Yaz (Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol )

Description

Yaz is a combination oral contraceptive used primarily to prevent pregnancy. It contains drospirenone, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic estrogen. These drugs work together by stopping ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. In addition to preventing pregnancy, Yaz can also be prescribed to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne in women seeking birth control. By regulating hormones, it helps manage PMDD symptoms like mood swings and irritability.

Directions

Yaz is taken orally, with the typical dosage consisting of 24 pink active tablets and 4 white inert tablets per cycle. Users should take 1 active tablet daily at the same time for 24 consecutive days, followed by 1 inert tablet daily for 4 days. It's important to not miss doses, as this may increase the failure rate. Patients can start taking Yaz on the first day of their menstrual cycle or the first Sunday after their period begins. If a dose is missed, follow the instructions on the drug label or consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

Ingredients

The active ingredients in Yaz are drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• History of or current breast cancer
• Kidney problems
• Liver tumors or liver disease
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• A presence, history, or high risk of blood clots or disorders
• Use with Hepatitis C drugs that contain ombitasvir, paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir
• Smoking and over the age of 35

Cautions

• Before taking Yaz, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications you are currently taking
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Yaz may increase the risk of serious blood clots, especially during the first year of use or when restarting after a break. These clots can occur in the legs, lungs, or brain and can be life-threatening. You're more at risk if you smoke, are overweight, or have a family history of blood clots.
• Yaz should not be taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant, stop taking Yaz right away.
• Yaz can raise potassium levels in the blood, which can be dangerous in people with kidney, liver, or adrenal problems. If you're taking medications that also raise potassium (like certain blood pressure medicines or NSAIDs), your doctor may want to check your potassium levels.
• Yaz should not be used if you currently have or have had breast cancer. Some studies suggest a slight increase in breast and cervical cancer risk in current or recent users, but findings are not consistent. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk.
• Stop using Yaz if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Long-term use may increase the risk of rare liver tumors. Yaz should not be used in people with liver disease.
• Some women may develop high blood pressure while taking Yaz. Your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly. If it rises significantly, you may need to stop taking Yaz.
• Some studies suggest Yaz may slightly increase your risk of gallbladder problems.
• Yaz can affect your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. If you have diabetes or high cholesterol, your doctor may want to monitor you more closely.
• New or worsening headaches may be a reason to stop using Yaz, especially if they are migraines. Talk to your doctor right away if this happens.
• Unscheduled spotting or bleeding may occur, especially in the first few months. If bleeding continues or you miss your period for two months in a row, check with your doctor to rule out pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression. Yaz may make symptoms worse in some people.
• Some women may develop dark patches on their skin, especially if they’ve had it during pregnancy. Try to avoid too much sun or tanning beds while taking Yaz.
• Yaz can affect the results of some blood tests, including those for thyroid function, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
• See your healthcare provider once a year for a checkup, including blood pressure monitoring, while taking Yaz.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Yaz include nausea, spotting between periods, breast tenderness, and headaches. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Less common side effects include acne, bloating, weight changes, and decreased sex drive. Some users may also notice mood changes, difficulty wearing contact lenses, or dark patches on the skin.

Yaz may increase your risk of serious blood clots, especially if you smoke, are over 35, or have other health conditions. Blood clots can lead to life-threatening problems like stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. Rare side effects include high blood pressure, liver tumors, and gallbladder issues. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms like chest pain, leg swelling, vision loss, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

References

1. Yaz (Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol) Product Monograph. Whippany, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2023.
2. Yaz (Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol) Drug Label Information. Whippany, NJ: Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2023.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....