Yasmin is made by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.
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.
Yasmin was shown to be an effective birth control method in a large clinical trial. In this study, less than 1 out of every 100 women who used the drug for a year became pregnant. This is very effective, compared to many other methods of contraception. For instance, up to 14 percent of women using condoms for a year will become pregnant.
When and How to Use Yasmin
General considerations for when and how to use Yasmin include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth once a day.
- You can take it with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Each pack of Yasmin contains 28 pills. Be sure to take them in order. Once you finish a pack, start a new pack right away. You will probably get your period during the last few days of the pack or sometimes during the first few days of the new pack.
- It is very important to take it every day and at the same time each day. Try to pick a time that will be easy to remember, such as at bedtime. If you have trouble remembering, please talk with your healthcare provider, as missing pills increases your risk of pregnancy.
- Make sure you know exactly what to do if you miss any pills. In some circumstances, you may need to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for seven days.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
There is only one standard dosage, regardless of age, weight, or medical conditions.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Yasmin. However, not everyone who uses the contraceptive will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
- Headaches
- Menstrual problems or changes
- Breast pain
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Nausea.
(Click Yasmin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Yasmin
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Yasmin if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
Women who take too much Yasmin may experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vaginal bleeding
- Other menstrual irregularities
- High blood potassium (hyperkalemia).
How Should Yasmin Be Stored?
Keep Yasmin tablets in their original package. The packaging is designed to help you remember to take the tablets each day. Keep the package at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Keep Yasmin and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Missing doses of Yasmin increases the risk of pregnancy. What you should do if you miss a dose depends on how many tablets you have missed and where exactly you are in your cycle
(see Yasmin Dosage). Also, if you are not sure what to do, you can refer to the patient information that comes with each pack of Yasmin or consult your healthcare provider.
Yasmin comes in one strength, containing 3 mg of drospirenone and 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol per active tablet (the 21 yellow tablets). The seven inactive (white) tablets do not contain any active ingredients.
Is There a Generic Version of Yasmin?
Currently, this medication is available in generic form
(see Generic Yasmin).
