
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