Yasmin

Yasmin (and its branded generics) is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing two hormones: drospirenone (a progestin) and ethinyl oestradiol (an estrogen). Both hormones operate together to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation (releasing an egg from the ovary), modifying cervical mucus to block sperm motility, and producing an unpleasant environment for the fertilised egg by changing the uterine lining (womb).

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Yasmin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Yasmin:

• Take your first pill on the first day of your period, or the first Sunday after it begins. When you initially start taking this medicine, you may need to use back-up birth control such as condoms or spermicide.
• Take one pill daily, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills have run out, start a new pack the next day.
• You may experience breakthrough bleeding, particularly within the first three months. Inform your doctor if the bleeding persists or is severe.
• If you need significant surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to discontinue this medication for a brief period. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should be aware that you are using Yasmin.

The most common side effects of Yasmin include:

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Breast tenderness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Stomach pain or discomfort.
• Fluid retention.
• Weight gain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Yasmin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Heart attack symptoms include chest pain, stomach discomfort, perspiration, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.
• Stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, vision problems, headaches, and difficulty walking.
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg) causes leg cramping, swelling, pain, and muscle tightness.
• Cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a racing heart are symptoms of a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs).
• Liver disorders include yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, fatigue, and stomach aches.
• Severe depression or other mood changes.
• Increased risk of cervical and breast cancer.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Yasmin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Yasmin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Adrenal gland disorder.
• Kidney disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Heart disease (coronary artery disease, history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot).
• A history of blood clots.
• Circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes).
• History of hormone-related cancer, such as breast cancer.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Liver disease or liver cancer.
• Severe headaches.
• History of jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.
• Take any hepatitis C medication containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (Technivie).
• High cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
• Taking Yasmin with medications that raise potassium levels, like ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, ibuprofen, NSAIDs, or potassium supplements, can put you more at risk.

Boxed Warning

Women over the age of 35 who smoke are advised not to use oral hormonal contraceptives, as smoking significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular complications. This risk becomes even greater with age and heavy smoking (15 or more cigarettes per day). Women using oral contraceptives should be strongly advised to avoid smoking.

• Kidney, liver, or adrenal gland issues.
• Women older than 35 who smoke.
• High risk of blood clots.
• Blood vessel disorders affecting the heart or brain.
• Abnormal uterine bleeding whose cause has yet to be identified by your provider.
• A history of specific heart problems.
• Unmanaged high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Pregnancy.
• Breast cancer (current or past), which may be hormone sensitive.
• Headaches affecting the spinal cord or brain.
• Migraine headaches, with or without aura, in those above the age of 35.
• Liver tumor.
• Currently taking Viekira Pak (dasabuvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir).

If you start taking it after the first five days of your period, it will take seven days to take effect. If you miss pills or think you may be pregnant, call your health care provider right away.

When Yasmin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they works or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

Phenytoin.

Carbamazepine.

Spironolactone.

Ketoconazole.

Lamotrigine.

St. John’s Wort.

Depending on the branded generic prescribed by your provider, your drug may look different and have somewhat different directions. Please take the medication exactly as prescribed by your clinician. In general:

Yasmin (and its branded generics) is available as a 28-day pre-packaged medicine course. There are 21 active tablets, each containing 3 mg drospirenone and 30 mcg ethinylestradiol. There are seven placebo tablets, which do not contain any active medication.

The typical dose is to take one active tablet by mouth every day for 21 days, followed by one placebo tablet every day for the next 7 days. The tablets must be taken in the sequence indicated on the pharmaceutical box.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Bayer is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Yasmin.

There are lower-cost generics available of Yasmin and various other brands.

To discontinue Yasmin, simply stop taking the pills, regardless of whether you have completed your current box. There is no need to wean or reduce your dosage. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about your decision, especially if you have any health issues or plan to get pregnant.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using Yasmin and contact your doctor straight away if you become pregnant or miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have just had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before using this medication.

Yasmin's hormones can get into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. This medication may potentially reduce breast milk production. Do not use if you are breastfeeding.