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WARNING
CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combinedhormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in femalesover 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 andsmoke. [See CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
NEXTSTELLIS™ (drospirenone and estetrol tablets) is an oral contraceptive. It is supplied in a transparent PVC/aluminum blister cards containing 28 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 C18H24O4•H2O and a molecular weight of 322.4 g/mol, equivalent to 304.4 g/mol (anhydrous). Estetrol has the following chemical structure:
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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-[17Hdicyclopropa-[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 C24H30O3, and the structural formula below:
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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 film-coated tablet which contains 3 mg of drospirenone and 15 mg of estetrol as the monohydrate, equivalent to 14.2 mg of estetrol on the anhydrous basis, and the following inactive ingredients: corn starch, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone, and sodium starch glycolate. Each tablet is embossed on one side with a drop-shaped logo. The pink film-coating has the following inactive ingredients: hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, iron oxide red, talc, and titanium dioxide
The inert tablet is a 6 mm, round white film-coated tablet which contains the inactive ingredients corn starch, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate. Each tablet is embossed on one side with a drop-shaped logo. The film-coating has the following inactive ingredients: hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, talc, and titanium dioxide.
NEXTSTELLIS is indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy.
NEXTSTELLIS may be less effective in females with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². In females with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², decreasing effectiveness may be associated with increasing BMI [see Clinical Studies].
Start NEXTSTELLIS using a Day 1 start. Take one tablet by mouth at the same time every day with or without food.
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:
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| Switching to NEXTSTELLIS from another contraceptive method | Start NEXTSTELLIS on the day: |
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| Starting NEXTSTELLIS after delivery (>20 weeks gestation) | Must not start earlier than 4 weeks after delivery (due to the increased risk of thromboembolism [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] If menstrual cycles have returned, follow instructions for “Starting NEXTSTELLIS in females with no current use of hormonal contraception”. If menstrual cycles have not resumed, consider the possibility of ovulation and pregnancy. If not pregnant, use additional nonhormonal contraception for the first 7 days of NEXTSTELLIS use. |
Starting NEXTSTELLIS after Abortion or Miscarriage
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Within the first 7 days of complete first trimester abortion or miscarriage, use additional nonhormonal contraception for the next 7 days. After the first 7 days, follow instructions for “Starting NEXTSTELLIS in females with no current use of hormonal contraception”. |
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After 4 weeks following second trimester abortion or miscarriage. Consider duration of pregnancy and increased risk of thromboembolism [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] If menstrual cycles have returned, follow instructions for “Starting NEXTSTELLIS in females with no current use of hormonal contraception.” If menstrual cycles have not resumed, consider the possibility of ovulation and pregnancy. If not pregnant, use additional nonhormonal contraception for the first 7 days of NEXTSTELLIS use. |
Table 2 :Instructions for Missed NEXTSTELLLIS Tablets in a Monthly Dosing Regimen
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Take the missed tablet as soon as possible and take the next tablet at the scheduled time, even if two active tablets are taken in one day. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. |
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Take one missed tablet as soon as possible and take the tablet for the current day (that means taking two tablets in one day) and discard the other missed tablets. Continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. Use additional non-hormonal contraception as back-up until pink tablets have been taken for 7 consecutive days. |
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Take one missed tablet as soon as possible and take the tablet for the current day (that means taking two tablets in one day) and discard the other missed tablets. Finish the active tablets and discard the inactive tablets in the pack. Start a new pack of tablets the next day. Use additional non-hormonal contraception as back-up until pink tablets have been taken for 7 consecutive days. |
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Skip the missed pill days and continue taking one tablet a day until the pack is finished. |
If vomiting or acute diarrhea occurs within 3 to 4 hours after taking an active tablet, take the new active tablet (scheduled for the next day) as soon as possible. Take the new tablet within 12 hours of the usual time of tablet-taking if possible. If more than two tablets are missed, follow the advice concerning missed tablets, including using backup non-hormonal contraception. For additional recommendations, refer to the table above [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
NEXTSTELLIS (drospirenone and estetrol tablets) is available in a blister card, with 28 6-mm round, bi-convex film-coated tablets in the following order:
NEXTSTELLIS (drospirenone and estetrol tablets) is available in a blister card, with 28 6-mm round, bi-convex film-coated tablets in the following order:
24 pink active film-coated tablets containing 3 mg drospirenone and 14.2 mg estetrolembossed with a drop-shaped logo on one side.
