ortho-trycyclene

I have been taking ortho trycylene 28 for two weeks and was worried about getting pregnant and remembered that my physician had said to take two ortho pills for two days as a "day after" substitute. So I did, but at the same time I received a yeast infection. So I took mycelex 3. Now my problem is after taking the two sets of ortho pills I began to finish off the pack as a normal cycle, for two days, and decided to stop and wait for my next menstrual period. However I have bleeding now, more than spotting, for two days and it has been four days since I took a pill. I have an upset stomach and minor cramps. So I am wondering is this normal? Also, should I continue the cycle, is this my period or just bleeding?
thanks,
helena

[Forum-M.D.-DT]

Dear Helena,
Thank you for your question and for visiting the Family Practice forum.
Women's cycles do indeed change when taking birth control pills. When starting birth control pills, I tell patients to start the first "pack" the Sunday after the period ends. From my calculation you took all (or nearly all) of the "active" birth control pills (the last 7 in orthotricyclen 28 are "inert" =  no hormones).
You took 14-15 pills, then 2/day for 2 days = 4 then 2 more pills which would equal 20-21 pills. Right now you are in the period when you would have been taking the "inert" pills, so essentially nothing has changed other than you took a double dose for 2 days.
In this forum I would hesitate to say "don't worry" about bleeding (of any kind). If this bleeding increases or is associated with dizziness, rapid heartbeat, weakness or extreme fatigue you should be seen by a doctor immediately.
That being said, the LIKELY cause for what you are experiencing is the presence of "a period" This period is likely somewhat different from your "normal" period due to the fact that you 1) have started a new birth control pill and 2) have taken a somewhat unusual regimen 3) apparently had the presence of a yeast infection.
If you came to my office with the history of what you just described, I would most likely recommend that you wait until this period ends, then begin the next "pack" of orthotricyclen the sunday after this period ends. After this, continue to take the pill continuously. I would recommend "backup" protection for birth control at least for the next month (i.e. condom).  
I wish you well.
Dean M. Tomasello, M.D.