What is this medication for?
Drospirenone - ethinyl estradiol is a progestin (drospirenone) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) combination birth control pill used for the prevention of pregnancy. The ingredients of the medication work by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and by causing changes in the mucus of the cervix (which makes it difficult for sperm to penetrate into the uterus) and in the endometrium (which makes it difficult for an egg to implant). It is also used to treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) for women who choose to use an oral contraceptive for contraception and to treat moderate acne for women at least 14 years old (only if the persom wants an oral contraceptive for birth control).
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Take one pill every day at the same time in the order directed on the package. Preferably, take the pill after the evening meal or at bedtime, with some liquid, as needed. This medication doesn't have to be taken at mealtimes.
If you miss pills you could get pregnant. This includes starting the pack late. The more pills you miss, the more likely you are to get pregnant.
Yasmin® (28-day pack): Take one "active" tablet daily for 21 days, then take one "reminder" pill daily for 7 days, and then begin the next pack.
Yaz®: (28-day pack): Take
one "active" tablet daily for 24 days, then take one "reminder"
pill daily for 4 days, and then begin the next pack.
Talk with your doctor about the best time to start your pills. The first day of your menstrual period (bleeding) is known as "Day One." Your doctor may have you start your pills on the first Sunday after your period starts or on Day One of your period. It is a good idea to use a second method of birth control (e.g., latex condoms and spermicidal foam or gel) for the first 7 days of the first cycle of pill use. Many women have spotting or light bleeding or may feel sick to their stomach during the first 1-3 months of taking the pill. If you do feel sick, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If it does not go away, check with your doctor or clinic.
If you have vomiting or diarrhea, or if you take certain
medications (such as antibiotics), your pills may not work as well. If you
start a new medication while taking birth control pills, check with your doctor
or pharmacist to make sure that it will not reduce the effectiveness of the
pills. Use a backup method of birth control, such as latex condoms and
spermicidal foam or gel, until you can check with your doctor or pharmacist.
It is important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss pills at any time, the risk of becoming pregnant increases.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS PILLS
If you miss one yellow or pink "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 or pink "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 or pink "active" pills in a row in the 3rd week:
- If you are a Day One 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 health care provider 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 or pink "active" pills in a row (during the first 3 weeks):
- If you are a Day One 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 health care provider 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 any "reminder" pills, throw away the pills you missed and keep taking one pill until the pack is empty. You do not need a back-up method.
See your package insert for additional information on when to start and what to do if you forget to take a pill.
Finally, if you are still not sure what to do about the pills you have missed: Use a back-up method (such as condoms or spermicides) anytime you have sex.
Keep taking one active pill each day until you can reach your doctor or healthcare provider.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature in its original
packaging and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, or any ingredients of the meication
- is a heavy smoker (more than 15 cigarettes per day) and is over the age of 35
- is or may be pregnant
- has a condition that increases their risk of high potassium levels (such as kidney, liver, or adrenal gland problems)
- has active liver disease
- has had a heart attack or chest pain
- has had jaundice (yellowing of skin) with pregnancy or with prior pill use
- has had major surgery with long periods of bed rest or immobility
- has, has had, or may have an endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining), cervix, or vagina or another type of tumor that needs estrogen to grow
- has, has had, or may have breast cancer
- has heart valve problems with complications
- has hormone problems with the adrenal gland
- has or has had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., stroke)
- has or has had coronary artery disease
- has or has had benign or malignant liver tumors
- has or has had headaches accompanied by certain nerve function problems (problems affecting a particular body area or function)
- has or has had thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic (blood clotting) disorders
- has reduced kidney function
- has reduced liver function
- has severe or multiple risk factors for blood clots:
- diabetes with blood vessel involvement
- severe high blood pressure
- severe high cholesterol
- has undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding