Nordette Warnings and Precautions

Before using Nordette, warnings and precautions for the drug should be discussed with your healthcare provider. This form of contraceptive is not suitable for everyone; you should not use Nordette if you have an irregular heart rhythm, heart disease, or liver disease. It is important to know that Nordette may worsen certain medical conditions and increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.

 

Nordette: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Nordette® (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol) 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.
 
(Nordette is equivalent to Levora® and Portia® birth control pills. The information in this article also applies to both of these medications.)
 
(Nordette Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;