I had the same thing happen on ortho. When I talked to my doctor, they told me that had been getting quite a few complaints about this. Did you switch to the generic brand by any chance? That was what seemed to be causing my problems. I switched to levora, have been on for a little over a year and have had no problems. Maybe you should talk to your doc. About switching pills.

Thank you for your quick response, I will check into that on thursday when I go to pick up more pills. Do you think what I did was a good idea? Meaning: since I started early just going ahead and taking my period pills and then starting a new pack this sunday?

Need other suggestions on what I did was the right thing to do all of your replies would be appreciated.

I would say,you probably should have taken your pills like you normally would, because by taking your period pill on a different day, may make things worse. The reason I say you should have just taken them normally is because this may have actually corrected the problem. As far as taking them 3 or 4 hours late, this shouldn't have affected anything, since there is a 6 hour window, but it is always best if they are taken at the same time everyday. I know it is frusterating when you feel your bc doesn't work, but just hang in there and your body is a very powerful thing and it will know what is normal for you. Just talk to your doctor about your concerns and they may want to put you on a different brand.

I am ortho cyclen as well, not orthotricyclen, about nine months now. How long have you been on ortho cyclen? I know that when I first started on this pill, I would spot like crazy. I realized I had to be right on the hour when taking the pill. If I were late an hour or more I would start an early bleed all the way up until my real period was supposed to begin. So I started taking them exactly on time. On the months I would be exactly on time, I wouldnt have a problem. But if I am late for more than 15 minutes, i'll start spotting a couple days after that and spot/light bleed through till my real period (placebo pills) start. It's been driving me nuts because other than the spotting issue, I love this pill. I don't mind taking it every day either.

As far as whether or not you did the right thing in how you took your pills, for future reference, keep taking them as directed, otherwise the bleeding can get heavier and could continue until your real period starts. This may not correct the problem completely, but it will surely prevent it from getting worse. Im even early spotting right now (a whole week early!) and i'm suspecting it is because of being late 15 minutes. But, again, i'm not a doctor or a nurse. Either that or advil? Im contemplating switching pills, but i'm clueless on what to try next. Any suggestions from anyone would be great. I know I need to talk to my doctor, but i'm trying to do some research before my appointment.

I hope this helps you out some (i know its not much of a solution). If you figure out what is causing your spotting, I would surely like to know. Please keep us posted.