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nextstellis

Pharmaranks rates Nextstellis 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Nextstellis is a combination medicine containing Drospirenone and Estetrol.

Drospirenone and Estetrol · by Mayne Pharma

70/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Drospirenone and Estetrol
Form
Kit
Strength
Drospirenone 3MG; Estetrol 14.2MG
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Mayne Pharma
FDA application
NDA214154

What is Nextstellis?

From the FDA label:NEXTSTELLIS ® (drospirenone and estetrol tablets) is an oral contraceptive. It is supplied in a transparent PVC/aluminum blister card containing 28 tablets: 24 pink active tablets contain 3 mg drospirenone and 14.2 mg of estetrol on the anhydrous basis. Drospirenone is a synthetic progestin and estetrol is a synthetic estrogen. 4 white inert tablets. The chemical name for estetrol is estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,15α,16α,17α-tetrol monohydrate. It has a molecular formula of C 18 H 24 O 4 ∙H 2 O and a molecular weight of 322.4 g/mol, equivalent to 304.4 g/mol (anhydrous). Estetrol has the following chemical structure: Estetrol (monohydrate) is a white to off-white crystalline solid that is poorly soluble in water and aqueous solutions. It is soluble in methanol, ethanol, sparingly soluble in acetone, and slightly soluble in ethyl acetate and acetonitrile. Drospirenone is chemically described as (6R,7R,8R,9S,10R,13S,14S,15S,16S,17S)-1,3',4',6,6a,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,15a,16-hexadecahydro10,13-dimethylspiro-[17H-dicyclopropa-[6,7:15,16]cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-17,2'(5H)-furan]-3,5'(2H)-dione). It has a molecular weight of 366.5 g/mol, a molecular formula of C 24 H 30 O 3 , and the structural formula below: Drospirenone is a white to almost white or slightly yellow crystalline powder. It is a neutral molecule with slight solubility in water. The active tablet is a 6 mm, round pink…

How to use

Take one tablet by mouth at the same time every day. ( 2.1 ) Take tablets in the order directed on the blister pack. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage and Administration Start NEXTSTELLIS using a Day 1 start. Take one tablet by mouth at the same time every day with or without food. 2.2 Additional Administration Information To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, take one tablet every day at about the same time each day. The recommended dosage of NEXTSTELLIS is one tablet daily for 28 consecutive days: one pink active tablet daily during the first 24 days followed by one white inactive tablet daily during the 4 following days (see Table 1 ). Table 1 NEXTSTELLIS Administration Instructions Starting NEXTSTELLIS in females with no current use of hormonal contraception Important: In females with irregular menstrual cycles, pregnancy testing may be necessary prior to initiation of this product. Day 1 Start : Take the first pink active tablet on the first day of menses. Take subsequent pink active tablets once daily at the same time each day for a total of 24 days. Take one white inert tablet daily for 4 days and at the same time of day that active tablets were taken. Begin each subsequent 28-day pack on the same day of the week as the first cycle pack (i.e., on the day after taking the last tablet) If not starting on the first day of menses, use a non-hormonal contraceptive…

Side effects

The following clinically significant adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in labeling: Serious cardiovascular events including venous and arterial thromboembolism [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Liver disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥2%): bleeding irregularities, mood disturbance, headache, breast symptoms, dysmenorrhea, acne, weight increased, and libido decreased ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mayne Pharma at 1-844-825-8500 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of one drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data provided reflect the experience with the use of NEXTSTELLIS in two large prospective studies, one in Europe/Russia (C301) and one in North America (C302) (N = 3,632) of NEXTSTELLIS for the prevention of pregnancy in females 16-50 years of age. The mean duration of NEXTSTELLIS exposure was 317 and 257 days for the respective studies. The study population was 27 years of age on average, with a mean BMI of 25 kg/m 2 . The racial distribution was…

FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)

Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in females over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, CHCs, including NEXTSTELLIS, are contraindicated in females who are over 35 years of age and smoke. [See Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Females over 35 years old who smoke should not use NEXTSTELLIS ( 4 ) Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination oral contraceptive (COC) use. ( 4 )

