Drug title

Yasmin (Ethinylestradiol/Drospirenone)

Usage indications

Yasmin 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.

Dosage and direction

Start treatment on the very first day of your menstrual cycle and then take one pill daily. If you missed a daily dose take taking two pills as a single dose. Risk of your pregnancy increases if you miss more than one dose. Do not take other contraceptive pill concomitantly with Yasmin to avoid serious hormonal imbalance. Each pill contains 3.0 mg of drospirenone and 0.030 mg of ethinyl estradiol, while 7 'inactive' pills do not contain the hormones.

Mechanism of action

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

Missed dose

If you missed a pill risk of becoming pregnant increases. If you forgot to take one 'active' pill, take two pills as soon as you remember then return to your schedule. If you miss two 'active' pills in a row in first or second week of treatment, take two pills a day for two days in a row. Then return to your schedule. Use birth control test during seven days if such a 'mistake' occurred. If you miss two 'active' pills in a row during third week, or if you miss three pills in a row during any of the first three weeks, you need to start a new pack of pills as if you are a First Day starter.

If you did not take three 'active' pills in a row during any of the first three weeks, start a new pack on the same day as if you are a First Day starter.

If you skipped intake of two or more pills, you may not have a monthlies during this month. If you miss a period for two months in a row you might be pregnant.

If you miss any reminder pills, throw the missed pills away and return to your schedule.

Overdose

Signs of overdose include nausea and vomiting, vaginal bleeding, increased level of blood potassium. If you suspect overdose contact your health care provider the soonest or seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

Store this drug at room temperature away from the sources of heat and light.

Precautions

Do not take Yasmin if you are allergic to drospirenone or ethinyl estradiol, or if you have:

• uncontrolled high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or a heart valve disorder;
• a history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems of diabetes;
• kidney or liver disease;
• adrenal gland disorder;
• unusual vaginal bleeding;
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer; or
• a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Before using Yasmin, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.

• high blood pressure or heart disease;
• high cholesterol or if you are overweight;
• liver cancer;
• gallbladder disease;
• diabetes;
• seizures or epilepsy; or
• a history of depression, irregular menstrual cycles, or history of breast or uterine cancer.

Side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Yasmin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden numbness or weakness, 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;
• stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• a breast lump; or
• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• 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; or
• changes in your menstrual periods.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Additional information

Some drugs can make Yasmin less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Other drugs may be affected by Yasmin. Before using Yasmin, 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.