800-452-0949

Yaz

Generic Name: 

Drospirenone, Ethinyl estradiol

Brand Names: 

Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella

Yaz Description: 

Yaz is an oral contraceptive used by women to prevent pregnancy, treat acne and treat the symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The medication contains the hormone estrogen and a type of progestin called drospirenone to prevent ovulation.  

Yaz Side Effects: 

Certain serious side effects have been linked to Yaz. If you experience any of the following side effects, seek immediate medical attention. Women over the age of 35 and those who smoke are at an increased risk for experiencing severe side effects. Serious side effects include:

For more information, see our Yaz side effects page.

Yaz Uses: 

Yaz prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, the process that occurs in women when a mature egg is released from the ovary. Since ovulation does not occur, an egg is not released for the sperm to fertilize following intercourse. Yaz also alters the uterine lining and causes the cervical lining to thicken. Should an egg be released, the sperm would experience difficulty entering the uterus due to the thickened cervical lining, which further prevents pregnancy. The uterine lining also changes, making the uterus ill-prepared to host a fertilized egg.

Yaz also treats moderate acne in women 14 years of age or older, who have already experienced their first menstrual cycle and elect to use birth control medication as a contraceptive.

PMDD symptoms may also be treated by Yaz. Symptoms associated with PMDD include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Breast tenderness
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Weight gain
  • Lethargy
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

Yaz should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Each pill pack contains 24 “active pills” which contain hormones to prevent pregnancy. Begin taking the first active pill on the first day of your period or on a Sunday. Take one pill at the same time daily until the pill pack is complete. Once the pill pack is out of pills, begin a new pill pack.

Missing a Dose

If you miss a dose of Yaz, the risk of pregnancy increases. If an active Yaz pill is missed, take the pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill at the normal time. You may take two pills in one day.

If two active pills are missed during the first or second week of pills in the pack, take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the following day before taking one pill each day afterward until the pill pack is complete. A backup form of birth control is recommended for one week.

During the third or fourth week of the pill pack, if two pills are missed, throw away the remaining pack and begin a new pack that day if a pill pack is typically started on the first day of your period. If you typically begin a pill pack on a Sunday, continue taking a pill each day until Sunday and then throw away the pill pack and begin a new one. 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 over the age of 35 who smoke 15 or more cigarettes daily are at an increased risk. Cardiovascular side effects 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 Yaz, side effects and treatment options please fill out the packet request form on this page or call 800-452-0949.

Sources: 
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  3. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4742
  4. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pulmonary-embolism/DS00429
  5. http://www.apsfa.org/pesymptoms.htm
  6. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000156.htm
  7. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/deep-vein-thrombosis/DS01005
  8. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallstones/DS00165/DSECTION=symptoms
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    /what_surgical_procedures_gallstones_gallbladder_disease__000010_8.htm
  10. http://www.yaz.com/html/index.html