Birth Control Yasmin/Yaz?

Question

I have taken Yasmin for about a year now and I am very happy with it. I've had no problems with it (other than head aches every now and then) and my boyfriend and I use it as our only form of protection. Because I do not have insurance my doctor gives me the free samples she gets and i do not have to pay for the medication. Recently at my annual my doctor told me that the company that produces Yasmin is now pushing their new birth control Yaz and she will only be getting samples of that. This somewhat pressured me into switching and I don't feel very well informed about Yaz. Is it just as effective as Yasmin? I heard that it has a lot of break through bleeding, and odd periods? My boyfriend and I are really scared and reluctant to switch we trust Yasmin. Is their any advice or just some information that someone knowledgeable about this subject could give me?

They are two different birth controls made my the same company. I can't ask her for more samples because they company no longer gives them.

Answer 1

I am also trying to find information about Yaz, as my OB is also pressuring me to switch. A friend warned me to check for all drug interactions, as she was hospitalized with kidney problems due to taking over the counter meds with this drug.

Other than that I've heard of breakthrough bleeding, but that's possible with any bc pill.

It is my advice to you that you stick to the drug you are already having a positive experience with, because it's really hard to find a bc pill that you love. Look into paying into a prescrition plan in order to absorb some of your costs. Alternately, ask at your local Planned Parenthood to determine if they have any samples they could give you.

Answer 2

From what I can see it looks like two companies have merged, but Yaz from what I can see is just a shortened name for Yasmin.

Call a pharmacist at one of your local drugstores to find out what is going on as far as the medication issue.

If they are indeed two different medications let your dr know that you are not comfortable with taking the new one because of the success with the one you are on now and would like to continue to get samples of it.

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (Yasmin®) is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill or "the pill"). This product combines an estrogen and progestin, similar to the natural sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced in a woman's body. Ethinyl estradiol is the estrogen and drospirenone is the progestin. This product can prevent ovulation and pregnancy. In general, a combination of estrogen and progestin works better than a single-ingredient product. Drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol tablets can also help regulate menstrual flow, treat acne or may be used for other hormone-related problems in females. A generic product is not available for this birth control pill.

What should my health care professional know before I use drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:
•adrenal gland disease
•blood clots
•blood sugar problems, like diabetes
•cancer of the breast, cervix, ovary, uterus, vagina, or unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated by a health care professional
•depression
•fibroids
•gallbladder disease
•heart or circulation problems
•high blood pressure
•high potassium level
•kidney disease
•jaundice
•liver disease
•menstrual problems
•migraine headaches
•stroke
•systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
•tobacco smoker
•an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogen/progestin, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol pills by mouth. Before you start taking these pills decide what is a suitable time of day and always take them at the same time of day in the order directed on the pack. Swallow the pills with a drink of water. Take with food to reduce stomach upset. Do not take more often than directed.

Most products contain a 21-day supply of pills containing the active ingredients. An additional 7 pills containing inactive ingredients may be included and are to be taken during the week of menstruation; this reduces the chance of missing the first day of the next cycle. Most products are to be started on the first Sunday after you start your period or on the first day of your period. You may need to ask your health care provider which day you should start your packet.

Before starting this medication, read the paper on your prescription provided by your pharmacist. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions.

Keep an extra month's supply of your pills available to ensure that you will not miss the first day of the next cycle.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
Try not to miss a dose. If you do, it may be necessary to consult your health care professional.

28 day schedule:
If you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the regular time as usual. You may take 2 tablets in one day. If you miss two doses (days) in a row, take 2 tablets for the next 2 days, then, continue with your regular schedule. Whenever 1 or 2 doses are missed, you should use a second method of contraception for the next 7 days in addition to taking the pills. If you miss three doses in a row, you should notify your physician or other health care professional for instructions. You will probably need to throw away the rest of the tablets in that cycle pack and start over. Another method of contraception should be used until at least 7 doses have been taken in the new cycle. Missing a pill can cause spotting or light bleeding. Make sure that no more than 7 days pass at the end of the 21 day cycle, before you start your next pack of pills. If you miss 1 of the seven inactive pills, you can either double the inactive dose or skip it, but it is important to start the next month's cycle on the scheduled day.

