Q: What is Yasmin?
A: Yasmin is a popular birth control pill that also provides a number of non-contraceptive health benefits. Added benefits of taking Yasmin may include:
- Shorter, more regular menstrual periods.
- Less painful periods.
- Fewer symptoms of PMS.
- Lower risk of anemia from iron deficiency.
- Reduced risk of benign breast or ovarian cysts.
- Lower incidence of ectopic pregnancies.
- Reduced risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian and endometrial cancers.
- Some women who use Yasmin birth control pills also reported a decrease in symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and some types of acne.
Q: What are the active ingredients in Yasmin?
A: Yasmin birth control pills combine two hormones: a progestin called drospirenone and an estrogen called ethinyl estradiol.
Q: How does Yasmin work?
A: Yasmin birth control pills work in two ways:
- Yasmin prevents ovulation. The pills "trick" your body into believing it is pregnant, thus preventing an egg from being released.
- Yasmin thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to fertilize the egg.
Q: What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Yasmin?
A: As with any other birth control pill, certain medical conditions may interact with Yasmin. Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your gynecologist before deciding to use Yasmin, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- You are taking any prescription or over-the-counter-medications, including herbal preparations, vitamins, and dietary supplements.
- You are allergic to any food or medicine.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- You have a history of irregular menstrual periods, endometriosis, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or growths in the uterus.
- You have a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps in the breast, abnormal mammogram, or breast cancer.
- You have a history of stroke or blood clots; diabetes or high blood sugar; high blood pressure; high blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels; high blood calcium or potassium levels; or heart problems.
- You suffer from migraines or severe or persistent headaches; mood swings or depression; or seizures.
- You have a history of adrenal, gall bladder, or liver problems; yellowing of the eyes or skin; or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- You are overweight or you have swelling or thyroid problems.
- You have not had your first menstrual period yet.
Q: How should I take Yasmin?
A: Observe the following precautions while taking Yasmin:
- Take Yasmin only under the guidance of your doctor.
- Take Yasmin orally with or without food, as suggested by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not remove the tablet from the pack until you are ready to take Yasmin.
- To start with Yasmin, take the first pill within the first 24 hours of your menstrual period or on the first Sunday after your period starts. If you start the birth control pill at the beginning of your period, you do not require back-up contraception. If you begin to use Yasmin birth control pills on the first Sunday after your period starts, use extra birth control for the first 7 days.
- Yasmin comes in 28-day packs with 21 active pills (yellow) and 7 inert pills (white). Take the active pills for the first 21 days. Then take the inert pills for the next 7 days. During the fourth week of your Yasmin pack, you will have your period. Talk to your doctor if you do not get your period.
- Start your next pack of Yasmin the day after you take your last inert/white pill.
- Yasmin birth control pills work best when taken at the same time every day. Select the most convenient time for you.
- Do not stop taking the pills if you are spotting, bleeding, or feeling nauseous.
Q: What are the possible side effects of Yasmin?
A: Most women who use Yasmin birth control pills do not experience serious side effects.
- Common side effects of Yasmin may include unscheduled bleeding or spotting, vaginal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, headache, stomach cramps, bloating, or breast tenderness/enlargement. These side effects of Yasmin are typically not serious and generally lessen or disappear with prolonged use of the product.
- Some women have gained weight while taking Yasmin.
- Women who use contact lenses may notice a change in vision or difficulty wearing the lenses while using Yasmin.
- Some women may experience edema or high blood pressure while using Yasmin.
- Yasmin can cause dark spots to appear on the skin.
If any of these side effects worsens, or if you have other serious side effects while taking Yasmin birth control pills, inform your doctor immediately.
Q: What are the possible allergic reactions to Yasmin?
A: If you are allergic to any of the ingredients contained in Yasmin or any other birth control pill, make sure you inform your doctor before taking this medication. A very serious allergic reaction to Yasmin is improbable, but talk to your doctor immediately if one develops. Possible symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Troubled breathing.
- Rash, itching, or hives.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.
- Severe dizziness.
Q: Are there any other drugs I should avoid while taking Yasmin birth control pills?
A: Before you begin taking Yasmin, inform your doctor about all other prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. If you are currently undergoing daily, long-term treatment for a chronic condition with any of the following medications, should consult your healthcare provider before taking Yasmin birth control pills:
- NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen).
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. spironolactone).
- Potassium supplements.
- ACE inhibitors (e.g. captopril, enalapril, lisinopril).
- Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (e.g. Cozaar, Diovan, Avapro).
- Heparin.
Q: Are there any activities I should avoid while taking Yasmin birth control pills?
A: Be aware of the following while using Yasmin:
- Stop smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products. Yasmin increases the risk of heart problems and stroke among women who smoke or consume tobacco. For more information about smoking cessation products such as Zyban and Chantix, visit eDrugstore.md
- Limit your alcohol consumption while using Yasmin. The risk of dizziness increases for women who drink large quantities of alcohol while taking Yasmin.
- Yasmin may cause dark spots on the face. Avoid excessive sun exposure, sun lamps, and tanning booths until you are sure of how you react to this birth control pill.
- Before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery, inform your doctor that you take Yasmin. Some doctors suggest stopping Yasmin birth control pills for at least four weeks before and after surgery.
- Some doctors also recommend stopping Yasmin when you are confined to a bed or chair for a long time (such as on a long plane journey or during bed rest).
Q: How soon after childbirth can I start on Yasmin? Is it safe to take Yasmin birth control pills when I’m breastfeeding?
A: Yasmin should not be used for four weeks following childbirth or miscarriage. If you are breastfeeding, consult with your doctor regarding other methods of birth control until the child is weaned. Yasmin passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby.
Q: Will Yasmin affect my chances of getting pregnant in the future?
A: Yasmin prevents pregnancy as long as it is taken as directed. A pregnancy can occur within days of stopping the pill. Many doctors advise women to postpone conception until their menstrual cycle regularizes after stopping birth control pills.
Q: What happens when I miss a dose or doses?
A: Skipped doses of Yasmin birth control pills can result in pregnancy:
- If you miss one active pill, take it as soon as you remember. Take the next dose at the regular time. You may take two Yasmin pills on one day.
- If you miss two active Yasmin pills in Week 1 or Week 2 of the pack, take two pills on the day you remember, two pills the next day, and restart your usual schedule the day after.
- If you miss two active Yasmin pills in Week 3 of the pack: If you began using Yasmin on the first day of your period, start on a new pack immediately. If you started using Yasmin on the first Sunday after your period, take one pill a day until Sunday. Then start a new pack of pills on Sunday.
- If you have missed three or more Yasmin pills, contact your healthcare provider. Continue taking the pills until you meet the doctor.
- If you miss any white Yasmin pills, throw away the missed pills and continue with your normal schedule. You do not require a back-up birth control method.
- For 7 days after missing more than one active Yasmin pill, use a non-hormonal method of birth control, such as condoms with spermicide.
- If you miss more than one active Yasmin pill, you may not have your period this month. However, if you miss your period two months in a row, talk to your doctor immediately.
Q: What should I do in case of an accidental overdose of Yasmin?
A: If you suspect an overdose of Yasmin, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Possible symptoms of overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, and sudden or unusual vaginal bleeding.
Q: How should I store Yasmin?
A: Store Yasmin in an airtight container at room temperature. As with any medication, keep Yasmin away from children and pets.
For more information regarding Yasmin and other birth control pills, visit the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.md.
