Nextstellis (Drospirenone & Estetrol)

Patient Medication Information: Nextstellis®

(estetrol 15 mg / drospirenone 3 mg)

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What is Nextstellis?

Nextstellis is a prescription birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones: estetrol and drospirenone. When taken correctly, it is a reliable method of contraception for women of reproductive age.

Who Should Not Take Nextstellis?

Do not take Nextstellis if you:

• Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant

• Smoke and are over the age of 35

• Have or have had blood clots, heart attack, or stroke

• Have liver, kidney, or adrenal problems

• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding

• Have or have had breast or uterine cancer

• Get migraines with aura

• Are allergic to any ingredient in the tablet

Talk to your doctor before starting if you have any medical conditions or take other medications.

How to Take Nextstellis

• Take one pill at the same time every day, with or without food.

• Each pack contains 28 pills:

  • 24 pink pills (with hormones)

  • 4 white pills (no hormones, helps keep routine)

Start a new pack right after finishing the old one, even if your period hasn't finished.

When to Start

• If you’re not currently on hormonal birth control: Start on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after it begins. Use condoms for the first 7 days if not starting on day 1.

• If switching from another birth control: Start Nextstellis the day after your old pack ends.

• After pregnancy or abortion: Ask your doctor when to start. Usually, it’s 3–4 weeks after delivery.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Headache or migraine

• Irregular bleeding or spotting

• Nausea

• Breast tenderness

• Acne

• Mood changes or low sex drive

Serious side effects (rare):

• Blood clots (leg pain, chest pain, trouble breathing)

• Vision changes

• Sudden severe headache

• Signs of liver issues (yellowing skin or eyes)

If you experience these, stop taking Nextstellis and get medical help immediately.

Precautions

• Smoking: Do not use if you are over 35 and smoke.

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Nextstellis does not protect against STIs. Use condoms to prevent infections.

• Breastfeeding: It’s not recommended until you have completely stopped breastfeeding.

Storage

Store at room temperature (59°F–86°F), away from heat, moisture, and light.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Call your healthcare provider if:

• You miss two periods in a row

• You experience unusual or persistent bleeding

• You develop symptoms of a blood clot

• You have questions about starting, stopping, or switching methods

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Reference: Nextstellis Canada product monograph

Take one NEXTSTELLIS tablet daily at the same time each day for 28 days, 24 active pink tablets followed by 4 white inactive tablets. Start on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after. Use backup contraception for the first 7 days if starting mid-cycle or switching from another method.