What is Nextstellis? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Nextstellis

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about when to start taking your medicine. You will begin taking the pills on the first day of your menstrual period. If you cannot start taking the pills on the first day of your menstrual period, you need to use another form of birth control (including condom, spermicide) for the first 7 days.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Take your pill at the same time every day. Birth control pills work best when there is no more than 24 hours between doses.

• Missed dose: This medicine has specific patient instructions on what to do if you miss a dose. Read and follow these instructions carefully, and call your doctor if you have any questions. If you miss 1 pink pill, take it as soon as you can. Then take your next pill at the regular time. This means, you may take two pills in one day. Continue taking 1 pill every day until you finish the pack. If you miss 2 or more pink pills on week 1 or 2, take a pill as soon as you can. Then take your next pill at the regular time. This means, you may take two pills in one day. Throw away the other missed pills. Continue taking 1 pill every day until you finish the pack. Use a second form of birth control (including condom, spermicide) for 7 days after you miss a dose. If you miss 2 or more pink pills on week 3, take a pill as soon as you can. Then take your next pill at the regular time. This means, you may take two pills in one day. Throw away the other missed pills. Continue taking 1 pill every day until you finish the pink pills in the pack. Throw out the rest of the white pills in the pack and start a new pack the next day. Use a second form of birth control (including condom, spermicide) for 7 days after you miss a dose. If you miss 1 or more white pills, skip the missed pill and continue taking 1 pill every day until you finish the pack. If you vomit or have diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours of taking the pills, treat this as a missed dose and take a new pill as soon as you can. Then take your next pill within 12 hours of the regular time. If you miss 2 or more pills, follow the instructions in the patient leaflet or call your doctor or you may use another form of birth control.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Nextstellis

Nextstellis contraindications - Who shouldn't take Nextstellis?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to drospirenone or estetrol, or if you are pregnant. Do not use this medicine if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including liver cancer), adrenal problems, migraine headaches, diabetes with high blood pressure or kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage, a blood disorder, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure that is not controlled, or a history of breast cancer, blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. Do not use this medicine if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor.

Nextstellis warnings

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

• This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. Talk with your doctor if you have questions.

• You might have some light bleeding or spotting, especially during the first 4 months of using this medicine. This is usually normal and should not last long. However, if you have heavy bleeding or the bleeding lasts more than a few days in a row, call your doctor.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• If you miss a menstrual period, call your doctor for a pregnancy test before you take any more pills.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results. Tell your doctor if you are having a surgery that requires inactivity for a long time.

• This medicine may cause skin discoloration. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have given birth within 4 weeks before you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, hereditary angioedema, or a history of depression, chloasma, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes) during pregnancy, or irregular monthly periods. Tell your doctor if you smoke.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke, eye or vision problems, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, increased risk of cervical cancer, liver problems (including liver cancer or tumors), high cholesterol in the blood, Gallbladder disease

Nextstellis interactions & what to avoid when taking Nextstellis

• Do not use this medicine together with medicine to treat hepatitis C virus infection, including ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir.

• Some medicines can affect how drospirenone/estetrol works. Tell your doctor if you are using St John's wort, diabetes medicine, diuretic (water pill), medicine to treat an infection, potassium supplement, seizure medicine (including lamotrigine), steroid medicine, or thyroid medicine.