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Portia Coupon - Portia 28 tablets of 0.15mg/0.03mg package

portia

Generic Nordette
Used for Birth Control
Used for Birth Control

Portia is a combined hormonal birth control pill that's taken by mouth every day. It's monophasic, which means that the amounts of hormones in all of the active tablets are the same. While this medication works well to prevent pregnancy, it isn't the best option for females with certain medical conditions.

Last reviewed on June 23, 2022
basics-icon

What is Portia?

What is Portia used for?

  • To prevent pregnancy

How Portia works

Portia is a combined contraceptive that contains two hormones: ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestin). Both hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by:

  • Suppressing ovulation (release of an egg from the ovary)

  • Changing cervical mucus to block sperm movement

  • Creating an unfriendly environment for the fertilized egg by changing the lining in the uterus (womb)

Drug Facts

Drug ClassEstrogen / Progestin combined contraceptive
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$90.88(save 80.50%)
GoodRx discount
$17.72
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Portia?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Bloating
  • Spotting
  • Breast tenderness
  • Weight changes (up or down)
  • Headache
  • Raised blood pressure
  • Depression

Other Side Effects

  • Yeast infection
  • Spotty darkening of skin
  • Change in sex drive
  • Acne
  • Change in appetite

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
  • Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg): leg cramp, swelling, pain, muscle tightness
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung): cough, chest pain, trouble breathing, racing heart
  • Liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, tiredness, stomach pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Healthy women who do not smoke cigarettes have almost no chance of having a severe side effect from taking oral contraceptives. For most women, more problems occur because of pregnancy than will occur from taking oral contraceptives. But for some women who have special health problems, oral contraceptives can cause some unwanted effects. Some of these unwanted effects include benign (not cancerous) liver tumors, liver cancer, or blood clots or related problems, such as a stroke. Although these effects are very rare, they can be serious enough to cause death. You may want to discuss these effects with your doctor.

Smoking cigarettes during the use of oral contraceptives has been found to greatly increase the chances of these serious side effects occurring. To reduce the risk of serious side effects, do not smoke cigarettes while you are taking oral contraceptives. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from oral contraceptive use. The risk increases with age and with heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day) and is quite marked in women over 35 years of age.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

The following side effects may be caused by blood clots. Get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Abdominal or stomach pain (sudden, severe, or continuing)

coughing up blood

headache (severe or sudden)

loss of coordination (sudden)

loss of vision or change in vision (sudden)

pains in chest, groin, or leg (especially in calf of leg)

shortness of breath (sudden or unexplained)

slurring of speech (sudden)

weakness, numbness, or pain in arm or leg (unexplained)

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

usually less common after the first 3 months of oral contraceptive use

Changes in the uterine bleeding pattern at menses or between menses, such as decreased bleeding at menses, breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods, prolonged bleeding at menses, complete stopping of menstrual bleeding that occurs over several months in a row, or stopping of menstrual bleeding that only occurs sometimes

Less common

Headaches or migraines (although headaches may lessen in many users, in others, they may increase in number or become worse)

increased blood pressure

vaginal infection with vaginal itching or irritation, or thick, white, or curd-like discharge

For women with diabetes mellitus

Mild increase of blood sugar—Faintness, nausea, pale skin, or sweating

Rare

Mental depression

swelling, pain, or tenderness in upper abdominal area

For women who smoke tobacco

Pains in stomach, side, or abdomen

yellow eyes or skin

For women with a history of breast disease

Lumps in breast

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal cramping or bloating

acne (usually less common after first 3 months and may improve if acne already exists)

breast pain, tenderness, or swelling

dizziness

nausea

swelling of ankles and feet

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Less common

Brown, blotchy spots on exposed skin

gain or loss of body or facial hair

increased or decreased interest in sexual intercourse

increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight

weight gain or loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Portia

thumbs-up

Pros

Once-daily dosing

Works better to prevent pregnancy compared to some other birth control methods

Available as a lower-cost generic

Can take with or without food

Pills are in an easy-to-follow blister pack

thumbs-down

Cons

Higher amounts of hormones compared to some other birth control pills

Not a good option for females over 35 who smoke

Can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches

Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Must take it at the same time every day for it to work well

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Portia

pharmacist
  • Before starting Portia, discuss your full medical history with your provider. This medication can worsen certain conditions. Some examples are chloasma (a condition that causes dark skin patches) and hereditary angioedema (episodes of severe swelling in your body). If you have a history of chloasma, avoid sun exposure while taking Portia.

