Drug Uses

Yasmin is a birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. Yasmin differs from other birth control pills because it contains a progestin hormone called drospirenone. It does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

How Taken

This oral contraceptive comes in a packet of 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; they are different in color and do not contain any hormone. Day 1 start: 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 or spermicides) if you have sex during 7 days after you start your first packet.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Yasmin without first talking to your doctor 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. Before taking Yasmin, also tell 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; smoke cigarettes; or need an extended period of bed rest due to surgery or illness. Yasmin is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it has been reported to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have very serious negative effects on a developing baby. Do not take drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol if you are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant. Yasmin passes into breast milk and may decrease milk production. Do not take Yasmin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Avoid smoking. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation.

Missed Dose

If you MISS 1 yellow active pill:
-Take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at your regular time.
This means you may take two pills in one day.
-You do not need to use a back-up birth control method if you have sex.
If you MISS 2 yellow active pills in a row in WEEK 1 OR WEEK 2 of your pack:
-Take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day.
-Then take one pill a day until you finish the pack.
-You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.
If you MISS 2 yellow active pills in a row in the 3RD WEEK:
-If you are a Day 1 Starter:
THROW OUT the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day.
If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking one 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 your period this month but this is expected. However, if you miss your period two months in a row, call your doctor or clinic because you might be pregnant.
-You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.
If you MISS 3 OR MORE yellow active pills in a row (during the first 3 weeks).
- If you are a Day 1 Starter:
THROW OUT the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day.
If you are a Sunday Starter:
Keep taking 1 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 your period this month but this is expected. However, if you miss your period two months in a row, call your doctor or clinic because you might be pregnant.
-You MAY BECOME PREGNANT if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss pills. You MUST use another birth control method (such as condoms or spermicides) as a back-up for those 7 days.

Possible Side Effects

VAGINAL BLEEDING
Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur while you are taking the pills. Irregular bleeding may vary from slight staining between menstrual periods to breakthrough bleeding, which is a flow much like a regular period. Irregular bleeding occurs most often during the first few months of oral contraceptive use, but may also occur after you have been taking the pill for some time. Such bleeding may be temporary and usually does not indicate any serious problems. It is important to continue taking your pills on schedule. If the bleeding occurs in more than one cycle or lasts for more than a few days, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
CONTACT LENSES
If you wear contact lenses and notice a change in vision or an inability to wear your lenses, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
FLUID RETENTION
Oral contraceptives may cause edema (fluid retention) with swelling of the fingers or ankles and may raise your blood pressure. If you experience fluid retention, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
MELASMA
A spotty darkening of the skin is possible, particularly of the face.
OTHER SIDE EFFECTS
Other side effects may include change in appetite, headache, nervousness, and depression, and dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, and vaginal infections. If any of these side effects bother you, call your doctor or healthcare provider.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).

Overdose

Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute ingestion of large doses of other oral contraceptives by young children. Over dosage may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. Drospirenone, however, is a spironolactone analogue, which has antimineralocorticoid properties. Serum concentration of potassium and sodium, and evidence of metabolic acidosis, should be monitored in cases of overdose.

More Information

Your healthcare provider will take a medical and family history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will examine you. The physical examination may be delayed to another time if you request it and the healthcare provider believes that it is appropriate to postpone it. You should be re-examined at least once a year. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if there is a family history of any of the conditions listed previously in this leaflet. Be sure to keep all appointments with your healthcare provider, because this is a time to determine if there are early signs of side effects of oral contraceptive use. Do not use the drug for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. This drug has been prescribed specifically for you; do not give it to others who may want birth-control pills.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

Other info about Yasmin at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

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