Since its introduction three years ago, the oral contraceptive Ortho Tri-Cyclen (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol) has become the most popular birth control in Ames, according to local pharmacists.

Tim Cemlik, Student Health Center pharmacist, said Ortho Tri-Cyclen is the most prescribed birth control pill in the nation, and that trend holds true at the health center.

“It is our most commonly prescribed oral contraceptive,” he said.

Cemlik said one of the reasons Ortho Tri-Cyclen, which on average costs about $30 per month, might be so popular is because it is not only an oral contraceptive, it also acts as an acne medication.

“[Ortho Tri-Cyclen] provides you with a low-daily dose of hormones that prevent pregnancy, while actually lowering the level of the hormone in your body that’s likely to cause acne,” according to Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the makers of Ortho Tri-Cyclen.

Other pharmacists echoed Cemlik’s assertion that Ortho Tri-Cyclen is the most popular birth control pill on the market.

Mary Faulk, a pharmacist at Drug Town, 500 Main St., said Ortho Tri-Cyclen is Drug Town’s most prescribed oral contraceptive as well as one of their most-filled prescriptions overall.

“[Ortho Tri-Cyclen] is definitely one of my better sellers,” she said.

David Amdahl, pharmacist at Osco Drug, 207 S. Duff Ave., said he also sees a steady flow of clients purchase the birth control pills.

But Cemlik said despite the popularity of Ortho Tri-Cyclen, it is not for everyone.

“Each individual’s body make up is different,” he said. “A doctor would perform an assessment to decide what form of oral contraceptive is best. Ortho Tri-Cyclen is just one option.”