Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that you use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

To make using oral contraceptives as safe and reliable as possible, you should understand how and when to take them and what effects may be expected.

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medicine is available in blister packs. Each blister pack contains 28 tablets with different colors (pink and white) that need to be taken in the same order as directed on the blister pack.

Take this medicine at the same time each day. You may take it with or without food. Birth control pills work best when no more than 24 hours pass between doses.

Do not skip or delay taking your pill by more than 24 hours. If you miss a dose, you could get pregnant. Ask your doctor for ways to help you remember to take your pills or about using another method of birth control.

You may have light bleeding or spotting when you first take the pill.

You may feel sick or nauseated, especially during the first few months that you take this medicine. If your nausea is continuous and does not go away, call your doctor.

If you are switching from another birth control method (eg, pill, transdermal patch, vaginal ring) to using Nextstellis™, take the medicine on the day you would have usually taken your next pill. Do not continue taking the pills from your previous birth control pack. If you have used a vaginal ring, or patch, take the pill on the day the ring, or patch is reapplied.

If you are switching from another birth control method (eg, intrauterine device or intrauterine system) to using Nextstellis™, take the medicine on the day your IUD or IUS are removed. You must also use a second method of birth control (eg, condom, spermicide) for the first 7 days you take this medicine.

If you are switching from a progestin-only method (eg, implant, injection) to using Nextstellis™, take the medicine on the day you would have removed your implant or on the day you would have your next injection.

If you have a miscarriage or abortion after the second trimester or if you gave birth and chose not to breastfeed, you may start using this medicine after 4 weeks to prevent the risk of having blood clots. You must also use a second method of birth control (eg, condom, spermicide) for the first 7 days you take this medicine.

If you have a miscarriage or abortion after the second trimester or less, you must also use a second method of birth control (eg, condom, spermicide) for the first 7 days you take this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Your doctor will ask you to begin your dose on the first day of your menstrual period (called Day 1 start). When you begin on a certain day it is important that you follow that schedule, even if you miss a dose. Do not change your schedule on your own. If the schedule that you use is not convenient, check with your doctor about changing it. If you cannot start taking the pills on the first day of your menstrual period, you need to use another form of birth control (eg, condom, spermicide) for the first 7 days.

You should begin your next and all subsequent 28-day regimens of therapy on the same day of the week as the first regimen began and follow the same schedule.

  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For contraception (to prevent pregnancy):
      • Adults—One pink tablet (active) taken at the same time each day for 24 days in a row followed by one white (inert) tablet once a day for 4 days per menstrual cycle.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

This medicine has specific patient instructions on what to do if you miss a dose. Read and follow these instructions carefully, and call your doctor if you have any questions.

If you miss 1 pink pill, take it as soon as you can. Then take your next pill at the regular time. This means, you may take two pills in one day. Continue taking 1 pill every day until you finish the pack.

If you miss 2 or more pink pills on week 1 or 2, take a pill as soon as you can. Then take your next pill at the regular time. This means, you may take two pills in one day. Throw away the other missed pills. Continue taking 1 pill every day until you finish the pack. Use a second form of birth control (eg, condom, spermicide) for 7 days after you miss a dose.

If you miss 2 or more pink pills on week 3, take a pill as soon as you can. Then take your next pill at the regular time. This means, you may take two pills in one day. Throw away the other missed pills. Continue taking 1 pill every day until you finish the pink pills in the pack. Throw out the rest of the white pills in the pack and start a new pack the next day. Use a second form of birth control (including condom, spermicide) for 7 days after you miss a dose.

If you miss 1 or more white pills, skip the missed pill and continue taking 1 pill every day until you finish the pack.

If you vomit or have diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours of taking the pills, treat this as a missed dose and take a new pill as soon as you can. Then take your next pill within 12 hours of the regular time. If you miss 2 or more pills, follow the instructions in the patient leaflet or call your doctor or you may use another form of birth control.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: July 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.