Yaz
Generic Name:
Drospirenone, Ethinyl estradiol
Yaz Description:
Yaz is an oral contraceptive that is used to prevent pregnancy in women, treat various symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and also to treat moderate acne. The medication contains estrogen hormones and drospirenone, a type of progestin, which work together to prevent ovulation.
Yaz Side Effects:
Certain serious side effects have been associated with Yaz. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms. Women who smoke or who are over the age of 35 are at an increased risk for experiencing severe side effects. Serious side effects include:
- Liver cancer
- Severe liver bleeding
- Liver tumors
- High blood pressure
- Breast cancer
- Gallbladder disease
- Stroke
- Heart Attack
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Pulmonary embolism
For more information, see our Yaz side effects page.
Yaz Uses:
Yaz prevents pregnancy by inhibiting the process of ovulation. The medication stops eggs from being released from the body, which prevents fertilization from occurring. Yaz also thickens the cervical and uterine lining during treatment. Due to the thickened uterine lining, the uterus may be ill-prepared to host a fertilized egg, and the the sperm may have difficulty entering the uterus.
Yaz may also be used to treat acne in women aged 14 years old or older and who have experienced their first menstrual cycle.
PMDD symptoms may also be treated by Yaz and include the following:
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Joint or muscle pain
- Fatigue
Yaz Interactions:
Certain medications may interact negatively with Yaz. Inform your doctor of the use of any medications, supplements, vitamins or herbal products.
Yaz Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Patients should follow their doctor's instructions when taking Yaz. Each pill pack contains 24 active pills. The first active pill should be taken on a Sunday or the first day of your period. Pills should be administered at the same time every day. A new pack should be started once the current pack is finished.
Missing a Dose
The risk of becoming pregnant is increased if a pill is missed. If you forget to take an active pill, take the pill when you remember and take the next pill at the next scheduled time. Patients may take two pills in one day.
If two active pills are missed during the first or second week of the pack, two pills should be taken the day you remember, and the following day two pills should also be administered. Then, one pill should be taken every day until there are no pills remaining in the pack. A backup form of birth control is recommended for one week.
During the third or fourth week of the pack, if two pills are missed do not take any of the remaining pills and talk to your doctor about further dosing instructions. Use a backup form of birth control for seven days following a missed pill.
Overdosing
Side effects associated with a Yaz overdose are typically limited to nausea, vomiting or vaginal bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention following an overdose.
Yaz FDA Approval:
March 16, 2006
Approved in October 2006 to treat symptoms of PMDD
Approved in January 2007 to treat moderate acne
Yaz Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
A Black Box warning exists for Yaz warning consumers of the risk of cardiovascular side effects that may surface in patients who smoke while taking the medication. This risk increases with age and women who are over the age of 35 or who smoke 15 or more cigarettes daily may be at a higher risk. Cardiovascular side effects may occur and include blood clot, stroke and heart attack.
Certain serious side effects experienced by women taking Yaz or Yasmin have caused many people to seek additional information about the contraceptives. To receive comprehensive information about treatment options and Yaz side effects, please fill out the packet request form on this page or call 800-452-0949.
Sources:
- http://www.yasmin.com/html/index.html
- http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/potassium-000320.htm
- http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4742
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pulmonary-embolism/DS00429
- http://www.apsfa.org/pesymptoms.htm
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000156.htm
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/deep-vein-thrombosis/DS01005
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallstones/DS00165/DSECTION=symptoms
- http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles
/what_surgical_procedures_gallstones_gallbladder_disease__000010_8.htm - http://www.yaz.com/html/index.html
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