Yaz is a prescription medication that is used as a contraception to prevent pregnancy, to treat moderate acne and to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Yaz is a combination medication containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. Yaz works by causing changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining.

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

• You should start taking Yaz on the first day of your period or the Sunday after your period beings.
• Use another form of birth control when you first start to take Yaz.
• Take Yaz once a day at the same time every day.
• Refill your prescription before it runs out so there is no pause in your treatment. Pregnancy may occur if you miss a pill.

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 unusual vaginal bleeding, cancer, blood clots, heart disease, heart problems, blood disorders, circulation problems, liver disease, liver cancer, benign liver tumors, kidney failure, kidney disease, migraine headaches, gallbladder disease, diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, triglycerides, high levels of potassium in your blood, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, thyroid disease or jaundice.
• If you are over 35 and smoke.
• If you have recently had or will be having major surgery while taking Yaz.

You should also know:

• Yaz should not be used if you are pregnant or if you have had a baby recently.
• Smoking while taking Yaz may increase the chance of stroke, heart attack or blood clots.
• Do not switch between Yaz and another brand of birth control pill without speaking to your doctor.
• You should not breast-feed while taking Yaz.

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

• Changes to your menstrual periods.
• Decreased sex drive.
• Breast tenderness.
• Mood changes.
• Headaches.
• Weight gain.
• Feeling irritable or tired.
• Skin darkening or pigmentation changes.

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

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

Is there a generic alternative to Yaz?

Generic Yaz is known as drospirenone/Ethinyl estradiol and is available in the same 0.02mg/3mg strength.

Can I use Yaz after giving birth?

Wait at least four weeks after giving birth before using Yaz?