4 white inert film-coated tablets embossed with a drop-shaped logo on one side. NEXTSTELLIS is supplied in cardboard cartons containing 1 blister card of 28 tablets: NDC 51862-258-01.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Dispose unused medication via a take-back option if available. Otherwise, follow FDA instructions for disposing medication in the household trash, www.fda.gov/drugdisposal. Do NOT flush down the toilet.
Manufactured for: MaynePharma LLC, 1240 Sugg Parkway, Greenville, NC 27834.Revised: Apr 2022
The following clinically significant adverse reactions with the use of COCs are discussed elsewhere in labeling:
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/m². The racial distribution was 83% White; 11% Black; 3% Asian; and 3% Other.
Table 4 :Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of Females Receiving NEXTSTELLIS inStudies C301 and C302
| Preferred Term (PT) | Participants with Adverse Reaction -US/Canada Phase 3 trial (n [%]) (N = 2073)* |
Participants with Adverse Reaction -Two Phase 3 trials (n [%]) (N=3632)** |
| Any adverse reaction*** | 1205 (58.1) | 2126 (58.5) |
| Mood disturbance1 | 226 (10.9) | 329 (9.1) |
| Bleeding irregularities2 | 201 (9.7)) | 393 (10.8) |
| Breast symptoms3 | 110 (5.3) | 197 (5.4) |
| Headache4 | 100 (4.8) | 227 (6.3) |
| Dysmenorrhea5 | 84 (4.1) | 133 (3.7) |
| Weight increased6 | 68 (3.3) | 108 (3.0) |
| Acne7 | 66 (3.2) | 136 (3.7) |
| Libido decreased/lost8 | 27 (1.3) | 72 (2.0) |
| *Represents the safety population of C302 only (US/Canada). **Represents the safety population of C301/C302 for DRSP/E4. ***Any adverse reaction equals any adverse event ≥ 2%. 1. Includes PTs: adjustment disorder, affective disorder, agitation, anger, anxiety, depressed mood, depression, depressive symptom, disorientation, emotional disorder, emotional distress, euphoric mood, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, irritability, mood altered, mood swings, nervousness, panic attack, panic disorder, performance fear, restlessness, sleep disorder, stress, suicidal ideation, tearfulness 2. Includes PTs: abnormal withdrawal bleeding, amenorrhea, cervix hemorrhage uterine, coital bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, menometrorrhagia, menorrhagia, menstrual disorder, menstruation irregular, metrorrhagia, oligomenorrhea, polymenorrhea, uterine hemorrhage, vaginal hemorrhage. 3. Includes PTs: anisomastia, breast cyst, breast discoloration, breast discomfort, breast disorder, breast engorgement, breast enlargement, breast mass, breast edema, breast pain, breast swelling, breast tenderness, fibrocystic breast disease, galactorrhea, gynecomastia, mastoptosis, nipple disorder, nipple pain. 4. Includes PTs headache, premenstrual headache, and tension headache. 5. Includes PTs adnexa uteri pain, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual cramps, pelvic discomfort, pelvic pain, uterine spasm. 6. Includes PTs: weight increased, weight fluctuation, body mass index increased, weight loss poor, and obesity. 7. Includes PTs acne and cystic acne. 8. Includes PTs: libido decreased and loss of libido |
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Of 3,632 females in two clinical studies for prevention of pregnancy in females 16-50 years of age, 9.6% discontinued due to an adverse reaction; the most frequent adverse reaction leading to discontinuation was bleeding irregularity (2.8%). Six subjects (0.17%) discontinued study participation due to new onset of migraine with aura; two subjects (0.05%) discontinued due to severe migraine.
During studies C301 and C302, one thromboembolic event was reported in a female who had been taking NEXTSTELLIS for 75 days and had normal BMI < 25 kg/m².
In Study C302 (US/CA), 36 (1.7%) subjects reported depression while using NEXTSTELLIS. Nine (0.3%) subjects had drug withdrawn as a result of symptoms of depression.
Five studies that compared breast cancer risk between ever-users (current or past use) of COCs and never-users of COCs reported no association between ever use of COCs and breast cancer risk, with effect estimates ranging from 0.90 - 1.12 (Figure X).
Three studies compared breast cancer risk between current or recent COC users (<6 months since last use) and never users of COCs (Figure X). One of these studies reported no association between breast cancer risk and COC use. The other two studies found an increased relative risk of 1.19 - 1.33 with current or recent use. Both of these studies found an increased risk of breast cancer with current use of longer duration, with relative risks ranging from 1.03 with less than one year of COC use to approximately 1.4 with more than 8-10 years of COC use.
Figure 2 :Relevant Studies of Risk of Breast Cancer with Combined Oral Contraceptives
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RR = relative risk; OR = odds ratio; HR = hazard ratio. “ever COC” are females with current or past COC use; “never COC use” are females that never used COCs.
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], 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], which may increase the risk of adverse reactions of NEXTSTELLIS, including hyperglycemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. | |
| 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. | |
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 and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY.] |
| 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 and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. |
| 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], 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.] |
| 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 and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. |
| Prevention or Management | Monitor thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and follow the recommendation tor thyroid hormone replacement in accordance with its Prescribing Information. |
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
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].
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, andfemales 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.
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 beenestimated to be 3 to 9 cases per 10,000 woman-years and should be considered in the contextof other female of reproductive potential subpopulations who are not taking CHCs [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
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]. 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 nonpregnant, 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
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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 theprevention of pregnancy in females 16-50 years of age. There was one reported VTE in the Europe/Russia study [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
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). [seeDRUG INTERACTIONS]. 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.
NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. 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.
NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females who have migraines with aura [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. 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.
NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females who currently have or have had breast cancer because breast cancer may be hormonally sensitive [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
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 or past) use of COCs and risk of breast cancer. However, some studies report a smallincrease in the risk of breast cancer among current or recent users (<6 months since last use)and current users with longer duration of COC use [see Postmarketing Experience].
A causal relationship between the use of CHCs and the development of cervical cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia has not been clearly established. In observational studies, the use of oral hormonal contraceptives in females for five years or more, compared to females who did not use oral hormonal contraceptives, was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia. In these studies, the use of oral hormonal contraceptives in females for 10 years or more, compared to females who received oral hormonal contraceptives for 5-9 years, was associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer and intraepithelial neoplasia. Limitations in these epidemiologic studies include potential recall bias, differences in sexual behavior, and other factors such as establishing whether there were data on persistent high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection.
NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with acute hepatitis or severe (decompensated) cirrhosis [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Withhold or permanently discontinue NEXTSTELLIS forpersistent or significant elevation of liver enzymes. NEXTSTELLIS can cause elevated liver enzymes.
NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with hepatic adenomas and malignant liver tumors [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. CHCs increase the risk of hepatic tumors, particularly hepaticadenomas. Rupture of hepatic adenomas may cause death from abdominal hemorrhage.
CHCs, such as NEXTSTELLIS, are contraindicated for use with Hepatitis C drug combinations containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (with or without dasabuvir) [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Discontinue NEXTSTELLIS prior to starting therapy with the combination drug regimen ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (with or without dasabuvir). NEXTSTELLIS can be restarted approximately 2 weeks following completion of treatment with this hepatitis C combination drug regimen.
During clinical trials with the above-mentioned Hepatitis C combination drug regimen, ALT elevations greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), including some cases greaterthan 20 times the ULN, were significantly more frequent in females using ethinyl estradiol (EE)-containing drugs, such as CHCs. Females using medications containing estrogens other than EE had a rate of ALT elevation similar to those not receiving any estrogens. NEXTSTELLIS contains E4 rather than EE, but as no data are available for co-administration with this Hepatitis C combination drug regimen, caution is warranted.
Carefully monitor females with prediabetes and diabetes who are using NEXSTELLIS. NEXTSTELLIS may decrease glucose tolerance [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Consider alternative contraception for females with hypertriglyceridemia. Females with hypertriglyceridemia, or a family history thereof, may have an increase in serum triglyceride concentrations when using NEXSTELLIS, which may increase the risk of pancreatitis.
Consider discontinuing NEXTSTELLIS in females with symptomatic gallbladder disease or cholestatic disease. Studies suggest an increased risk of developing gallbladder disease amongCHC users. Use of CHCs may also worsen existing gallbladder disease.
A past history of CHC-related cholestasis predicts an increased risk with subsequent CHC use. Females with a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis may be at an increased risk for CHCrelatedcholestasis.
Increase the dosage of thyroid hormone replacement therapy as needed in females taking NEXTSTELLIS [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. The estrogen component of NEXTSTELLIS may increase the serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, and cortisol-binding globulin.
Females using NEXTSTELLIS may experience unscheduled (breakthrough or intracyclic) bleeding and spotting, especially during the first 4 months of use. Bleeding irregularities mayresolve over time or by changing to a different contraceptive product. If bleeding persists or occurs after previously regular cycles, evaluate for causes such as pregnancy or malignancy.
Unscheduled bleeding was defined as bleeding or spotting that occurred on Day 4 through Day 24 of a 28-day cycle. Based on subject diaries from C302 (US/CA), the proportion of subjectsreporting unscheduled bleeding or spotting per 28-day cycle decreased over time: 30.3% at Cycle 1 versus 17.4% at Cycle 12. The mean number of unscheduled bleeding/spotting days per cycle also gradually decreased over time, with a mean of 0.4 (± 1.42) bleeding days at Cycle 1, versus a mean of 0.2 (± 0.98) bleeding days at Cycle 12.
Females who use NEXTSTELLIS may experience absence of scheduled (withdrawal) bleeding, even if they are not pregnant [See ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The proportion of subjects reportingabsence of scheduled bleeding remained constant overall, with on average 15.5% of subjects reporting absence of scheduled bleeding from Cycles 1 through 12.
If scheduled bleeding does not occur, consider the possibility of pregnancy. If the patient has not adhered to the prescribed dosing schedule (missed one or two active tablets or started takingthem on a day later than prescribed), consider the possibility of pregnancy at the time of the first missed period and perform appropriate diagnostic measures.
After discontinuation of NEXTSTELLIS, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea may occur, especially if these conditions were pre-existent.
Monitor females with a history of depression and discontinue NEXTSTELLIS if depression recurs to a serious degree. Data on the association of COCs with onset of depression or exacerbationof existing depression are limited.
Avoid NEXTSTELLIS in females with hereditary angioedema. Exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of hereditary angioedema.
Avoid NEXTSTELLIS in females with a history of chloasmagravidarum or increased sensitivity tosun and/or ultraviolet radiation exposure. Chloasma may occur with NEXTSTELLIS use,especially in females with a history of chloasmagravidarum.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-Approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions of Use).
Advise females that NEXTSTELLIS does not protect against HIV infection or other sexually transmitted infections.
Instruct females to take one tablet daily by mouth at the same time every day. Advise patients about what to do in the event that pills are missed [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Advise females to contact their healthcare professional if signs or symptoms of hyperkalemia develop [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise females that NEXTSTELLIS can cause an increase in blood pressure over time. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare professional if blood pressure increases [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise females that use of NEXTSTELLIS can cause elevated liver enzymes and can increase the risk of liver tumors. Instruct females to contact their healthcare professional for any signs or symptoms of liver disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise females that NEXTSTELLIS may decrease glucose tolerance. Instruct females with diabetes and prediabetes to contact their healthcare professional for any signs or symptoms ofhyperglycemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Advise females that use of NEXTSTELLIS is associated with an increased risk of developing and/or worsening gallbladder disease. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare professional forany signs or symptoms of gallbladder disease [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise females that NEXTSTELLIS can cause unscheduled bleeding and spotting, as well as amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea. Advise females to contact their health care professional ifamenorrhea occurs in two or more consecutive cycles or symptoms of pregnancy occur, e.g., morning sickness or unusual breast tenderness. Instruct females to stop NEXTSTELLIS if pregnancy is confirmed during use [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Advise females that NEXTSTELLIS can cause chloasma and the risk is highest in females with a history of chloasma, especially chloasmagravidarum. Instruct females to take precautions tolimit UVA and UVB exposure while using NEXTSTELLIS [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise postpartum females that NEXTSTELLIS may reduce breast milk production. Advisefemales that this reduction is less likely to occur if breast-feeding is well established [see Use In Specific Populations].
NEXTSTELLIS may interact with many drugs, foods, and dietary supplements. Therefore,advise females to report to their healthcare professional the use of any other prescription ornonprescription drugs or dietary supplements [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
In a 24-month oral carcinogenicity study in mice with doses up to 10 mg/kg/day DRSP, equating to 2 times the maximum clinical exposure (based on AUC), there was an increase in carcinomasof the harderian gland in the high dose DRSP group. In a similar study in rats given doses up to 10 mg/kg/day DRSP, 10 times the maximum clinical exposure (based on AUC), there was an increased incidence of benign and total (benign and malignant) adrenal gland pheochromocytomas in the high dose DRSP group.
Mutagenesis studies for DRSP were conducted in vivo and in vitro and no evidence of mutagenic activity was observed. E4 is not considered to be genotoxic based on weight of evidence from in vivo and in vitro mutagenesis studies.
Discontinue NEXTSTELLIS if pregnancy occurs, because there is no reason to use hormonal contraceptives during pregnancy [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Epidemiologic studies and metaanalyseshave not found an increased risk of genital or nongenital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following exposure to COCs before conception or during early pregnancy. Reproductive toxicity studies performed with E4 alone have shown expected pharmacologic effects in animals, which are considered consistent with estrogen exposure.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4 percent and 15 to 20 percent, respectively.
Contraceptive hormones and/or metabolites are present in human milk. COCs can reduce milkproduction in breast-feeding females. This reduction can occur at any time but is less likely tooccur once breast-feeding is well established. When possible, advise the nursing woman to use other methods of contraception until she discontinues breast-feeding [see also DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. The developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for NEXTSTELLIS and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from NEXTSTELLIS or from the underlying maternal condition.
After oral administration of /DRSP 3 mg/EE 30 μg, about 0.02% of the DRSP dose was excreted into the breast milk of postpartum females within 24 hours. This results in a potential maximal daily dose of less than 1 μg DRSP in an infant.
Safety and efficacy of NEXTSTELLIS have been established in females of reproductive potential. The study population of C302 [see Clinical Studies] was in females of reproduction age 16- 50 years of age. Use of NEXTSTELLIS before menarche is not indicated.
NEXTSTELLIS has not been studied in postmenopausal females and is not indicated in this population.
NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with hepatic impairment [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The mean exposure to drospirenone (DRSP) in femaleswith moderate liver impairment is approximately three times higher than the exposure in females with normal liver function. NEXTSTELLIS has not been studied in females with severe hepatic impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females with renal impairment [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In subjects with creatinine clearance (CLcr) of 50–79 mL/min, serum DRSP levels were comparable to those in a control group with CLcr ≥ 80 mL/min. In subjects with CLcr of 30–49mL/min, serum DRSP concentrations were on average 37% higher than those in the control group. In addition, there is a potential to develop hyperkalemia in subjects with renal impairment whose serum potassium is in the upper reference range, and who are concomitantly using potassium sparing drugs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No clinically significant difference was observed between the pharmacokinetics of E4 or DRSP depending on race [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
The safety and efficacy of NEXTSTELLIS in females with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² have not been adequately evaluated.
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.
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.
NEXTSTELLIS is contraindicated in females who are known to have or develop the following conditions:
CHCs prevent pregnancy primarily by suppressing ovulation.
Drospirenone is a spironolactone analogue with anti-mineralocorticoid and antiandrogenicactivity. The estrogen in NEXTSTELLIS is estetrol, a synthetic analogue of a native estrogenpresent during pregnancy, that is selective for nuclear estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) and ER-β.
A clinical study evaluated the effect of NEXTSTELLIS on the suppression of ovarian activity as assessed by measurement of follicle size via transvaginal ultrasound and serum hormone(progesterone and estradiol) analyses in two of the three treatment cycles (24-day active tablet period plus 4-day pill-free period). No ovulations were observed during the study.
At a dose 5 times the maximum recommended dose (i.e., supra-therapeutic dose of 15 mg DRSP /71 mg E4), NEXTSTELLIS does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.
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].
A drug-drug interaction study of DRSP 3 mg /E2 1 mg versus placebo was performed in 24 mildly hypertensive postmenopausal females taking enalapril maleate 10 mg twice daily. Potassium concentrations were obtained every other day for a total of 2 weeks in all subjects. Mean serum potassium concentrations in DRSP/E2 treatment group relative to baseline were 0.22 mEq/L higher than those in the placebo group. Serum potassium concentrations also were measured at multiple time points over 24 hours at baseline and on Day 14. On Day 14, the ratios for serum potassium Cmax and AUC in the DRSP/E2 group to those in the placebo group were 0.955 (90% CI: 0.914, 0.999) and 1.010 (90% CI: 0.944, 1.08), respectively. No patient in either treatment group developed hyperkalemia (serum potassium concentrations > 5.5 mEq/L).
Table 7 displays pharmacodynamic effects of CHCs on hemostatic, metabolic, and endocrineparameters.
Table 7: Pharmacodynamics Effects of CHCs on Hemostatic, Metabolic, andEndocrine Parameters
| Category | Direction of Change1 | ||
| Increase | Decrease | No change | |
| Coagulation Factors | ↑Platelet count; factors II, VII antigen, VIII coagulant activity, IX, X, XII, VII-X complex, and beta-thromboglobulin; fibrinogen and fibrinogen activity; plasminogen antigen and activity | ↓(Accelerated) Prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and platelet aggregation time ↓Anti-factor Xa and antithrombin III, antithrombin III activity |
|
| Corticosteroids | ↑Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), total circulating corticosteroids | - | - |
| Glucose | - | ↓Glucose tolerance | - |
| Lipids | ↑ | ↓ Low-density lipoprotein concentration | Plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and HDL2 cholesterol subfraction concentration, triglyceride levels |
| Mineralocorticoids | ↑ Aldosterone | ||
| Plasma proteins | ↑ Concentrations of angiotensinogen/renin substrate, alpha-1 antitrypsin, ceruloplasmin | - | - |
| Sex hormones | ↑ Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) | ↓ Possible decreased free testosterone concentrations ↓Androstenedione, progesterone, free testosterone, estradiol | DHEA-S, FSH, LH,Dihydrotestosterone |
| Thyroid hormones | ↑Thyroxin-binding globulin (TBG), total thyroid hormone levels, total T4 and T3 levels | ↓T3 resin uptake | ↔ TSH, Free T4 and free T3 concentrations in females with normal thyroid function |
The pharmacokinetic properties of E4 and DRSP following administration of NEXTSTELLIS are provided in TABLE 8.
Table 8: Pharmacokinetics of E4 and DRSP
| E4 | DRSP | |
| Multiple-dose pharmacokinetics parameters | ||
| Mean (CV%) Cmax, ng/mL | 17.9 (68.1) | 48.7 (24.6) |
| Mean (CV%) AUC0-24h, ng*hr/mL | 59.1 (24.3) | 519.0 (27.7) |
| Dose Proportionality | 15 mg to 75 mg | 1-10 mg |
| Time to Steady State, days | 4 | 10 |
| Accumulation Ratio | 1.6 | 2.3 |
| Absorption | ||
| Median (range) Tmax, hours | 0.5 (0.5 to 2) | 1.0 (1.0 to 3.0) |
| Effect of high-fat meal (relative to fasting) | ||
| Geometric Mean (90% CI) Cmax, Ratio | 0.51 (0.37, 0.70) | 0.75 (0.66, 0.84) |
| Geometric Mean (90% CI) AUC0-INF, Ratio | 1.01 (0.86, 1.19) | 1.08 (1.02, 1.14) |
| Distribution | ||
| Plasma Protein Binding | 46% to 50% | 95% to 97%a |
| Elimination | ||
| Elimination Half-life, hours | 27b | 34 |
| Metabolism | ||
| Primary Pathways | Phase 2 metabolism to form glucuronide and sulphate conjugates which have negligible in-vitro estrogenic activity. In vitro studies show that UGT2B7 is the dominant UGT isoform that catalyzes the formation of E4-16-glucuronide | CYP3A4; two main metabolites: acid form of DRSP generated by opening of lactone ring and the 4,5-dihydrodrospirenone formed by reduction followed by sulfation. Both metabolites are not pharmacologically active. |
| Excretion | ||
| Primary Pathways | ||
| % Dose in Urine | 69% (0% unchanged) | 38% |
| % Dose in Feces | 22% (100% unchanged) | 44% |
| a Bound primarily to albumin b Undergoes enterohepatic recycling Cmax= Maximum plasma concentration; AUC0-t= Area under the plasma concentration-time curve integrated from time of administration (0) to time of last quantifiable observation (t); AUC0-INF= Area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time of administration extrapolated to infinity from AUC0-t; CI= Confidence interval; Tmax= Time to maximum concentration |
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No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of E4 or DRSP in females were observed based on race/ethnicity (Japanese and Caucasian).
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of E4 is unknown.
The mean exposure to DRSP is approximately three times higher in females with moderate liver impairment than the exposure in females with normal liver function. The effect of severe hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of DRSP is unknown.
The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of E4 is unknown. The mean serum DRSP concentrations increased by 37% in subjects with CLcr of 30 to 49 mL/min on a low potassiumdiet using potassium-sparing drugs. No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of DRSP were observed based on CLcr of 50 to 79 mL/min. DRSP treatment did not show any clinically significant effect on serum potassium concentration. Although hyperkalemia was not observed in the study, in five of the seven subjects who continued use of potassium-sparing drugs during the study, mean serum potassium concentrations increased by up to 0.33 mEq/L.
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitor: Concomitant use of a COC containing DRSP 3 mg/EE 20 μg withketoconazole (strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased the AUC0-24h and Cmax of DRSP by 2.68-fold(90% CI: 2.44, 2.95) and 1.97-fold (90% CI: 1.79, 2.17), respectively.
CYP3A4 Inducer: Concomitant use of a COC containing DRSP 3 mg/EE 20 μg with high dose (strong CYP3A induction) and low dose of rifampin (weak CYP3A4 induction) decreased theAUC0-24h of DRSP by 86% (90% CI: 85%, 87%) and 30% (90% CI: 25%, 34%), respectively.
UGT2B7 Inhibitor: No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of NEXTSTELLIS were observed when used concomitantly with valproic acid (UGT2B7 inhibitor).
CYP3A Substrate: Pharmacokinetics of CYP3A substrates midazolam and simvastatin were not influenced by steady state DRSP concentrations achieved after administration of 3 mg DRSP/day.
CYP2C19 Substrate: Daily oral administration of 3 mg DRSP for 14 days did not affect the oral clearance of the CYP2C19 substrate omeprazole (40 mg, single oral dose) and the CYP2C19 product 5-hydroxy omeprazole.
E4 is not a substrate of CYP1A1, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, MATE1, MATE2-K. E4 is unlikely to induce CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP3A4 or inhibit CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, UGT1A9, UGT2B7, drug transporters P-pg, BCRP, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, MATE1 and MATE2-K or at clinically relevant dose.
Estrogens are known to decrease plasma concentrations of lamotrigine, likely due to induction of lamotrigineglucuronidation. No in vitro or in vivo data are available to determine the impact of E4 on lamotrigine exposure.
The efficacy of NEXTSTELLIS was evaluated in a prospective, multicenter, open-label, singlearmstudy in North America (NCT02817841; C302) of one-year duration that enrolled 1,674females 16 to 35 years of age. The mean age was 25.8 years and mean BMI was 25.8 kg/m². Females with a BMI between 30 and 35 kg/m² accounted for 22.3% of the study population. Females with a BMI greater than 35 kg/m² were not enrolled in the study. The racial distribution was 70.1% Caucasian, 19.5% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, 0.9% American Indian or Alaska native, 0.4% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander and 4.2% other.
A total of 26 on-treatment pregnancies occurred in 1,524 females contributing 12,763 at-risk cycles. The overall Pearl Index was 2.65 (95% CI: 1.73-3.88) per 100 woman-years of use. Table9 lists the Pearl Index by BMI subgroup. A trend of decreasing effectiveness with increasing BMI was observed in the study.
Table 9 :Pearl Index Based on At-Risk Cycles and Reported Pregnancies in Females ≤ 35Years of Age in Study C302
| Subgroup | N* | On- treatment pregnancies | At-risk cycles | Pearl Index (95% CI) |
| Study C302 | 1524 | 26 | 12,763 | 2.65 (1.73, 3.88) |
| BMI (kg/m²) | ||||
| < 30 | 1,187 | 20 | 10,113 | 2.57 (1.57, 3.97) |
| ≥ 30 to < 35** | 337 | 6 | 2,650 | 2.94 (1.08, 6.41) |
| * N = all females aged 16-35 with at least 1 at-risk cycle. **One female with a BMI of 48 kg/m² was enrolled and included in the efficacy analysis. |
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NEXTSTELLIS
(NEXT ste LIS)
(drospirenone and estetrol tablets)for oral use
What is the most important information I should know about NEXTSTELLIS?
Do not use NEXTSTELLIS if you smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from birth control pills, including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. The risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.
What is NEXTSTELLIS?
How does NEXTSTELLIS work for contraception?
Your chance of getting pregnant depends on how well you follow the directions for taking your birth control pills. The better you follow the directions, the less chance you have of getting pregnant.
Based on the results of one clinical study of a 2 regimen of drospirenone 3 mg and estetrol14.2 mg tablets, about 2 out of 100 females may get pregnant within the first year they use NEXTSTELLIS.
The following chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for females who use different methods of birth control. Each box on the chart contains a list of birth control methods that are similar in effectiveness. The most effective methods are at the top of the chart. The box on the bottom of the chart shows the chance of getting pregnant for females who do not use birth control and are trying to get pregnant.
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Do not take NEXTSTELLIS if you:
If any of these conditions happen while you are taking NEXTSTELLIS, stop taking NEXTSTELLIS right away and talk to your healthcare provider. Use non-hormonal contraception when you stop taking NEXTSTELLIS.
Before taking NEXTSTELLIS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. If you are currently on daily, long-term treatment for a chronic condition with any of the following medicines, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking NEXTSTELLIS:
NEXTSTELLIS may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how well NEXTSTELLIS works.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take NEXTSTELLIS?
What are the possible side effects of NEXTSTELLIS?
Call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital emergency room right away if you have:
Other serious side effects include:
What are the most common side effects of NEXTSTELLIS?
The most common side effects of NEXTSTELLIS include:
These are not all of the possible side effects of NEXTSTELLIS.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Do birth control pills cause cancer?
It is not known if hormonal birth control pills causesbreast cancer. Some studies, but not all, suggest that there could be a slight increase in the risk of breast cancer among current users with longer duration of use.
If you have breast cancer now, or have had it in the past, do not use hormonal birth control because some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones.
Females who use birth control pills may have a slightly higher chance of getting cervical cancer. However, this may be due to other reasons such as having more sexual partners.
What if I want to become pregnant?
You may stop taking the pill whenever you wish. Consider a visit with your healthcare provider for a pre-pregnancy checkup before you stop taking the pill.
What should I know about my period when taking NEXTSTELLIS?
Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may happen while you are taking NEXTSTELLIS, especially during the first 4 months ofuse. If the irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting continues or happens again after you have had regular menstrual cycles, call your healthcare provider. It is important to continue taking your pills on a regular schedule to prevent a pregnancy.
What if I miss my scheduled period when taking NEXTSTELLIS?
Some females miss periods on hormonal birth control, even when they are not pregnant. However, if you go 2 or more months in a row without a period, or you miss your period after a month where you did not take all of your NEXTSTELLIS correctly, call you healthcare provider because you may be pregnant. Also call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness or unusual breast tenderness. Stop taking NEXTSTELLIS if you are pregnant.
What else should I know about taking NEXTSTELLIS?
If you are scheduled for any lab tests, tell your healthcare provider you are taking NEXTSTELLIS. Certain blood tests may be affected by NEXTSTELLIS.
How should I store NEXTSTELLIS?
General information about the safe and effective use of NEXTSTELLIS.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use NEXTSTELLIS for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give NEXTSTELLIS to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about NEXTSTELLIS that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in NEXTSTELLIS?
Active ingredient: Pink tablets: drospirenone and estetrol
Inactive ingredients:
For more information, go to www.maynepharma.com or call 1-844-825-8500
