Nextstellis (Drospirenone and Estetrol)

Description

Nextstellis is an oral birth control pill containing drospirenone, a progestin, and estetrol, an estrogen, for the prevention of pregnancy. 

Directions

Nexstellis is available in a blister pack of 28 tablets:

• 24 pink active tablets. Each pink tablet has 3 mg of drospirenone and 14.2 mg of estetrol.
• 4 white inactive tablets

Take one tablet by mouth every day. Take it at the same time each day. Follow your prescription's instructions. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Ingredients

Drospirenone and Estetrol are contained in each pink tablet.

Contraindications

• Avoid taking Nexstellis if you smoke and are 35 years old or older.
• Avoid taking Nextstellis if you have active or a history of blood clots, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a heart attack, a stroke, or certain heart valve problems.
• Avoid taking Nextstelllis if you have active or a history of hormonally-sensitive cancer such as breast cancer.
• Avoid taking Nexstellis if you have migraines with aura.
• Avoid taking Nexstellis if you have diabetes with high blood pressure or end-organ damage or if you have had diabetes for more than 20 years.
• Avoid taking Nextstellis if you have liver problems, including a liver tumor, liver cancer, acute hepatitis, or decompensated liver cirrhosis.
• Avoid taking Nextstellis with hepatitis C medications containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir.
• Avoid taking Nexstellis if you have vaginal bleeding from an unknown cause.
• Avoid taking Nextstellis if you have kidney problems.
• Avoid taking Nexstellis if you have adrenal insufficiency.

Cautions

• Before you start Nextstellis, talk to your doctor:
• About all the medications you take. These include all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 
• About any allergies you may have.
• About your medical conditions.
• If you are pregnant, suspect that you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.
• If you are currently breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• Your risk for blood clots, a heart attack, or a stroke can be increased with the use of Nextstellis. Your risk for cardiovascular events should be evaluated before you start taking Nexstellis.
• High potassium levels in your blood can occur with the use of Nextstellis. Immediately contact your doctor if you experience muscle fatigue, weakness, irregular heart rhythms, nausea, or paralysis. 
• High blood pressure can be caused by Nexstellis. It is recommended that you periodically check your blood pressure while taking Nexstellis.
• Severe or persistent migraines can occur with the use of Nexstellis.
• Liver problems can occur with the use of Nexstellis.
• The growth of hormonally-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer can be promoted by Nexstellis.
• Decreased glucose intolerance in women who have prediabetes or diabetes can occur with the use of Nexstellis.
• Triglyceride levels can increase with the use of Nexstellis in women who have high triglyceride levels or have a family history of high triglyceride levels. This can cause pancreatitis.
• Gallbladder problems and cholestasis can occur with the use of Nextstellis.
• Irregular vaginal bleeding or no menstruation can occur with the use of Nexstellis.

Side Effects

Nextstellis can cause side effects that include but are not limited to acne, breast tenderness, decreased sex drive, headache, mood changes, weight gain, and painful menstruation.

Call your doctor right away if you experience negative or persistent side effects.

References:

1. Nexstellis. Greenville, NC: Mayne Pharma; 2021.
2. Nextstellis (drospirenone and estetrol tablets) 3 mg/14.2 mg. Accessed February 9, 2022.
3. High potassium (hyperkalemia). Mayo Clinic. November 14, 2020. Accessed February 9, 2022.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....