Nextstellis Birth Control: Side Effects Questions Answered
women’s health
When it comes to buying effective, safe birth control that doesn’t come with invasive and frustrating side effects, what are your options?
If your options feel few and far between, you’re not alone. Birth control has famously been a class of medications that come with side effects from bloating to bleeding and beyond.
That is, until now. Nextstellis is an innovative type of birth control that combines drospirenone (a progestin) and estetrol (an estrogen). Nextellis’s use of a naturally occurring estrogen makes it relatively unique, and, for many, makes this drug’s side effect profile more manageable than many alternatives.
This may sound intriguing—but, when you’re selecting a new form of birth control, you need to know what to expect.
To help you become an informed patient and self-advocate, we’re here to get you all the information you need to know about Nextstellis.
Nextellis 101: What is Nextstellis?
Nextstellis is a combination oral contraceptive pill, or OCP. It contains:
- Drospirenone, a progestin, which can help prevent ovulation, and
- Estetrol, a form of estrogen, which can help stabilize the uterine lining and work to reduce spotting.
Estetrol is a uniquely natural estrogen that comes from plants. (The estrogens found in many other birth control pills are synthesized in labs).
For many people who take Nextstellis, this translates to fewer side effects and better safety–e.g., fewer metabolic effects and blood clotting concerns than may be present in Nextstellis’s alternatives.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that Nextstellis has no side effects.
If you or a loved one starts taking Nextstellis, you should be on the lookout for:
Mild side effects, including spotting between periods, mood changes, headaches, breast pain or tenderness, acne, and a decreased sex drive.
The fact that these are labeled as “mild” side effects doesn’t mean they aren’t important! Experiencing these symptoms can decrease your quality of life, and it’s key to pay attention to them.
However, linking them to your Nextstellis dosage can provide you with critical information about your healthcare plan, and could help you and your doctor determine a way forward for you that includes fewer side effects.
Severe side effects, including risk of hypertension and blood clotting, liver enzyme changes, and possible liver damage.
These are labeled as “severe” risks, which means that if you experience them you do need to talk to your doctor or even pursue emergency treatment.
These more severe side effects are rare, but a real possibility, so make sure you’re keeping an eye on your symptoms as you start taking Nextstellis.
Nextstellis FAQ: What Are People Asking About Nextstellis?
Got questions about Nextstellis? We’ve got answers. Check out these practical responses to the most common queries we see about this birth control option.
Does Nextstellis Cause Weight Gain?
Nextstellis may cause weight gain. Some users of Nextstellis report this as a side effect; others don’t.
Since it’s not a universally experienced side effect, it’s not linked directly to Nextstellis at this time.
Your individual response to this medication could vary, so it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before proceeding.
How Much Does Nextstellis Cost?
In the United States, a pack of 28 tablets of Nextstellis costs about $250.00.
Patients taking Nextstellis will require one tablet per day indefinitely, so this is definitely a medication you’ll need to add to your ongoing healthcare budget.
Or, of course, you could opt to buy your Nextstellis for (much) cheaper by going through an international and online Canadian medication website.
Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy that same pack of 28 tablets of Nextstellis for about $40.00—a savings of up to 84% when compared to the American retail price.
Does Nextstellis Help with Acne?
For some people, taking Nextstellis in conjunction with healthy-skin habits (e.g., washing your face and moisturizing) can improve acne.
Nextstellis’s inclusion of drospirenone gives the drug some anti-androgenic properties. Since having excess androgen can influence acne progression, Nextstellis can reduce acne.
Can I Use Nextstellis While Breastfeeding?
Generally, doctors advise extreme caution with any hormonal drugs when a patient is breastfeeding.
In this specific case, estetrol may be able to pass into your breast milk (and therefore could be exposed to your child), so, discuss this strategy with your doctor before proceeding.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Nextstellis?
If you realize that you’ve missed a dose of your birth control, it’s a good idea to take it as soon as you remember you need to take it—with one critical exception.
If, by the time you remember, it’s actually close to the time you’ll need to take another dose, just take that one dose.
Patients who miss doses accidentally on a regular basis should talk with their doctors about practical ways to make remembering their medication easier, as missing doses frequently can make the medication less effective.
Does Nextstellis Interact with Other Medications?
Nextstellis can interact with other medications.
Before prescribing you Nextstellis, your doctor will look at the range of medications you may be taking. If you are taking any anticonvulsants, antibiotics, or herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort, you may want to consider a Nextstellis alternative.
Can Nextstellis Affect My Mood?
Nextstellis is a form of hormonal birth control. Taking it may affect your mood.
However, just because mood changes are a known side effect of Nextstellis doesn’t mean you need to be okay with feeling sad or depressed long-term. If you do notice significant changes in your mood after starting Nextstellis, talk to your doctor at once.
Is Nextstellis Effective in Preventing Pregnancy?
When Nextstellis is used correctly, it is a very effective method of birth control. One of the key ways to take Nextstellis correctly is to take it consistently–at the same time, every day!
Can Nextstellis Help Regulate My Periods?
For some people, taking Nextstellis can result in more regulated menstrual cycles.
The combined estetrol and drospirenone can result in a more stabilized uterine lining, which may lead to more predictable periods.
Are There Any Long-Term Side Effects of Taking Nextstellis?
Any long-term side effects of taking Nextstellis are rare.
It’s a good idea to know what to look for, though, so you can talk to your doctor as needed.
The possible long-term side effects of Nextstellis include hypertension, blood clots, and liver issues. If you notice any symptoms that point toward these side effects, talk to your doctor at once.
Is It Safe to Take Nextstellis with a History of Blood Clots?
Since one of the severe side effects of Nextstellis is blood clotting, if you have a history of blood clots, you may want to seek an option other than Nextstellis.
Does Nextstellis Provide Protection Against STIs?
No, Nextstellis doesn’t provide protection against STIs.
While you are taking an effective birth control method when you take Nextstellis, it’s still important to follow safe sex best practices.
How Quickly Does Nextstellis Start Working?
If you start Nextstellis on the first day of your menstrual cycle, Nextstellis will be effective immediately.
If you start Nextstellis at any other time during your cycle, it may take up to seven days for the drug to become effective.
Using backup methods of contraceptives during this time is strongly recommended.
Life With Nextstellis: Managing Side Effects, Alternatives, and More
After you and your doctor have decided that Nextstellis is your next best step, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of making sure this medication really works for you, in your very real day-to-day life.
Consider this your Nextstellis user guide: Here’s what you need to know for the best possible experience with this medication.
Tips for Managing Common Nextstellis Side Effects
All medications come with side effects—Nextstellis included. That doesn’t mean that pain, swelling, bloating and mood changes need to be inevitable.
Incorporate these practices into your routine to mitigate the side effects of this birth control method:
Need to manage headaches associated with Nextstellis?
Start by prioritizing hydration. Drink a lot of water and drink it throughout the day.
Think about how much sleep you usually get, then try to ramp it up slowly until you’re getting a more optimal amount of sleep.
Eight hours per night is a general guideline, but you might need more or less—your optimal amount of sleep is specific to you.
Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with ibuprofen and acetaminophen. It’s not the best idea to use these consistently or depend solely upon them for pain relief, but sometimes an OTC pain reliever is the best option when acute pain hits.
Weave relaxation techniques into your day-to-day life, like breathing exercises or some form of easy meditation.
Wondering how to mitigate frustrating mood swings?
Move your body in a way that makes you happy and do it often. Consistent physical activity can release endorphins, which will help you stabilize your mood.
This is extra important if you work a desk job or you work from home. “Try not to remain in your seat for large blocks of time,” says Dr. Brynna Connor, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician who specializes in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. “I often tell my patients to take a short break every hour if sitting at a computer. Your eyes will also thank you, since computer work causes strain to the eyes.”
Prioritize eating a balanced diet, particularly one that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. You can find these acids in seafood, certain nuts and seeds, eggs, and avocados.
Practice more awareness of your moods as they change. It can be helpful to build a journaling practice into your day–whether you keep a note on your phone where you track clear emotional changes, or physically write freehand in a journal to clear your mind before (say) going to bed each night.
Interested in managing your menstrual irregularities?
- Download and use a menstrual cycle tracking app (e.g., Clue or Natural Cycles) to monitor your cycle’s timing and symptoms. This can be very helpful if you keep it updated over time so you can start to see patterns and notice any changes.
- While some level of menstrual irregularity is relatively normal, if these irregularities persist or start to interfere with your quality of life, talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage to help you enjoy a more consistent cycle.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider About Your Nextstellis Use
Nextstellis is a safe medication. You shouldn’t experience anything more serious than bloating or mood changes, which should go away over time (or be easily mitigated).
That said, in some rare cases, patients do need to talk to their doctors about Nextstellis. If you notice any of the following, go talk to your doctor to make sure that everything’s okay.
- Oddly persistent symptoms. If you started taking Nextstellis and then instantly got a headache that never went away, or you have mood swings that just won’t quit despite your best consistent efforts, that’s something to talk about.
- Markedly severe symptoms. If you suddenly experience jaundice, significant blood pressure challenges, a lot of bleeding, or depressive thoughts, don’t dismiss them or explain them away—go talk to your doctor.
- A sudden new onset of symptoms. Let’s say you’ve been taking Nextstellis for a while, and then you suddenly start experiencing a new symptom—e.g., you’re used to headaches at a specific point of your cycle, but seemingly out of nowhere you have a surprisingly dramatic amount of bloating that you can’t explain for any other reason. It may seem like nothing, but it’s worth bringing up to your doctor.
Are There Alternatives to Nextstellis?
If Nextstellis does not suit your needs, you do have other options.
Some similar birth control medications to consider include:
- Yaz, a medication that contains drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. It may have a higher risk of blood clots but is known for helping with PMDD symptoms.
- Yasmin, a medication with the same active ingredients as Yaz, but also known for being helpful with acne.
- Ortho Tri-Cyclen, a medication containing norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol. It’s helpful for acne and regulating menstrual cycles.
Buy Nextstellis Birth Control Right Here
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options you have when it comes to birth control—and, even if you’ve narrowed down your choices to one medication, it can still be overwhelming to read about side effects to determine your best path forward.
Nextstellis should offer most patients a smooth experience and a low-risk side effect profile, but there are still side effects to be aware of. Keep this article handy to be aware of the potential side effects and any mitigation strategies that could be helpful.
When you’re ready to purchase your Nextstellis, we’re here to make that easy for you, too!
Chat with our team of customer service representatives to ask any questions at all you may have about Nextstellis or our processes. Then, when you’re ready, place an order online or over the phone and our Canada pharmacy and international drugs superstore.
We look forward to helping you thrive!
