Generic Name: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (drow SPIH reh
known and EH thi nill ess tra DYE ole)
Typical Brand Names: Yasmin
What Is It Used For?
Yasmin is used to prevent pregnancy; it contains drospirenone
and ethinyl estradiol. It works by preventing ovulation (the release
of an egg from an ovary) from occurring.
How Is It Used?
Yasmin is available in a packet of 28 tablets, out of these 28
tablets the first 21 tablets are the active pills; they contain
the active ingredients (hormones) ethinyl estradiol and drospirenon.
The last seven tablets in a 28-tablet packet are the reminder
pills. Take the first active pill of the first pack during the
first 24 hours of your period. You will not need to use a back-up
method of birth control, since you are starting the pill at the
beginning of your period. Sunday start- Take the first active
pill of the first pack on Sunday after your period starts, even
if you are still bleeding. If your period starts on Sunday, start
the pack that same day. Use another method of birth control such
as condoms if you have sex during 7 days after you start your
first packet.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
The use of Yasmin can cause temporary side effects like vaginal
bleeding, blurred vision, fluid retention, malasma (darkening
of the skin). Other side effects may include change in appetite,
headache, nervousness, and depression, and dizziness, loss of
scalp hair, rash, and vaginal infections. Keep on taking the medication
as per the schedule, if any of these side effects bother you,
call your doctor or healthcare provider.
Is It Safe?
Yasmin can lead to temporary side effects but missing a pill can
increases your chances of pregnancy. Yasmin is in the FDA pregnancy
category X. This means that it has been reported to cause birth
defects in an unborn baby.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Do not take Yasmin without consulting your doctor if you are taking
the following medications- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), naproxen (Aleve,
Naprosyn, Anaprox, others), a potassium-sparing diuretic such
as spironolactone (Aldactone, others), triamterene (Dyrenium,
Dyazide, Maxzide, others), amiloride (Midamor, others), eplerenone,
an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), lisinopril (Prinivil,
Zestril), enalapril (Vasotec), and others, an angiotensin II receptor
antagonist such as candesartan (Atacand), losartan (Cozaar), telmisartan
(Micardis), and others. The use of Yasmin with these medications
can be hazardous.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you miss one pill than take the dose as soon as you remember,
you can also take two pills at the time. If you miss two tablets
in a row in week one or two, take two tablets each for the next
two regularly scheduled doses. Go for another form of birth control
for at least 7 days following the missed tablets. If you miss
two tablets in a row in week three, or if you miss three tablets
in a row during any of the first 3 weeks throw out the medication
and restart from a new dose on the same day.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C
(59°-86°F).
Anything Else I Should Know?
It is advised to avoid the use of Yasmin if you have had a stroke,
heart attack, or blood clot; high blood pressure, angina, or heart
disease; a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; breast, uterine,
or another hormone-related cancer; or undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal
bleeding. It is necessary to discuss with your doctor if you have
diabetes; high cholesterol; gallbladder disease; migraines or
other headaches; epilepsy; a history of depression; a history
of scanty or irregular menstrual periods before opting the medication.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