What drug(s) may interact with drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol? (Back to top)
•anastrozole
•antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin
•aprepitant, a medicine used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
•barbiturate medicines for producing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
•bosentan
•carbamazepine
•caffeine
•clofibrate
•cyclosporine
•dantrolene
•doxercalciferol
•exemestane
•grapefruit juice
•hydrocortisone
•letrozole
•medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
•medicines for mental depression
•medicines for diabetes, including troglitazone and pioglitazone
•mineral oil
•modafinil
•mycophenolate
•nefazodone
•oxcarbazepine
•phenytoin
•prednisolone
•ritonavir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
•selegiline
•soy isoflavones supplements
•St. John's wort
•tamoxifen or raloxifene
•testolactone
•theophylline
•topiramate
•warfarin

This product is different from other birth control pills because it contains the progestin drospirenone. Drospirenone may increase potassium levels and interactions with other drugs that increase potassium may increase the chance you may get an elevated potassium level. You may need blood tests to check for this effect. Drugs that can increase your potassium level include:
•certain medications for high blood pressure or heart conditions (examples include ACE-inhibitors like Altace®, Capoten®, Lotensin®, Mavik®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Univasc®, Vasotec®, Zestril®, and also Angiotensin-II receptor blockers like Atacand®, Avapro®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Micardis®), as well as Eplerenone (Inspra™)
•dietary salt substitutes (these may contain potassium)
•heparin
•NSAIDs (antiinflammatory drugs which include Advil®, Aleve®, Ansaid®, Cataflam®, Clinoril®, Daypro®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Lodine®, Naprosyn®, Orudis®, Motrin®, Voltaren®, and others) if they are taken long-term and daily, like for arthritis
•potassium supplements
•some 'water pills' (diuretics like spironolactone or Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Midamor®, Moduretic®, and others)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol? (Back to top)
Severe side effects are relatively rare in women who are healthy and do not smoke while they are taking oral contraceptives. On average, more women have problems due to complications from getting pregnant than have problems with oral contraceptives. Many of the minor side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, the potential for severe side effects does exist and you may want to discuss these with your health care provider.

The following symptoms or side effects may be related to blood clots and require immediate medical or emergency help:
•chest pain
•coughing up blood
•dizziness or fainting spells
•leg, arm or groin pain
•severe or sudden headaches
•stomach pain (severe)
•sudden shortness of breath
•sudden loss of coordination, especially on one side of the body
•swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain
•vision or speech problems
•weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, especially on one side of the body

Other serious side effects are rare. Contact your health care provider as soon as you can if the following side effects occur:
•breast tissue changes or discharge
•changes in vaginal bleeding during your period or between your periods
•headaches or migraines
•increases in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes
•increases in blood pressure, especially if you are known to have high blood pressure
•symptoms of vaginal infection (itching, irritation or unusual discharge)
•tenderness in the upper abdomen
•vomiting
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your health care provider if they continue or are bothersome):
•breakthrough bleeding and spotting that continues beyond the 3 initial cycles of pills
•breast tenderness
•mild stomach upset
•mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts
•increased or decreased appetite
•increased sensitivity to sun or ultraviolet light
•nausea
•skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the skin
•tiredness
•weight gain (slight)

What should I watch for while taking drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol? (Back to top)
Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. You should have a complete check-up every 6 to 12 months. If you have any unusual vaginal bleeding contact your prescriber or health care professional for advice. If you miss a period, the possibility of pregnancy must be considered. See your prescriber or health care provider as soon as you can.

Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take these tablets.

If you stop taking these tablets and want to get pregnant, a return to normal ovulation can take some time. You may not return to normal ovulation and fertility for 3 to 6 months. Discuss your pregnancy plans with your health care provider.

If you are taking oral contraceptives for the treatment of acne, hirsutism (male-like hair growth), endometriosis or other hormone related problems, it may take several months of continued treatment to notice improvement in your symptoms or condition.

Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking birth control pills, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

Oral contraceptives can increase your sensitivity to the sun and you may burn more easily. Use sunscreen and protective clothing during long periods outdoors. Tanning booths should be used with caution.

If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.

In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medicines you are taking.

You may get a vaginal yeast infection. If you have never had a yeast infection before, see your prescriber or other health care provider to confirm the problem. If you have had yeast infections in the past and are comfortable with self-medicating the problem, get and use a nonprescription medication to treat the yeast infection.

If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking your contraceptive pills one month beforehand. Consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery.






ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (Yaz) is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill or "the pill"). This product combines an estrogen and progestin, similar to the natural sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced in a woman's body. Ethinyl estradiol is the estrogen and drospirenone is the progestin. This product can prevent ovulation and pregnancy. In general, a combination of estrogen and progestin works better than a single-ingredient product. Drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol tablets can also help regulate menstrual flow, treat acne or may be used for other hormone-related problems in females. A generic product is not available for this birth control pill.

What should my health care professional know before I use drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:
•adrenal gland disease
•blood clots
•blood sugar problems, like diabetes
•cancer of the breast, cervix, ovary, uterus, vagina, or unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated by a health care professional
•depression
•fibroids
•gallbladder disease
•heart or circulation problems
•high blood pressure
•high potassium level
•kidney disease
•jaundice
•liver disease
•menstrual problems
•migraine headaches
•stroke
•systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
•tobacco smoker
•an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogen/progestin, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol pills by mouth. Before you start taking these pills decide what is a suitable time of day and always take them at the same time of day in the order directed on the pack. Swallow the pills with a drink of water. Take with food to reduce stomach upset. Do not take more often than directed.

Most products contain a 21-day supply of pills containing the active ingredients. An additional 7 pills containing inactive ingredients may be included and are to be taken during the week of menstruation; this reduces the chance of missing the first day of the next cycle. Most products are to be started on the first Sunday after you start your period or on the first day of your period. You may need to ask your health care provider which day you should start your packet.

Before starting this medication, read the paper on your prescription provided by your pharmacist. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions.

Keep an extra month's supply of your pills available to ensure that you will not miss the first day of the next cycle.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
Try not to miss a dose. If you do, it may be necessary to consult your health care professional.

28 day schedule:
If you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the regular time as usual. You may take 2 tablets in one day. If you miss two doses (days) in a row, take 2 tablets for the next 2 days, then, continue with your regular schedule. Whenever 1 or 2 doses are missed, you should use a second method of contraception for the next 7 days in addition to taking the pills. If you miss three doses in a row, you should notify your physician or other health care professional for instructions. You will probably need to throw away the rest of the tablets in that cycle pack and start over. Another method of contraception should be used until at least 7 doses have been taken in the new cycle. Missing a pill can cause spotting or light bleeding. Make sure that no more than 7 days pass at the end of the 21 day cycle, before you start your next pack of pills. If you miss 1 of the seven inactive pills, you can either double the inactive dose or skip it, but it is important to start the next month's cycle on the scheduled day.

What drug(s) may interact with drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol? (Back to top)
•anastrozole
•antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin
•aprepitant, a medicine used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
•barbiturate medicines for producing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
•bosentan
•carbamazepine
•caffeine
•clofibrate
•cyclosporine
•dantrolene
•doxercalciferol
•exemestane
•grapefruit juice
•hydrocortisone
•letrozole
•medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
•medicines for mental depression
•medicines for diabetes, including troglitazone and pioglitazone
•mineral oil
•modafinil
•mycophenolate
•nefazodone
•oxcarbazepine
•phenytoin
•prednisolone
•ritonavir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS
•selegiline
•soy isoflavones supplements
•St. John's wort
•tamoxifen or raloxifene
•testolactone
•theophylline
•topiramate
•warfarin