    • Set an alarm to help you remember to take Portia at the same time every day. Forgetting to take your pill raises the chance of getting pregnant. If you miss a dose, refer to the instructions that came with your blister pack or call your provider for further instructions.

      • It's normal to have spotting (light bleeding outside of your period) or feel sick to your stomach for the first few packs of Portia. This should get better over time, but if it doesn't contact your provider.

        • If you have vomiting or diarrhea or take certain medications, Portia might not work as well for you. Always use a back-up birth control method until you're able to check with your healthcare provider.

          • Any time you vomit within 3 to 4 hours after taking Portia, it's considered a missed dose and you should refer to the instructions for missed doses that came with your prescription or ask your pharmacist or provider.

            • Contact your eye provider if you wear contact lenses and notice vision changes when wearing them or when wearing your glasses while taking Portia.

              • If you've been taking Portia as instructed and miss your period or feel like you might be pregnant, check in with your provider so they can confirm whether or not you're pregnant and provide prenatal care if needed. While Portia shouldn't cause any birth defects if you accidentally take it during early pregnancy, you'll no longer need to take it when you're pregnant.

                • If you want to stop taking Portia and become pregnant, speak to your provider. While you can stop this medication at anytime, you might want to consider seeing your provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup before stopping your birth control.

                  • Portia has been prescribed specifically for you, so don't share it with anyone who wants to take birth control. Their provider should evaluate them to make sure they get a safe option.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Portia

                    How well does Portia work to prevent pregnancy?
                    Research has shown that about 1 to 5 out of 100 women will get pregnant during the first year of taking Portia. Your chance of getting pregnant is higher if you don't take the medication as directed (e.g., missed or late doses). If you're having trouble remembering to take your pill, talk to your provider.
                    What makes Portia different from some other birth control pills that also contain levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol?
                    Portia differs from some other birth control pills that also contain levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol in the amount of hormones it contains and how often it causes you to have a period. 1) Portia is a monophasic birth control pill, meaning that all active tablets contain the same level of estrogen and levonorgestrel. This is different from multiphasic birth controls, such as Camrese, that contain different amounts of hormones depending on which day you're on in your pack. 2) Another difference is that Portia has a higher amount of estrogen and levonorgestrel compared to some other monophasic birth control pills, like Vienva. Higher amounts of hormones could cause more side effects in some females. 3) A third difference is you typically get your period monthly while taking Portia, while you typically get it once every 3 months or not all all as with the continuous and extended-cycle birth control pills. Speak to your provider about the best option for you.
                    How should I start taking Portia?
                    If you're not currently taking another hormonal birth control, the two most common ways to start taking Portia are the Day 1 Start and the Sunday Start methods. For the Day 1 Start, you'd begin taking Portia during the first 24 hours of your period. If you choose the Sunday Start method, you'd begin taking Portia on the Sunday after your period starts (even if you're still bleeding). For this method, you need to use another method of birth control (e.g., condom or spermicide) for 7 days. If you're switching from another hormonal birth control, or starting Portia after an abortion or miscarriage, discuss the best way to start taking Portia with your provider.
                    What do the different colored tablets mean in my Portia pack?
                    Your pack begins with 21 active pills (meaning they contain hormones in them) followed by 7 inactive pills (they don't contain hormones). The active pills are a different color than the inactive pills at the end of your pack, and each brand might have different colored pills. It's important to take your pills in the order that's in the blister pack. If you have questions about which pill in your pack contains hormones, refer to the label that comes with your pack or ask your pharmacist or provider.
                    Is Portia safe to take while breastfeeding?
                    It's not recommended to use combined hormonal birth control pills, like Portia. while breastfeeding because they can lower the amount of breast milk you produce as well as the quality of your breast milk. If you're breastfeeding, discuss alternative birth control options with your healthcare provider.
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                    warings-icon

                    What are the risks and warnings for Portia?

                    Portia can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems

                    • Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke cigarettes

                      If you smoke cigarettes, using combined oral contraceptives (COCs), like Portia, raises your risk for serious health problems, such as strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. Females age 35 years and older who smoke are at even higher risk for these problems. If you smoke, talk with your provider about safer birth control alternatives.

                      risk-warning

                      Blood clots and strokes

                      • Risk factors: Females over 35 years old who smoke | Females over 40 years old who don't smoke | Recent surgery with a long period of bed rest | Starting Portia less than a month after childbirth | High blood pressure | People identified as obese | High cholesterol | Diabetes | Higher dose of estrogen

                        Portia raises your risk of blood clots. These clots can occur anywhere in your body, including your lungs (pulmonary embolism or PE), legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), brain (stroke), and heart (heart attack). Get emergency help right away if you have any signs of a blood clot:

                        • Brain: weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, or face on one side of the body, trouble speaking, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of balance, trouble walking, or confusion

                          • Eyes: trouble seeing, bulging eye, double vision

                            • Heart: chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness

                              • Lungs: trouble breathing, chest pain, or cough

                                • Legs: cramps, swelling, pain, or muscle tightness

                                  If you need to have surgery, tell your provider you're taking Portia. They might have you stop taking it 4 weeks before until 2 weeks after your surgery to lower your risk of blood clots.

                                  risk-warning

                                  Risk of breast and cervical cancer

                                  • Risk factors: History of breast cancer | Taking COCs for a long time

                                    Study results are mixed, but there's a possibility that Portia and other COCs can raise your risk for breast and cervical cancer.

                                    Don't use Portia if you have breast cancer because some types of breast cancer grow faster in the presence of estrogen, an ingredient in this birth control pill. To help with early breast cancer detection, you can do monthly breast self-checks at home and yearly breast exams with your healthcare provider. Call your healthcare provider if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

                                    Get medical help right away if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, or pain during sex, since these could be signs of cervical cancer.

                                    risk-warning

                                    Liver problems

                                    • Risk factors: Liver problems or infection in the liver | Taking COCs with 50 mcg of estrogen or higher

                                      Though rare, Portia can cause liver problems, such as liver damage and liver tumors. These problems are linked more with earlier formulations of COCs that contained higher levels of estrogen (50 mcg of higher), and less so with Portia since it only contains 30 mcg of estrogen. Don't use this medication if you already have liver problems. Call your provider right away if you experience symptoms of liver problems, such as tiredness, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.

                                      risk-warning

                                      High blood pressure

                                      • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Older age | Using COCs for a long time | Kidney problems

                                        Portia and other COCs can raise your blood pressure. Your provider might ask you to check your blood pressure regularly. If you notice your blood pressure is higher while you're taking this medication, contact your provider. If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, Portia might not be the best option for you.

                                        risk-warning

                                        High blood sugar and lipids (fats)

                                        • Risk factors: Prediabetes or diabetes | Personal or family history of high triglycerides

                                          COCs like Portia might raise your blood sugar and triglyceride (fat) levels. In addition, some progesterones could raise LDL levels ("bad" cholesterol). If you have diabetes, let your provider know if you experience any changes in your blood sugar. Make sure to go to all of your check-ups so your provider can monitor any changes.

                                          risk-warning

                                          Headache

                                          Headaches are a common side effect of COCs like Portia. But, if you experience a new migraine, a migraine that's worse than normal, or a new headache that keeps coming back or is severe, call your provider so you can be checked out.

