Frequently
asked questions

NEXTSTELLIS is a new oral contraceptive pill that contains two hormones: an estrogen and a progestin to maintain your body's natural balance.

• NEXTSTELLIS is used for the prevention of pregnancy.
• NEXTSTELLIS does not protect against HIV infections (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

NEXTSTELLIS combines 2 hormones—a type of estrogen called estetrol (E4) and a progestin called drospirenone.

Typically, levels of these hormones rise and fall during the menstrual cycle. NEXTSTELLIS keeps the levels of these hormones constant, which blocks the hormonal changes that signal the body to release an egg (ovulate). Without ovulation, it is not possible to get pregnant.

NEXTSTELLIS is the only contraceptive pill made with a type of estrogen called estetrol (E4).

• Estetrol (E4) is found naturally in the body during pregnancy.
• The majority of contraceptive pills contain ethinylestradiol, a synthetic form of estrogen.⁴
• The E4 in NEXTSTELLIS originates from a plant source, to match the body’s naturally occurring E4.

Before taking NEXTSTELLIS, tell your healthcare professional about all of your medical conditions, including if you are scheduled for surgery.

• Like other combined oral contraceptive pills, NEXTSTELLIS may cause serious side effects that may lead to death including blood clots in your lungs, heart attack, or a stroke. Some other examples of serious blood clots include blood clots in the legs or eyes. NEXTSTELLIS may increase your risk of blood clots after surgery. Talk to your healthcare professional about taking NEXTSTELLIS before and after your surgery, or if you are going to be unable to walk for an extended period of time.
• Other serious risks may include:
  • high potassium levels in your blood,
  • high blood pressure,
  • new or worsening headaches including migraine headaches,
  • possible cancer that is sensitive to female hormones,
  • liver problems,
  • changes in the sugar and fat blood levels,
  • gall bladder problems,
  • irregular or unusual vaginal bleeding, spotting, or absence of menstrual periods,
  • depression.
• If over the age of 35 and you smoke, like other combined oral contraceptive pills, it is not recommended to use NEXTSTELLIS. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from contraceptive pills, including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.
• It is not known if NEXTSTELLIS is safe and effective in females with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. If you are moderately obese, discuss with your healthcare professional whether NEXTSTELLIS is appropriate for you.

1. Take your first pink pill from the purple section on the first day of your period.
2.  If you start NEXTSTELLIS on any day other than the first day of your period, use a back-up non-hormonal contraception method (such as condoms) until you have taken 1 active (pink) pill every day for 7 days.
3. Continue taking the pills in order (following the arrows on the blister pack) every day, including the white pills at the end of your pack.

Make sure you know which are active (hormonal) pills and which are inactive from your previous contraception.

• If your IUD is removed on any day other than the first day of your period, use an alternative contraceptive method (such as condoms) for 7 days.
• If you have not taken an active pill every day for 7 days, or you are switching from a mini pill you will need to use an alternative contraceptive method (such as condoms) for 7 days.

Each blister has 24 pink (active) pills and 4 white (inactive) pills.

• Most women using NEXTSTELLIS had predictable monthly bleeding.

• In clinical trials, a small number of women had light mid-cycle bleeding or spotting. This is normal and usually resolves within the first few months.³

On average, mid-cycle bleeding or spotting lasted less than 1 day^2,3

Remember if you miss pills you may have some spotting or light bleeding even if you take the missed pills. 

• Most women experience very little side effects when taking NEXTSTELLIS. If you do experience any side effects, these will likely be minor and temporary, however, some side effects may require medical attention. Speak to your healthcare professional if you have any questions or notice anything unusual.
• Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are known to occur rarely with contraceptive pill use. Very occasionally blood clots may cause serious permanent disability or even be fatal. However, the risk of clotting on the pill is much lower than when you are pregnant. If you are concerned speak to your healthcare professional.

NEXTSTELLIS has drospirenone, a progestin that reduces fluid retention, so you may see improvement in symptoms related to fluid retention like bloating or swelling if you’ve been on another pill that doesn’t have drospirenone.

Tell your healthcare professional about all of the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

There is no need to stop taking NEXTSTELLIS unless you want to become pregnant. Please speak to your healthcare professional first before stopping NEXTSTELLIS for any reason.

If you are taking NEXTSTELLIS correctly the chances of you becoming pregnant are very small. As soon as you stop taking the pill, contraceptive protection stops, allowing you to become pregnant.