Yasmin is a prescription medication that is prescribed as birth control. Yasmin is a combination medication that contains drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. Yasmin works to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation and causing changes to the cervical mucus and uterine lining to make it more difficult for the sperm to reach the uterus.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Yasmin is often started on the first day of your menstrual period, or the first Sunday after your period begins.
• Both Yasmin 21 and Yasmin 28 contain 21 active medication pills. Yasmin 28 contains 21 active pills and 7 reminder pills.
• Take Yasmin once a day at the same time every day.
• Yasmin can be taken with or without food. Taking Yasmin after an evening meal or at bedtime can decrease nausea and stomach upset.
• Use another method of birth control for the first week that you are taking Yasmin.
• Take Yasmin 21 daily for 21 days. Do not take any medication for the next 7 days and then begin a new packet of Yasmin 21.
• Take an active pill of Yasmin 28 for 21 days, and then take a reminder pill for the next 7 days.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history particularly of heart attack, stroke, heart problems, heart disease, coronary artery disease, circulation problems, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, adrenal gland disorder, kidney disease, high blood pressure, triglycerides, an underactive thyroid, diabetes, liver disease, cancer, severe migraine headaches, blood clots, jaundice, high levels of potassium in your blood, migraines, gallbladder disease or depression.
• If you are over 35 and smoke.
• If you are overweight.
• If you will have major surgery while taking this medication.

You should also know:

• Yasmin can the chance of heart attack, stroke or blood clots. Speak to your doctor for more information.
• Do not take Yasmin if you are pregnant or if you have recently given birth.
• Do not breast-feed while using this medication.
• Yasmin is less effective if you start a pack late or if you take the medication at different times of the day.

Common side effects of Yasmin include but are not limited to:

• Changes to your menstrual periods.
• Breast tenderness.
• Decreased sexual drive.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Mood changes.
• Headaches.
• Tiredness.
• Feeling irritated.
• Weight gain.

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of Yasmin.

• Depression symptoms including sleep problems, tiredness, mood changes or weakness.
• Changes to the severity or pattern of migraines.
• Hand, ankle or feet swelling.
• Signs of a blood clot such as shortness of breath, coughing up blood, sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain or warmth, pain or swelling in one or both legs.
• Signs of a stroke including sudden severe headache, weakness especially on one side of the body, vision problems, balance problems, slurred speech or sudden numbness.
• Heart attack symptoms including chest pain or pressure, a pain that spreads to your shoulder or jaw, nausea or sweating.
• Signs of increased blood pressure such as severe headache, pounding in the neck or ears or blurred vision.
• Signs of a liver problem such as loss of appetite, dark urine, upper stomach pain, clay-colored stools, jaundice or tiredness.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat.

Can I use Yasmin after giving birth?

Wait at least four weeks after giving birth before taking Yasmin?

What medications does Yasmin contain?

Yasmin contains drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.