                                          risk-warning

                                          Irregular bleeding

                                          Breakthrough bleeding and spotting are common side effects of hormonal birth control pills. This is more common during the first 3 months of using Portia. Let your provider know if you experience any vaginal bleeding outside of your period, or if your period has stopped completely. There are other causes besides your birth control pills for irregular bleeding that your provider will evaluate.

                                          risk-warning

                                          Depression

                                          • Risk factors: History of depression

                                            Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of depression or worsening depression while taking Portia. In cases of serious depression, your provider might have you stop taking it.

                                            risk-warning

                                            Interactions with other medications

                                            Certain medications can make Portia get broken down faster in your body, making it less effective (not work as well) and can lead to pregnancy. Some examples include carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin). You'll likely need to use a back-up method or other form of birth control for several weeks after stopping any of these medications. Other medications can raise the amount of Portia in your body, which can lead to more side effects. Make sure to tell your provider or pharmacist all of your medications so they can make sure they don't interact with Portia.

                                            If you have hepatitis C and need to be treated with Viekira Pak (dasabuvir / ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir), let your provider know right away that you're taking a COC. You'll need to stop Portia before starting Viekira Pak because taking them together can cause liver problems. You can start Portia again 2 weeks after you stop Viekira Pak.

                                            dosage

                                            Portia dosage forms

                                            The average cost for 3 packages of 28 tablets of 0.15mg/0.03mg of Portia is $17.72 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 80.5% off the average retail price of $90.88.
                                            package
                                            Package
                                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                            28 tablets of 0.15mg/0.03mg3 packages$17.72$5.91

                                            Typical dosing for Portia

                                            Your medication might look different and have slightly different directions depending on which branded generic your provider prescribes. Please take the medication as instructed by your provider. In general:

                                            Portia (and its branded generics) comes in a 28-day pack. There are 21 active tablets and they each contains 0.15 mg levonorgestrel and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol. There are 7 placebo tablets and they don't contain any active medications.

                                            The typical dose is to take 1 active tablet by mouth daily for 21 days, followed by 1 placebo tablet daily for the remaining 7 days.

                                            interactions

                                            Interactions between Portia and other drugs

                                            Portia may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Portia. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                            Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                                            How much does Portia cost?

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                                            contraindications-icon

                                            Portia contraindications

                                            Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Portia will not be safe for you to take.
                                            • Smoking and over the age of 35

                                            • Currently have or history of DVT or other blood clotting problems

                                            • Coronary artery disease

                                            • Cerebrovascular disease (problems with blood flow in the brain)

                                            • Certain heart valve or heart rhythm problems

                                            • Uncontrolled high blood pressure or high blood pressure with blood vessel problems

                                            • Diabetes with high blood pressure, blood vessel problems, or other organ damage

                                            • Diabetes for greater than 20 years or if you're over 35 years old

                                            • Certain types of headaches with neurological symptoms

                                            • Migraine with aura or if you're over 35 years old

                                            • Currently have or have a history of breast cancer

                                            • Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding

                                            • Liver tumors

                                            • Liver disease

                                            • Pregnancy

                                            • Taking hepatitis C medication containing ombitasvir / paritaprevir / ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir

                                            alternatives

                                            What are alternatives to Portia?

                                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Portia. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                            Portia
                                            Used for:
                                            • To prevent pregnancy

                                            $17.72 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                            Used for:
                                            $20.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                            Used for:
                                            $35.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                            images

                                            Portia images

                                            White Round 208 And B - Portia 28-Day 0.15mg-0.03mg Tablet
                                            This medicine is White, Round Package Imprinted With "B" And "208".White Round 208 And B - Portia 28-Day 0.15mg-0.03mg Tablet
                                            White Round 208 And B - Portia 28-Day 0.15mg-0.03mg Tablet
                                            This medicine is White, Round Package Imprinted With "B" And "208".White Round 208 And B - Portia 28-Day 0.15mg-0.03mg Tablet

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