Consumer information: Portia®

What is Portia Used For?

• Portia® is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) used to prevent pregnancy.
• It contains levonorgestrel, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen.

How Does Portia Work?

• Prevents ovulation: It stops the release of an egg from the ovaries.
• Thickens cervical mucus: Makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
• Alters the uterine lining: Reduces the likelihood of implantation if an egg is fertilized.

Effectiveness:

• Perfect use: When taken exactly as directed, Portia is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
• Typical use: Missed or late pills may reduce effectiveness.
• Portia does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use condoms for protection against STIs.

Who Should Not Use Portia?

• Portia should not be used by women who are:
  • Pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
  • Have a history of or current blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or liver disease.
  • Have or suspect breast cancer or any estrogen-dependent tumors.
  • Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes with vascular complications.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.
• Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, particularly in women with risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Liver disease: Women with liver disease or tumors should not use Portia.

Possible Side Effects:

• Common side effects include:
  • Nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
  • Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods.
  • Breast tenderness or enlargement.
  • Weight changes and mood swings.
• Serious side effects (less common):
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
  • Stroke or heart attack.
  • Liver tumors.

When to Start Portia:

1. Starting after a period:
   • Begin taking Portia on Day 1 of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period) for immediate protection.
   • If starting after Day 1, use backup contraception (e.g., condoms) for the first 7 days.
2. After childbirth:
   • For non-breastfeeding women, Portia can be started 21 to 28 days after delivery.
   • Use backup contraception for the first 7 days if starting later.
3. After miscarriage or abortion:
   • Start Portia immediately after a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion for immediate protection.

Missed Pills:

1. Missed one pill:
   • Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then take the next pill at your usual time (you may take two pills in one day). No backup contraception is required.
2. Missed two pills in a row:
   • Take two pills the day you remember and two pills the next day.
   • Use backup contraception for 7 days.
3. Missed three or more pills:
   • Discard the remaining pills and start a new pack.
   • Use backup contraception for 7 days.

What to Do if You Vomit or Have Diarrhea:

• If you vomit or have severe diarrhea within 3-4 hours of taking a pill, take another pill as soon as possible.
• Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Other Considerations:

• Breastfeeding: Portia may reduce breast milk production and is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
• Consistency: It is important to take the pill at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness.

Storage Information:

• Store Portia between 15°C and 30°C in its original packaging, protected from light and moisture.