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Yaz

Generic Name: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (dro SPY re nown, ETH in il, ESS tra dy ol )
Brand Names: Yasmin, Yaz

What is drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol?

Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and also cause changes in your cervical mucous and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

The combination of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to treat moderate acne in women who are at least 14 years old and have started having menstrual periods, and who wish to use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy.

This medication is also used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), such as anxiety, depression, irritability, trouble concentrating, lack of energy, sleep or appetite changes, and feeling out of control. PMDD can also cause physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, headache, and bloating or weight gain.

Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol?

• uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a heart valve disorder;

• a history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems of diabetes;

• kidney or liver disease;

• adrenal gland disorder;

• migraine headaches;

• unusual vaginal bleeding;

• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer;

• a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills; or

• if you have not yet started having menstrual periods.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may not be able to use drosperinone and ethinyl estradiol, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

• high blood pressure or heart disease;

• high cholesterol or if you are overweight;

• liver cancer;

• a history of depression;

• gallbladder disease;

• diabetes;

• seizures or epilepsy;

• a history of irregular menstrual cycles; or

• a history of breast or uterine cancer.

How should I take drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor"s instructions).

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor"s instructions.

The 28-day birth control pack contains both "active" and "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. Your period will usually begin while you are using these reminder pills.

Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. Taking the pill at night may reduce side effects such as headache and nausea. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. You may get pregnant if you do not use this medication regularly. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of pills completely.

If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using birth control pills.

Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication. Do not miss any appointments. Self-examine your breasts monthly to check for lumps while you are taking drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Missing a pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant. Follow the directions on the patient information sheet provided with your medicine. If you do not have an information sheet, call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

If you miss one"active" pill, take the dose as soon as you remember or take two pills at the time of your next regularly scheduled dose. You do not need to use backup birth control.

If you miss two"active" tablets in a row in week one or two, take two tablets each for the next two regularly scheduled doses (one missed tablet plus one regularly scheduled tablet for 2 days in a row). Use another form of birth control for at least 7 days following the missed tablets.

If you miss two "active" 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 rest of the pack and start a new package on the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack of pills that same day. You may not have a period that month, but this is expected. However, if you miss your period 2 months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.

If you miss one of the reminder pills in week four, skip that dose and take the next one as directed.

If you miss a pill, you may become pregnant if you have sex in the 7 days after your missed pill. You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol?

Drosperinone and ethinyl estradiol will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.

Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol side effects

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;

• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• a breast lump; or

• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Continue using the medication and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;

• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;

• freckles or darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, or loss of scalp hair;

• changes in weight or appetite, swelling of your hands or feet;

• problems with contact lenses;

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• changes in your menstrual periods; or

• headache, nervousness, dizziness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol?

Some drugs can make drosperinone and ethinyl estradiol less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Other drugs may be affected by drosperinone and ethinyl estradiol. Before using this medication, tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol is available with a prescription under the brand name Yasmin. Ask your pharmacist any questions you might have about your medication or about any pills that do not look familiar to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.