Nextellis: A New Option in Combined Oral Contraception
One of the more recent developments in combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is Nextellis, which received FDA approval in April 2021. Unlike many traditional COCs that use the synthetic estrogen ethinyl estradiol, Nextellis contains estetrol (E4), a novel estrogen that occurs naturally during pregnancy, combined with the progestin drospirenone. Estetrol is noted for its selective actions in the body.
Potential Benefits of Nextellis
Estetrol's unique profile may offer benefits due to its greater tissue selectivity compared to ethinyl estradiol. This could potentially lead to a reduction in some estrogen-related side effects commonly associated with birth control, such as breast tenderness. Nextellis provides an alternative for individuals seeking effective oral contraception with a potentially different side effect profile.
Beyond Combined Pills: Opill and Bijuva
While Nextellis is a significant update in combined pills, other recent advancements in hormonal medications are also relevant. Discussions about new estrogen-progesterone pills often touch upon these distinct developments.
Opill: The First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill
In 2023, Opill (norgestrel) received FDA approval, becoming the first over-the-counter (OTC) daily birth control pill available in the United States. This is a major step for reproductive health access, but it's important to understand that Opill is a progestin-only pill, not a combined estrogen-progesterone pill.
Key facts about Opill:
- Accessibility: Available without a prescription, removing a common barrier to obtaining birth control.
- Composition: Contains only the progestin norgestrel. It's suitable for individuals who cannot use estrogen, such as those with certain health conditions or who are breastfeeding.
- Regimen: Taken daily at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness.
Bijuva: For Menopausal Hormone Therapy
Bijuva (estradiol and progesterone) is another medication that may come up when researching new estrogen-progesterone pills. However, this is a menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) intended to treat moderate to severe hot flashes in women who have a uterus and are experiencing menopause. It is not a contraceptive.
Key facts about Bijuva:
- Hormones: Contains bioidentical estradiol and progesterone in a single oral capsule. These hormones are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body.
- Purpose: The progesterone in Bijuva helps protect the uterine lining from potential risks associated with estrogen therapy, such as an increased risk of uterine cancer.
- Usage: Only for postmenopausal women with a uterus experiencing specific symptoms; it does not prevent pregnancy.
Nextellis vs. Opill: Understanding the Differences
Recent advancements offer different options depending on individual needs. Here's a comparison of two notable recent developments:
| Feature | Nextellis (Estetrol/Drospirenone) | Opill (Norgestrel) |
|---|---|---|
| Hormone Type | Combined (Estrogen and Progestin) | Progestin-Only |
| Hormone Specifics | Estetrol, Drospirenone | Norgestrel |
| Primary Use | Contraception, cycle regulation | Contraception |
| Availability | Prescription only | Over-the-counter |
| Dosing | Daily, typically with a placebo break | Daily, continuous |
| Mechanism | Inhibits ovulation, affects cervical mucus and uterine lining | Primarily thickens cervical mucus |
| Key Benefit | Novel estrogen with potential for fewer side effects | Increased accessibility without a prescription |
The Evolving Landscape of Hormonal Medications
The introduction of medications like Nextellis, Opill, and Bijuva highlights ongoing progress in hormonal pharmaceuticals. For contraception, the focus is on developing formulations with potentially improved tolerability, such as Nextellis with its novel estrogen, and expanding access, exemplified by the OTC availability of Opill. For managing menopausal symptoms, Bijuva offers a bioidentical combination therapy. These advancements provide more choices, underscoring the importance of discussing options with a healthcare provider to find the most suitable treatment based on individual health needs and goals.
Other Recent Contraceptive Innovations
- Slynd: A progestin-only pill containing drospirenone, approved in May 2019, known for a more flexible dosing window.
- Twirla: A weekly contraceptive patch approved in February 2020, containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol.
Conclusion
When considering what is the new estrogen progesterone pill?, it's clear there isn't a single answer, but rather several notable recent innovations in hormonal medications. Nextellis stands out as a new combined pill utilizing a novel estrogen, potentially offering a different side-effect profile for contraception. The approval of Opill as the first over-the-counter daily birth control marks a significant improvement in access, although it is a progestin-only option. For menopausal women, Bijuva provides a bioidentical estrogen-progesterone therapy. These diverse developments reflect a trend towards more tailored and accessible hormonal treatments. Deciding on the best option requires careful consideration of individual health factors and objectives, making consultation with a healthcare professional essential.
The CDC's U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use is a valuable resource for information on broader trends in contraception.
