Yaz (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Yaz

Information on Birth Control Pills »

What are birth control pills and how do they work?

Birth control pills are also known as oral contraceptives (OCs) or, simply, â€œthe pill.â€ They offer protection against pregnancy by blocking the union of sperm and egg, thereby preventing conception.

Oral contraceptives or birth control pills contain synthetic female hormones. They work largely by preventing the release of an egg from an ovary, or ovulation. If no egg is released, there can be no pregnancy.

Stopping ovulation is not the only way birth control pills can work. The progestin or synthetic progesterone in birth control pills also changes the physical and chemical environment of the female reproductive tract, making it hostile for sperm.

What are the different types of birth control pills?

The active ingredients in birth control pills are synthetic versions of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Combination oral contraceptives are birth control...

Read the Information on Birth Control Pills article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Yaz User Reviews >>

Yaz

Birth Control Slideshow Pictures

font size

Yaz Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Yaz)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to drospirenone or ethinyl estradiol, or if you have:

uncontrolled high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or a heart valve disorder;
a history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems of diabetes;
kidney or liver disease;
adrenal gland disorder;
unusual vaginal bleeding;
any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer; or
a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.

high blood pressure or heart disease;
high cholesterol or if you are overweight;
liver cancer;
gallbladder disease;
diabetes;
seizures or epilepsy; or
a history of depression, irregular menstrual cycles, or history of breast or uterine cancer.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

The hormones in this medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Drospirenone may raise potassium levels in your blood. Other medical conditions can also affect potassium levels, including liver disease, kidney disease, and adrenal gland disorders. Before using drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions.

How should I take drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Yaz)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor's instructions).

Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of pills completely.

You may have breakthrough bleeding. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.

If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using birth control pills.

Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication. Do not miss any appointments. Self-examine your breasts monthly to check for lumps while you are taking drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related Drug Centers