Yaz

Yaz is a combination birth control pill containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. It helps prevent pregnancy, regulate menstrual cycles, and may improve acne and PMDD symptoms when taken daily as prescribed. CD Pharmacy provides comprehensive information on Yaz, including its uses, dosage, benefits, potential side effects, and important safety precautions.

What Are Yaz Birth Control Pills?

This medication contains the active ingredients drospirenone 3.0 mg and ethinylestradiol 0.02 mg. Here are some important details about this birth control medication:

• Yaz is a combined oral contraceptive pill with ultra-low-dose estrogen to reduce the incidence of side effects.
• The synthetic progestin and anti-androgenic function not only maintains clear skin but also keeps away fluid retention and the chances of conceiving.
• It is used for the treatment of PMDD.
• This pill is also effective against moderate acne vulgaris in females over 14 years of age.

Benefits of Yaz Birth Control Pills

This medicine has the following benefits:

• Yaz reduces severe premenstrual discomforts such as anxiety, irritability, emotional distress, and painful bloating.
• It reduces and clears out moderate acne and hormonal breakouts on the skin by limiting the free circulating androgens.
• The pill has an ultra-low estrogen content to lower the risk of breast enlargement and fluid retention during menstruation.
• It follows a 4-day active pill-free window to manage menstrual cycle bleeding, making the flow lighter and predictable.

How Do Yaz Birth Control Pills Work?

Here is the action mechanism of Yaz birth control medication:

• The tablet suppresses ovulation by blocking the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) from rising in mid-cycle duration.
• It signals the pituitary gland via the brain to keep the secretion of the above hormones low so that the ovaries do not release the mature egg for fertilization.
• The pill also thickens the cervical mucus to hinder sperm from reaching the uterus. It also makes the endometrium thin to deter implantation.
• These three steps allow the medicine to successfully protect you from an unplanned pregnancy.

Dosage of Yaz Birth Control Pills

Here are the dosage tips for this medication for contraception:

• Take one pill orally with water every day. The medicine follows the format of a 28-day course instead of the standard 21-day course.
• Make sure to consume the active pills (pink in color) at the same time each day. Follow the pill intake as per the arrow indications on the blister pack.
• The blister pack contains 24 active pills that you need to take each day for a continuous 24 days.
• Then you take the 4 inactive white pills, one every day from days 25-28. The withdrawal bleeding begins in the placebo period.
• For instant protection against pregnancy, start with the medicine on day 1 of the menstrual cycle or on the first Sunday from the start of menstruation. But in case of the latter, use a condom for the first 7 days.

How to Store Yaz Birth Control Pills?

Here are the storage tips for the pills:

• Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
• Keep the medicine in its original blister pack, protected from direct heat, sunlight, and moisture.
• Ensure that children and pets do not consume this medicine, so keep it out of their reach.
• Do not store the medicine in damp kitchen and bathroom areas. Discard expired tablets.

Side Effects of Yaz Birth Control Pills

Common Side Effects (Usually Temporary)

• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding between periods
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Mood changes or mood swings
• Minor changes in libido (sex drive)

Serious (Rare) Side Effects – Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Severe pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in one leg
• Signs of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Heart-related symptoms, such as chest discomfort or an irregular heartbeat
• Sudden weakness, numbness, severe headache, vision changes, or difficulty speaking (possible signs of a stroke)

Interactions of Yaz Birth Control Pills

Know the things to avoid with this birth control medicine:

• Stop taking this pill with carbamazepine, phenytoin, and other antiseizure meds.
• Do not combine with anti-tuberculosis medicines like rifampicin.
• Avoid the medicine with St. John’s Wort and other herbal supplement interactions.
• Do not use NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, potassium-sparing diuretics, and ACE inhibitors.

Precautions of Yaz Birth Control Pills

Know the precautions to follow with this oral contraceptive pill:

• This medicine is contraindicated in those with a history of kidney/liver disorders or adrenal insufficiency.
• Do not take if you have a personal or family history of blood clot disorders, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism.
• If a surgical procedure is upcoming, stop using this pill at least 4 to 6 weeks beforehand.
• This medicine should not be used if you are over 35 years of age and smoke.
• Consult a doctor beforehand if you have uncontrolled hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
• Do not use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Stop the medicine and talk to a doctor if you experience signs of jaundice, severe stomach pain, or deep depression.