Drug Uses

Yasmin is a contraception pill used to prevent from pregnancy. Yasmin contains a progestin hormone called drospirenone which makes it different from the other contraceptives. Yasmin cannot protect you from sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS.

How Taken

Yasmin is available in a package of 28 tablets. The first 21 tablets are the active pills. These pills contain hormones and are in yellow color. The last 7 pills are not active and are colored differently. Day 1 start: You should start taking the active yellow pills during the first 24 hours of your menstruation. You do not need a second contraceptive method. Sunday start: You should start taking the active yellow pills on the Sunday after your menstruation begins. In case your menstruation starts on Sunday, you should take the first pill on that same day. You need to use a second contraceptive method (condoms or spermicides) during the first 7 days after you start taking the first package of Yasmin.

Warnings/Precautions

Before you take Yasmin you should inform your doctor if you have had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot; high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease; a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer; or undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Also, notify your doctor if you have diabetes; high cholesterol; gallbladder disease; migraines or other headaches; epilepsy; a history of depression; a history of scanty or irregular menstrual periods; smoke cigarettes; or need an extended period of bed rest due to surgery or illness. Yasmin falls into the FDA pregnancy category X which means they are known to cause birth defects to a fetus. Hormonal changes during a pregnancy may affect a developing baby. Do not use Yasmin if you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant. The hormones of birth control tablets pass into breast milk and reduce the production of milk. Consult your doctor before taking Yasmin if you are breast feeding a baby. You should avoid smoking because it enhances the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation.

Missed Dose

If you miss 1 active pill (colored in yellow):
1. Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember and take the next pill as scheduled. Thus you will take two tablets on one day.
2. There is not need to use a second method of contraception when you have sex.
If you miss 2 active pills (colored in yellow) in a row in the 1st or 2nd week of the package:
1. Take two tablets on the day you remember the missed dose and two tablets on the day after that.
2. Take one pill per day until the package finishes.
3. You must use a second contraceptive method (condoms or spermicides) in the seven days after the missed dose because there is a possibility to become pregnant.
If you miss 2 active pills (colored in yellow) in a row in the 3rd week of the package:
1. Throw out the rest of the pills in the package and start a new package the same day. Thus you start all over again from day 1.
If your first day is Sunday, you should continue taking a tablet every day until Sunday, and then you should throw out the rest of the pills and start a new package the same day.
2. It is normal that you don't have a menstruation this month but if you don't have a menstruation two months you should contact your doctor because you may be pregnant.
3. You must use a second contraceptive method (condoms or spermicides) in the seven days after the missed dose because there is a possibility to become pregnant.
If you miss 3 or more active pills (colored in yellow) in a row (during the first three weeks of the usage):
1. Throw out the rest of the pills in the package and start a new package the same day. Thus you start all over again from day 1.
If your first day is Sunday, you should continue taking a tablet every day until Sunday, and then you should throw out the rest of the pills and start a new package the same day.
2. It is normal that you don't have a menstruation this month but if you don't have a menstruation two months you should contact your doctor because you may be pregnant.
3. You must use a second contraceptive method (condoms or spermicides) in the seven days after the missed dose because there is a possibility to become pregnant.

Possible Side Effects

VAGINAL BLEEDING
You may experience irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting. The irregular bleeding may be slight staining between menstruation or breakthrough bleeding such as a regular menstruation. Irregular bleeding usually occurs in the first few months of contraceptive usage and is usually temporary and does not signal serious problems. You should not discontinue the usage of Yasmin. However, if the bleeding occurs in more than one cycle or if it continues longer than a few days, you should consult your doctor.
CONTACT LENSES
Call your doctor in case you wear contact lenses and experience vision changes or inability to wear the lenses.
FLUID RETENTION
Oral birth control pills may cause fluid retention (edema) indicated by swelling of the fingers and ankles, and may raise the blood pressure. Talk to your doctor if you have fluid retention.
MELASMA
You may develop a spotty darkening of the skin, and especially on the face.
OTHER SIDE EFFECTS
Among the other side effects may be change in appetite, headache, nervousness, and depression, and dizziness, loss of scalp hair, rash, and vaginal infections. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects are bothersome.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).

Overdose

Serious ill effects have not been reported following acute ingestion of large doses of other oral contraceptives by young children. Over dosage may cause nausea, and withdrawal bleeding may occur in females. Drospirenone, however, is a spironolactone analogue, which has antimineralocorticoid properties. Serum concentration of potassium and sodium, and evidence of metabolic acidosis, should be monitored in cases of overdose.

More Information

Your healthcare provider will take a medical and family history before prescribing oral contraceptives and will examine you. The physical examination may be delayed to another time if you request it and the healthcare provider believes that it is appropriate to postpone it. You should be re-examined at least once a year. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if there is a family history of any of the conditions listed previously in this leaflet. Be sure to keep all appointments with your healthcare provider, because this is a time to determine if there are early signs of side effects of oral contraceptive use. Do not use the drug for any condition other than the one for which it was prescribed. This drug has been prescribed specifically for you; do not give it to others who may want birth-control pills.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.