Warnings

Important safety information

Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems : Stop NEXTSTELLIS if a thrombotic or thromboembolic event occurs. Start no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery. Consider all cardiovascular risk factors before initiating in any female, particularly in the presence of multiple risk factors. ( 5.1 ) Hyperkalemia : Check serum potassium concentration during the first NEXTSTELLIS treatment cycle in females on long-term treatment with medications that may increase serum potassium concentration. ( 5.2 , 7.2 ) Hypertension : Monitor blood pressure periodically and stop use if blood pressure rises significantly. ( 5.3 ) Migraine : Discontinue if new, recurrent, persistent, or severe migraines occur. ( 5.4 ) Hormonally-Sensitive Malignancy: Discontinue NEXTSTELLIS if a hormonally-sensitive malignancy is diagnosed. ( 5.5 ) Liver Disease : Withhold or permanently discontinue for persistent or significant elevation of liver enzymes. ( 5.6 ) Glucose Tolerance and Hypertriglyceridemia : Monitor glucose in females with prediabetes or diabetes. Consider an alternate contraceptive method for females with hypertriglyceridemia. ( 5.8 ) Gallbladder Disease and Cholestasis : Consider discontinuing NEXTSTELLIS in females with symptomatic gallbladder or cholestatic disease. ( 5.9 ) Bleeding Irregularities and Amenorrhea : May cause irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. Evaluate for other causes if symptoms persist. ( 5.11 ) 5.1 Thromboembolic Disorders and Other Vascular Problems Stop NEXTSTELLIS if an arterial or venous thrombotic/thromboembolic event occurs. Stop NEXTSTELLIS if there is unexplained loss of vision, proptosis, diplopia, papilledema, or retinal vascular lesions and evaluate for retinal vein thrombosis immediately. Discontinue NEXTSTELLIS during prolonged immobilization. Start NEXTSTELLIS no earlier than four weeks after delivery in females who are not breast feeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the likelihood of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week. Before starting NEXTSTELLIS, evaluate any past medical history or family history of thrombotic or thromboembolic disorders and consider whether the history suggests an inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathy. NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with a high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic/thromboembolic diseases [see Contraindications (4) ] . Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events Use of CHCs increases the risk of cardiovascular events and cerebrovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The risk is greater among females over age 40, smokers, and females with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or obesity. The risk increases with age, particularly in females 35 years of age and older, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. In addition to cigarettes, use of other nicotine-containing products – including cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookah tobacco, e-cigarettes, and nicotine replacement therapy – may also increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events from CHC use. Venous Thromboembolism Use of CHCs also increases the risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The rate of VTE in females using COCs has been estimated to be 3 to 9 cases per 10,000 woman-years and should be considered in the context of other female of reproductive potential subpopulations who are not taking CHCs [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Risk factors for VTEs include smoking, obesity, family history of VTE, and prolonged immobilization in addition to other factors that contraindicate use of CHCs [see Contraindications (4) ] . The presence of multiple risk factors for VTE may increase the risk synergistically. The risk of VTE is highest during the first year of CHC use and when restarting hormonal contraception after a break of four weeks or longer. The risk of VTE returns to baseline approximately 3 months after CHC use is discontinued. Postpartum Venous Thromboembolism The risk of VTE is increased during the first six weeks postpartum compared to the risk in non-pregnant, non-postpartum females. The risk is highest in the first three weeks postpartum , but remains higher than baseline until at least six weeks postpartum. The presence of multiple risk factors for VTE may further increase the risk. Obstetric complications may extend the elevated risk up to 12 weeks postpartum. Figure 1 shows the risk of developing a VTE for females who are not pregnant and do not use COCs, for females who use COCs, for pregnant females, and for females in the postpartum period. To put the risk of developing a VTE into perspective: if 10,000 females who are not pregnant and do not use oral contraceptives are followed for one year, between 1 and 5 of these females will develop a VTE. Figure 1 Likelihood of Developing a VTE Two prospective studies of NEXTSTELLIS have been conducted, one in Europe/Russia (NCT02817828; C301) and one in North America (NCT02817841; C302) (N=3,632), for the prevention of pregnancy in females 16-50 years of age. There was one reported VTE in the Europe/Russia study [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Figure 1 5.2 Hyperkalemia NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia (e.g., renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and adrenal insufficiency). Females receiving daily, long-term treatment for chronic conditions or diseases with medications that may increase serum potassium concentration should have their serum potassium concentration checked during the first treatment cycle. Monitor serum potassium concentration in females at increased risk for hyperkalemia (i.e., those females who take a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor long-term and concomitantly with NEXTSTELLIS). [see Drug interactions (7) ] . Monitor females taking NEXTSTELLIS who later develop medical conditions and/or begin medication that put them at an increased risk for hyperkalemia. NEXTSTELLIS contains drospirenone, a progestin, which has anti-mineralocorticoid activity, including the potential for hyperkalemia in high-risk females, comparable to a 25 mg dose of spironolactone. In two Phase 3 trials of NEXTSTELLIS (N = 3,632) for the prevention of pregnancy in females 16-50 years of age, seven subjects were noted to have hyperkalemia and one subject discontinued due to elevated potassium levels. Most females who developed hyperkalemia in the clinical development studies of NEXTSTELLIS had only mild potassium elevations and/or isolated increases that returned to normal while still on study medication. 5.3 Hypertension NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Contraindications (4) ] . For all females, including those with well-controlled hypertension, monitor blood pressure periodically and stop NEXTSTELLIS if blood pressure rises significantly. An increase in blood pressure has been reported in females using COCs. This increase is more likely in older females with extended duration of use. 5.4 Migraine NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females who have migraines with aura [see Contraindications (4) ] . Discontinue NEXTSTELLIS in females using NEXTSTELLIS who develop new migraines that are recurrent, persistent, or severe. Discontinue NEXTSTELLIS if there is an increased frequency or severity of migraines during CHC use (which may be prodromal of a cerebrovascular event). Migraines with aura increase the risk for stroke. This stroke risk is further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of CHCs. 5.5 Malignant Neoplasms Breast Cancer NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive [see Contraindications (4) ]. Epidemiology studies have not found a consistent association between use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and breast cancer risk. Studies do not show an association between ever (current…

Who should not take Nextstellis

NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions: A history of, increased risk for, or current arterial or venous thrombotic/thromboembolic diseases. Examples include females who are known to: - Smoke, if 35 years of age and older [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] - Have current or history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] - Have cerebrovascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] - Have coronary artery disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] - Have thrombogenic valvular or thrombogenic rhythm diseases of the heart (for example, subacute bacterial endocarditis with valvular disease, or atrial fibrillation) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] - Have inherited or acquired hypercoagulopathies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] - Have uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] - Have diabetes mellitus with hypertension or end-organ damage; or diabetes mellitus of > 20 years duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] - Have migraine headaches with aura [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Current diagnosis of, or history of, breast cancer, which may be hormone-sensitive [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hepatic adenoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, acute hepatitis, or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Use of hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, due to the potential for ALT elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Abnormal uterine bleeding that has an undiagnosed etiology [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Adrenal insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] A high risk of arterial or venous thrombotic diseases ( 4 ) Breast cancer or history of breast cancer ( 4 ) Hepatic adenoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, acute hepatitis or decompensated cirrhosis ( 4 ) Co-administration with hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir ( 4 , 7.1 ) Abnormal uterine bleeding that has an undiagnosed etiology ( 4 ) Renal impairment ( 4 ) Adrenal insufficiency ( 4 )

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Overdosage of CHCs may cause nausea, vomiting, and severe headaches. Individual reports of thromboembolic complications and vaginal bleeding have occurred from overdosage. Pediatric patients with unintended CHC ingestion have reported nausea and vomiting and some developed irritability and drowsiness; rare reports described vaginal bleeding. Overdosage Management Recommendations Consider short-term prophylactic anticoagulation therapy for patients with high risk of VTE. Monitor serum potassium and sodium levels, and for evidence of metabolic acidosis.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Interactions

CYP3A Inducers: May lead to contraceptive failure and/or increase breakthrough bleeding. Avoid concomitant use. If concomitant use is unavoidable, use an alternative or back-up contraceptive method during co-administration and up to 28 days after discontinuation of the CYP3A inducer. ( 7.1 ) See Full Prescribing Information for additional clinically significant drug interactions ( 7 ). 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on Hormonal Contraceptives Clinically significant drug interactions with other drugs that affect NEXTSTELLIS are presented in Table 5. Table 5. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions With Other Drugs that Affect NEXTSTELLIS CYP3A Inducers Clinical Effect DRSP is a CYP3A4 substrate. Concomitant use with strong CYP3A inducers or certain moderate or weak CYP3A inducers may decrease DRSP exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may lead to contraceptive failure. Prevention or Management Strong CYP3A Inducers Avoid concomitant use. If concomitant use is unavoidable, use an alternative contraceptive method (e.g., intrauterine system) or backup non-hormonal contraceptive method during coadministration and up to 28 days after discontinuation of the strong CYP3A inducer. Moderate and Weak CYP3A Inducers Use an alternative or backup contraceptive method during coadministration and up to 28 days after discontinuation of the CYP3A inducer, unless the Prescribing Information of the specific moderate or weak CYP3A inducer indicates there is no clinically significant interaction with NEXTSTELLIS. Strong CYP3A Inhibitors Clinical Effect DRSP is a CYP3A4 substrate. Concomitant use with a strong CYP3A inhibitor may increase DRSP exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may increase the risk of adverse reactions of NEXTSTELLIS, including hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Prevention or Management Consider monitoring serum potassium concentration in patients who take a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor long-term and concomitantly with NEXTSTELLIS. Drugs that May Reduce the Absorption of NEXTSTELLIS Clinical Effect Concomitant use with drugs such as bile acid sequestrants may decrease the E4 and DRSP exposure, which may lead to contraceptive failure and/or an increase in breakthrough bleeding. Prevention or Management Separate time of administration of NEXTSTELLIS and the concomitant drug. Refer to the concomitant drug's Prescribing Information for additional information. 7.2 Effects of NEXTSTELLIS on Other Drugs Table 6 includes clinically significant drug interactions with NEXTSTELLIS that affect other drugs. Table 6. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions of NEXTSTELLIS on Other Drugs Anti-Diabetic Drugs Clinical Effect Concomitant use of NEXTSTELLIS may reduce the blood glucose lowering effect of anti-diabetic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) . Prevention or Management Increase frequency of glucose monitoring and increase anti-diabetic drug dosage, as needed, based on glucose levels. Drugs that may increase serum potassium concentration Clinical Effect There is a potential for an increase in serum potassium concentration in females taking NEXTSTELLIS with other drugs that may increase serum potassium concentration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. Prevention or Management Monitor serum potassium concentration in females at increased risk for hyperkalemia. Lamotrigine Clinical Effect Concomitant use of NEXTSTELLIS may decrease lamotrigine exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce efficacy of lamotrigine. Prevention or Management Adjust lamotrigine dosage as recommended in its Prescribing Information based on NEXTSTELLIS initiation or discontinuation. Systemic Corticosteroids Clinical Effect Concomitant use of NEXTSTELLIS may increase the exposure of certain systemic corticosteroids, which may increase the risk of corticosteroid-related adverse reactions [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) . Prevention or Management Follow the recommendation for the corticosteroid in accordance with its Prescribing Information. Consider more frequent monitoring for corticosteroid adverse reactions when used concomitantly with NEXTSTELLIS. Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy Clinical Effect Concomitant use of NEXTSTELLIS may increase thyroid-binding globulin concentration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]. Prevention or Management Monitor thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and follow the recommendation for thyroid hormone replacement in accordance with its Prescribing Information.

Dosage forms

Kit

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

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Frequently asked questions

How is Nextstellis rated?
pharmaranks gives Nextstellis a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
Is there a coupon or discount for Nextstellis?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Nextstellis. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Nextstellis?
Nextstellis is marketed by Mayne Pharma. You can see Mayne Pharma's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Nextstellis a brand-name or generic drug?
Nextstellis is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Drospirenone and Estetrol.
Is Nextstellis available over the counter?
No. Nextstellis is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Nextstellis come in?
Nextstellis is currently marketed as kit, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Nextstellis FDA-registered?
Nextstellis is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA214154. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Nextstellis been recalled by the FDA?
Nextstellis has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Nextstellis safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Nextstellis a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Nextstellis?
Nextstellis's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in labeling: Serious cardiovascular events including venous and arterial thromboembolism [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Live… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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