Nextstellis is a combined oral contraceptive that pairs two hormones: drospirenone (a progestin) and estetrol (an estrogen). The key difference is that estetrol structurally matches a hormone naturally produced by a developing fetus and is synthesized from soy, unlike the synthetic ethinylestradiol used in most combined pills including Yaz and Yasmin. Together, the two hormones suppress ovulation to prevent pregnancy. It is approved for sale in the US under the name Nextstellis by the FDA, and in Europe under the name Drovelis by the EMA. Both names refer to the exact same medicine — only the regional trade name differs.

Nextstellis has a single indication: preventing pregnancy in females of reproductive potential choosing hormonal contraception. In clinical studies of about 3,400 women, roughly 2 in 100 became pregnant unintentionally within the first year of correct use. Like other combined hormonal contraceptives, Nextstellis does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms should be used alongside it for that purpose.

Nextstellis comes in a 28-tablet pack: 24 pink active tablets (drospirenone 3 mg + estetrol 14.2 mg) followed by 4 white inactive tablets. Take one tablet daily at the same time — the 24 pink tablets first, then the 4 white tablets — and start a new pack the next day with no break in between. If one active tablet is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If two or more are missed, take the most recently missed tablet plus the current day's tablet, then use backup contraception for 7 days.

Common side effects (reported in ≥2% of users in clinical studies) include irregular bleeding between periods, mood changes, headache, breast tenderness, painful periods, acne, weight gain, and decreased libido. These usually improve within the first 2-3 cycles as the body adjusts to the hormones. Severe symptoms such as leg swelling/redness/warmth, severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or an unusually severe headache require stopping the pill and seeking medical care immediately, as they may signal a blood clot — a shared risk across all estrogen-containing combined pills, not unique to Nextstellis.

Nextstellis should not be used by people who smoke and are 35 or older, have a history of blood clots or stroke, have had a heart attack, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain types of migraine (especially with aura), breast cancer, severe liver or kidney disease, or adrenal insufficiency. People with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher may find the pill less effective, as with other combined hormonal contraceptives. Always share your complete health history with a doctor or pharmacist before starting, including any family history of heart or vascular disease, so your individual risk can be assessed properly.

• Yaz (Drospirenone + Ethinylestradiol) — uses traditional synthetic ethinylestradiol, in a 24+4 tablet regimen. Choose it for a long track record and familiarity.
• Yasmin (Drospirenone + Ethinylestradiol) — a 21+7 tablet regimen, also using ethinylestradiol. Choose it if you prefer the 21-days-on, 7-days-off pattern.

All three share the same progestin, drospirenone — the main difference is the estrogen type and the number of active days per pack. Quick summary: choose Nextstellis for a newer estrogen (estetrol) different from the ethinylestradiol in most pills; choose Yaz or Yasmin for a long-established combined hormone formula with more accumulated safety data.

Certain medicines that induce liver enzymes (CYP3A4) may reduce the effectiveness of Nextstellis, such as some anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin), the antibiotic rifampin, St. John's Wort, and certain antiviral drugs. Conversely, Nextstellis itself may also affect blood levels of some other medicines. If any of these are needed, use backup contraception and always tell your doctor or pharmacist you are on this pill before starting any new medicine.

Starting the first pill within the first 5 days of your cycle gives immediate protection against pregnancy with no backup method needed. Starting on any other day requires backup contraception, such as condoms, for at least the first 7 days. In clinical studies of about 3,400 women, Nextstellis had a Pearl Index of 0.38-2.42 depending on age group (a lower number means better protection), comparable to other combined hormonal pills when taken correctly and consistently every day without missing a dose.

Where to buy Nextstellis?

Order online at Intimo Life for delivery nationwide across Thailand in 1-3 business days, packed discreetly with no product name on the parcel.