This product is different from other birth control pills because it contains the progestin drospirenone. Drospirenone may increase potassium levels and interactions with other drugs that increase potassium may increase the chance you may get an elevated potassium level. You may need blood tests to check for this effect. Drugs that can increase your potassium level include:
•certain medications for high blood pressure or heart conditions (examples include ACE-inhibitors like Altace®, Capoten®, Lotensin®, Mavik®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Univasc®, Vasotec®, Zestril®, and also Angiotensin-II receptor blockers like Atacand®, Avapro®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Micardis®), as well as Eplerenone (Inspra™)
•dietary salt substitutes (these may contain potassium)
•heparin
•NSAIDs (antiinflammatory drugs which include Advil®, Aleve®, Ansaid®, Cataflam®, Clinoril®, Daypro®, Feldene®, Indocin®, Lodine®, Naprosyn®, Orudis®, Motrin®, Voltaren®, and others) if they are taken long-term and daily, like for arthritis
•potassium supplements
•some 'water pills' (diuretics like spironolactone or Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Midamor®, Moduretic®, and others)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol? (Back to top)
Severe side effects are relatively rare in women who are healthy and do not smoke while they are taking oral contraceptives. On average, more women have problems due to complications from getting pregnant than have problems with oral contraceptives. Many of the minor side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, the potential for severe side effects does exist and you may want to discuss these with your health care provider.

The following symptoms or side effects may be related to blood clots and require immediate medical or emergency help:
•chest pain
•coughing up blood
•dizziness or fainting spells
•leg, arm or groin pain
•severe or sudden headaches
•stomach pain (severe)
•sudden shortness of breath
•sudden loss of coordination, especially on one side of the body
•swelling of the hands, feet or ankles, or rapid weight gain
•vision or speech problems
•weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, especially on one side of the body

Other serious side effects are rare. Contact your health care provider as soon as you can if the following side effects occur:
•breast tissue changes or discharge
•changes in vaginal bleeding during your period or between your periods
•headaches or migraines
•increases in blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes
•increases in blood pressure, especially if you are known to have high blood pressure
•symptoms of vaginal infection (itching, irritation or unusual discharge)
•tenderness in the upper abdomen
•vomiting
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your health care provider if they continue or are bothersome):
•breakthrough bleeding and spotting that continues beyond the 3 initial cycles of pills
•breast tenderness
•mild stomach upset
•mood changes, anxiety, depression, frustration, anger, or emotional outbursts
•increased or decreased appetite
•increased sensitivity to sun or ultraviolet light
•nausea
•skin rash, acne, or brown spots on the skin
•tiredness
•weight gain (slight)

What should I watch for while taking drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol? (Back to top)
Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. You should have a complete check-up every 6 to 12 months. If you have any unusual vaginal bleeding contact your prescriber or health care professional for advice. If you miss a period, the possibility of pregnancy must be considered. See your prescriber or health care provider as soon as you can.

Use an additional method of contraception during the first cycle that you take these tablets.

If you stop taking these tablets and want to get pregnant, a return to normal ovulation can take some time. You may not return to normal ovulation and fertility for 3 to 6 months. Discuss your pregnancy plans with your health care provider.

If you are taking oral contraceptives for the treatment of acne, hirsutism (male-like hair growth), endometriosis or other hormone related problems, it may take several months of continued treatment to notice improvement in your symptoms or condition.

Tobacco smoking increases the risk of getting a blood clot or having a stroke while you are taking birth control pills, especially if you are more than 35 years old. You are strongly advised not to smoke.

Oral contraceptives can increase your sensitivity to the sun and you may burn more easily. Use sunscreen and protective clothing during long periods outdoors. Tanning booths should be used with caution.

If you wear contact lenses and notice visual changes, or if the lenses begin to feel uncomfortable, consult your eye care specialist.

In some women, tenderness, swelling, or minor bleeding of the gums may occur. Notify your dentist if this happens. Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly may help limit this. See your dentist regularly and inform your dentist of the medicines you are taking.

You may get a vaginal yeast infection. If you have never had a yeast infection before, see your prescriber or other health care provider to confirm the problem. If you have had yeast infections in the past and are comfortable with self-medicating the problem, get and use a nonprescription medication to treat the yeast infection.

If you are going to have elective surgery, you may need to stop taking your contraceptive pills one month beforehand. Consult your health care professional for advice prior to scheduling the surgery.