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Altavera Warnings and Precautions
Before you start taking Altavera, make sure you are aware of potential problems that this birth control pill might cause, such as an increased risk of developing a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. Altavera warnings and precautions also apply to women who have certain health conditions, such as liver disease, diabetes, or a blood-clotting disorder.
Altavera™ (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a generic version of Nordette®. You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using this birth control pill if you have:
- Had a heart attack or stroke
- Had a blood clot or a clotting disorder
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- A heart valve problem
- Diabetes
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice) during a prior pregnancy or oral contraceptive use
- High cholesterol
- Gallbladder disease
- Depression
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver tumors
- Cancer (or if you have had cancer in the past)
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Smoke cigarettes
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD