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Nextstellis vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Nextstellis

 

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Lo Loestrin Fe

 

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Summary for Nextstellis

Prescription only

Nextstellis is a combination birth control pill that's used to help prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones: drospirenone and estetrol. Nextstellis is the first birth control pill that contains estetrol, a new type of estrogen approved in over 60 years that's also made from a plant source. Each blister card has 24 pink active pills and 4 white inactive pills. Each pill is taken by mouth once daily in the order noted in the instructions. The active pills are monophasic, meaning they contain the same amount of hormones throughout the entire pack. Side effects include irregular vaginal bleeding and mood changes.

Indications for Nextstellis

Pros and Cons for Nextstellis

Pros

  • First birth control pill containing estetrol (a different type of estrogen than ethinyl estradiol)
  • Few people had breakthrough bleeding during studies

Cons

  • Must take every day around the same time to work well
  • No lower-cost generic available; brand name only

Common Side Effects for Nextstellis

  • Mood changes or mood swings (11%)
  • Irregular vaginal bleeding (10%)
  • Breast symptoms, like changes in color or size, breast pain, or swelling (5%)
  • Headache (5%)

Warnings for Nextstellis

  • Cigarette smoking and risk for blood clots
  • Blood clots and other complications
  • High potassium levels in the blood
  • High blood pressure
  • Stop taking if you have a migraine
  • Risk for breast and cervical cancer
  • Liver or gallbladder problems
  • High blood sugar
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Possible need for changes to thyroid hormone replacement therapy
  • Irregular bleeding
  • Depression
  • Worsening of other health conditions

Summary for Lo Loestrin Fe

Prescription only

Lo Loestrin Fe is a prescription birth control pill used to help prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones — ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and norethindrone (a progestin) — along with ferrous fumarate, which is an iron supplement. This low-dose combined oral contraceptive (COC) is taken once a day by mouth in a 28-day cycle: 26 days of active pills and 2 days of placebo pills. Some common side effects include spotting, nausea, and breast tenderness.

Indications for Lo Loestrin Fe

Pros and Cons for Lo Loestrin Fe

Pros

  • Contains a very low estrogen dose
  • Shorter, lighter periods compared to other birth control pills
  • Placebo pills have an iron supplement, which might reduce the risk of anemia

Cons

  • Must be taken at the same time every day
  • More breakthrough bleeding or spotting compared to other birth control pills
  • Can raise risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and stroke

Common Side Effects for Lo Loestrin Fe

  • Nausea or vomiting (7%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Irregular bleeding (5%)
  • Menstrual cramps (4%)
  • Changes in weight (4%)
  • Breast tenderness (4%)

Warnings for Lo Loestrin Fe

  • Cigarette smoking and risk for blood clots
  • Blood clots and strokes
  • Liver problems
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar and triglycerides
  • Headache
  • Irregular bleeding
  • Depression
  • Risk for breast and cervical cancer
  • Worsening of other health conditions

Prices with our coupons for Nextstellis vs. Lo Loestrin Fe

Price Card Drug Icon
Nextstellis1 package / 28 tablets of 3mg/14.2mg
$65.00$257.62
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Price Card Drug Icon
Lo Loestrin FE1 package / 28 tablets of 1mg/10mcg/10mcg
$99.00$236.01
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