Yasmin

Yasmin is a birth control pill used by women who want to prevent pregnancy. As a combined oral contraceptive, it contains both an estrogen and a progestin. The medication comes in tablet form and is taken every day -- ideally at the same time every day. Potential side effects of Yasmin include headaches, nausea, and breast pain.

What Is Yasmin?

Yasmin^®(drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill). It is taken by women to prevent pregnancy.

(Click Yasmin Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Yasmin?

Yasmin is made by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

How Does It Work?

Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive, a birth control pill that contains both an estrogen and a progestin. It works to prevent pregnancy primarily by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, it also prevents pregnancy in two other, minor ways. Yasmin alters the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Lastly, Yasmin alters the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.

Yasmin is different from traditional birth control pills in an important way. The progesterone that it uses (drospirenone) is closely related to spironolactone, a medication used as a diuretic ("water pill"). Drospirenone has anti-androgenic activity, which means that it works against testosterone and other "male" hormones. All women have a small amount of these "male" hormones that can cause acne and other problems. Also, drospirenone may increase the level of potassium in your blood, which can be a problem for some women.

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