Comprehensive medication guide to Vestura including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0 copay for most insured patients under ACA preventive care mandate for generic drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol; Tier 1–2 on most commercial plans; Medicaid covers at $0.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$78–$178 retail per 28-day pack (Vestura brand discontinued; generic equivalents $27–$154); as low as $6–$27 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons.
Medfinder Findability Score
78/100
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Vestura is a combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone (3 mg) and ethinyl estradiol (0.02 mg). It was manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals as a branded generic of Yaz. Each 28-day pack contains 24 active hormone tablets and 4 inert placebo tablets, following a 24/4 monophasic regimen.
The Vestura brand name has been discontinued by Teva Pharmaceuticals. However, the same active ingredients — drospirenone 3 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg — remain available from multiple manufacturers under brand names including Nikki, Loryna, Gianvi, and as an unbranded generic.
Vestura is FDA-approved for three indications: contraception (prevention of pregnancy), treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in females aged 14 and older who also desire oral contraception. It is not a controlled substance and does not require any special DEA authorization to prescribe or dispense.
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Vestura works primarily by suppressing ovulation. The hormones ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone inhibit the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, suppressing the release of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which prevents egg release. Clinical studies showed more than 90% ovulation inhibition with the 24/4 regimen.
Drospirenone, the progestin component, is a spironolactone analogue with unique properties: it has antimineralocorticoid activity (reduces water retention by blocking aldosterone receptors) and antiandrogenic activity (blocks androgen receptors, which is why Vestura helps treat acne and PMDD). The 24/4 schedule minimizes hormonal fluctuations, which is key to its effectiveness for PMDD.
Secondary mechanisms include thickening cervical mucus (making it harder for sperm to reach an egg) and thinning the uterine lining (reducing the likelihood of implantation). These backup mechanisms further enhance its contraceptive efficacy to over 99% with perfect use.
3 mg / 0.02 mg — tablet (28-day pack)
24 active tablets (drospirenone 3mg + ethinyl estradiol 0.02mg) + 4 inert placebo tablets
The Vestura brand was discontinued by Teva Pharmaceuticals. Pharmacies can no longer order new Vestura stock, and any remaining inventory has been depleted. However, the medication itself is not in an active FDA shortage — the active ingredients (drospirenone 3 mg / ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg) are widely available from other manufacturers.
Generic equivalents including Nikki, Loryna, Gianvi, and unbranded drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol are stocked at most major pharmacy chains. Localized stocking gaps can occur for specific generic brands. The findability score of 78/100 reflects that the drug class is generally available but some patients may need to shop around for their preferred specific generic.
If you're having trouble locating a specific drospirenone/EE generic, medfinder can call pharmacies in your area to find which ones have your preferred formulation in stock and text you the results.
Vestura (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) is not a controlled substance and can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber without special DEA authorization or additional certification. No prescriber-specific REMS program applies.
Telehealth providers are a convenient option in all 50 states. Platforms including Nurx, Pandia Health, Amazon Clinic, and Hims/Hers can prescribe drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol via online consultation and ship medication directly to patients.
No. Vestura (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. There are no special prescribing restrictions, no DEA registration requirements, and no limits on the number of refills based on controlled substance scheduling.
Any licensed prescriber — including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — can prescribe Vestura or its generic equivalents without special authorization. Prescriptions can be phoned in, faxed, or sent electronically like any other non-controlled medication. Refills can be authorized for up to 12 months without an in-person visit in most states.
The following side effects occur in 1-10% of users and are generally mild and temporary, often improving after the first 2-3 months:
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Nikki
FDA-approved generic equivalent to Vestura/Yaz with the most similar inactive ingredient profile. Same 24/4 monophasic regimen.
Loryna
Widely available Yaz generic (drospirenone 3mg/EE 0.02mg). Most commonly stocked at major chain pharmacies.
Gianvi
Common pharmacy-dispensed Yaz generic. Often auto-substituted when Vestura is unavailable.
Yaz
Original brand-name version with identical active ingredients. More expensive but guaranteed same formulation.
Beyaz
Contains drospirenone 3mg/EE 0.02mg plus levomefolate calcium (folate). FDA-approved for contraception, PMDD, and acne.
Prefer Vestura? We can find it.
Rifampin (rifamycins)
majorSignificantly reduces contraceptive effectiveness by inducing CYP3A4 metabolism of hormones. Use backup contraception.
Hepatitis C combination regimens (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir)
majorCONTRAINDICATED — can cause ALT elevations >5x ULN. Stop Vestura before starting; restart 2 weeks after completing treatment.
Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, topiramate, oxcarbazepine)
majorCYP3A4 inducers that reduce contraceptive hormone levels. May decrease efficacy.
ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril, etc.)
moderateCombined with drospirenone's antimineralocorticoid effect, can raise potassium to dangerous levels. Monitor potassium.
Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, eplerenone, triamterene)
moderateAdditive potassium-raising effect with drospirenone. Monitor potassium levels during first month.
Lamotrigine
moderateEthinyl estradiol significantly decreases lamotrigine blood levels, potentially reducing seizure control. Dose adjustment may be needed.
St. John's Wort
majorHerbal CYP3A4 inducer that can reduce contraceptive effectiveness. Avoid concurrent use or use backup contraception.
ARBs (losartan, valsartan, etc.)
moderateAdditive potassium-raising effect with drospirenone. Monitor potassium.
While Teva's decision to discontinue the Vestura brand name was frustrating for the many patients who had come to rely on it, the good news is that the medication's active ingredients are still widely available. FDA-approved generics including Nikki, Loryna, Gianvi, and plain drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol deliver the same therapeutic benefits at often much lower prices.
If you've recently been switched from Vestura to a new generic and are experiencing unexpected side effects, give the new formulation 2-3 cycles before concluding it isn't working. If symptoms persist, ask your doctor about Nikki (the most similar inactive ingredient profile to Vestura) or brand-name Yaz.
For help finding your preferred drospirenone/EE generic in stock near you, medfinder calls local pharmacies on your behalf and texts you results — so you never have to spend time on hold again.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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