Dosage Information for Nextstellis: Form, potency, usage, and additional details
Nextstellis is a brand-name drug, approved in the U.S. in 2021, that is used for the prevention of pregnancy. As of mid-2025, there is no generic version of Nextstellis available on the market.
Nextstellis contains a unique combination of two active ingredients: 3mg of drospirenone and 14.2mg of estetrol. Each pack contains 24 active tablets and 4 inactive tablets.
If you're starting Nextstellis, it's essential to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions carefully. If you start on the first day of your menstrual period, Nextstellis starts working immediately. If you start on a different day, it may take up to 7 days for Nextstellis to become effective.
In case of missed doses, here's what you should do:
- If you miss one active tablet, take it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- If you miss two active tablets during week 3 of your menstrual cycle, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember, take that day's tablet on the same day, and continue taking one tablet per day. When you finish taking all the active tablets, throw the inactive tablets out and start a new pack of Nextstellis. Use backup nonhormonal birth control until you've taken the active tablets at the regular time for 7 days in a row.
- If you miss two or more active tablets during weeks 1 or 2 of your menstrual cycle, follow the same steps as above, but also use backup nonhormonal birth control until you've taken the active tablets at the regular time for 7 days in a row.
Remember, if you vomit or have diarrhea 3-4 hours after taking an active tablet, take the next scheduled active tablet (the next day's dose) as soon as possible (within 12 hours).
To help remember your doses, consider downloading a reminder app on your phone or setting an alarm. Some pharmacies also offer labels with large print, braille, or a code for smartphone scanning to convert text to speech.
It's crucial not to take more Nextstellis than your doctor prescribes. Overdose effects can include severe headache, nausea and vomiting, blood clots, vaginal bleeding, feeling irritable or drowsy, and other potential harmful effects. If you think you've taken too much Nextstellis, call your doctor right away, or call America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
In conclusion, Nextstellis is a unique contraceptive with no generic version available as of 2025. If starting Nextstellis on a day other than the first day of the menstrual period, a backup method of contraception (condoms or spermicide) is recommended for the first 7 days. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure about a missed dose or any other concerns regarding Nextstellis.
- The active ingredients in Nextstellis, a brand-name drug used for birth control, are drospirenone and estetrol, with each pack containing 24 active tablets and 4 inactive tablets.
- If a dose of Nextstellis is missed, specific actions should be taken depending on the times and amounts missed, such as taking the missed tablet as soon as remembered and continuing with the regular dosing schedule.
- In case of missed active tablets during week 3 of the menstrual cycle, backup nonhormonal birth control should be used until the active tablets have been taken at the regular time for 7 days in a row.
- Overdose effects of Nextstellis can include severe headache, nausea and vomiting, blood clots, vaginal bleeding, feeling irritable or drowsy, and other potential harmful effects.
- To ensure proper use of Nextstellis, consider using a reminder app, downloading large print labels, or using labels with braille or a code for smartphone scanning from a pharmacy for easier understanding and adherence to the dosing schedule.
