Generic Nordette

There are currently several forms of generic Nordette. These generic products, which are sold under the names Levora, Portia, and Altavera, have been given an "AB" rating by the FDA, meaning they are equivalent to brand-name Nordette. However, it is important to note that generic Nordette products may contain different inactive ingredients that could cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.

Is a Generic Nordette Available?

Nordette® (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is one of the many birth control pills currently available. It belongs to a group of medications known as combined oral contraceptives, so named because they contain both an estrogen and a progestin hormone. Combined oral contraceptives are very effective and are the most commonly used type of birth control pills.
 
Nordette is made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, a division of Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Generic Nordette is available, although it is sold under names that look like "brand" names (rather than the usual generic name).
 

Generic Nordette Names

Currently, generic Nordette is sold under the following names:
 
 
  • Altavera® (made by Sandoz)
  • Levora® (made by Watson Laboratories)
  • Portia® (made by Barr Laboratories).
      
The generic names of birth control pills can be very confusing; the names are long, and multiple different products can have the same generic name even though they are very different. To avoid confusion, the makers of generic birth control pills give their versions a "brand name," instead of using the standard generic name. These products are still generics, even though they seem like brand-name products. These generic products are usually less expensive and are more likely to be covered by insurance.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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