Precautions and Warnings With Portia

Since hormonal contraceptives could cause certain complications, it is important to be aware of the precautions and warnings with Portia. Let your healthcare provider know if you have diabetes, gallbladder disease, or high blood pressure before using Portia. Taking Portia may increase your risk of breast cancer or cervical cancer, heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and benign liver tumors.

 

Portia: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Portia® (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a generic version of Nordette®. You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Portia if you have:
 
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • A heart valve problem
  • Diabetes
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin during a prior pregnancy or oral contraceptive use
  • High cholesterol
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Depression
  • Had a heart attack or stroke
  • Had a blood clot or a clotting disorder
  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • 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 be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Precautions and Warnings With Portia Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;