What Is Vestura? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Vestura is a combination oral contraceptive that contains two hormones: drospirenone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). It was manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals as a branded generic of Yaz. While the Vestura brand has been discontinued, the drug's active ingredients remain available in multiple generic forms. Here's a complete guide to what it is, what it treats, and how to take it.

What Is Vestura?

Vestura is a monophasic combination oral contraceptive. "Monophasic" means every active tablet has the same hormone dose throughout the cycle. Each 28-day pack contains:

• 24 active pink tablets — each containing drospirenone 3 mg + ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg
• 4 inert (placebo) tablets — no active hormones; taken during the "reminder" days

Vestura is classified as a low-dose contraceptive because its active tablets contain only 20 mcg (0.02 mg) of ethinyl estradiol, which is at the lower end of estrogen doses in combination pills.

What Is Vestura Used For?

Vestura has three FDA-approved indications:

1. Contraception — Prevention of pregnancy in females of reproductive potential. When taken correctly (one pill daily), it is over 99% effective.
2. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) — FDA-approved for women who choose to use an oral contraceptive as their method of birth control. PMDD symptoms include severe mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and physical symptoms that significantly impact daily life in the weeks before menstruation.
3. Moderate Acne — FDA-approved for women 14 years and older who also desire oral contraception. Drospirenone's antiandrogenic activity helps reduce acne by lowering androgen (male hormone) levels that can drive breakouts.

How Is Vestura Different From Other Birth Control Pills?

What sets Vestura (and its Yaz-family generics) apart from many other combination pills:

• Fourth-generation progestin (drospirenone) — with antimineralocorticoid (anti-bloating) and antiandrogenic (anti-acne) properties, unlike older progestins
• 24/4 schedule — 24 active + 4 placebo days (vs. the traditional 21/7), which may provide more hormone-free interval flexibility
• Low estrogen dose — 20 mcg EE vs. 30-35 mcg in many standard combo pills
• FDA-approved for PMDD and acne — not all combination pills have these approvals

Vestura Dosage and How to Take It

Take one tablet daily by mouth, at the same time every day (no more than 24 hours apart), in the order shown on the blister pack. You may take it with or without food. Taking it with your evening meal or at bedtime can reduce nausea.

When to start:

• Day 1 start: Take your first pill on the first day of your period. You're protected immediately.
• Sunday start: Take your first pill on the first Sunday after your period begins. Use backup birth control for the first 7 days.

What Happens If You Miss a Pill?

Missing pills increases the risk of pregnancy. General rules:

• Miss 1 active pill: Take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at the regular time (may take 2 in one day). No backup needed.
• Miss 2 or more active pills: Follow the package instructions carefully; use backup contraception for at least 7 days.

Who Should Not Take Vestura?

Vestura is not appropriate for everyone. Do not take it if you:

• Are over 35 and smoke
• Have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack
• Have kidney disease, liver disease, or adrenal insufficiency
• Are pregnant or recently had a baby (wait at least 4 weeks postpartum)
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, or hormone-sensitive cancers

Finding Vestura (or a Generic) Near You

Since Vestura brand is discontinued, you'll need to find a generic equivalent. medfinder can locate pharmacies near you that have drospirenone/EE generics in stock without requiring you to make dozens of phone calls.

To understand the science of how Vestura works, see How Does Vestura Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.