What Is Yasmin?
Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is a hormonal contraception medication, also known as combined oral contraceptive pill or simply ‘the pill’. This prescription medication contains synthetic versions of naturally occurring female sex hormones: estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (drospirenone). Yasmin works by preventing the release of an egg during ovulation and also causes certain changes in the lining of the cervix and uterus, which makes it difficult for the sperm to reach the uterus and for the fertilized egg to implant into the uterus.
Aside from the trade name Yasmin, the drug combination drospirenone and ethinyl stradiol is sold under other brands including Beyaz, Yasminelle, Yaz, Ocella, Angeliq, and Zarah. The brand name Yasmin is manufactured and marketed by pharmaceuticals company Bayer.
Yasmin come as 28-film-coated tablets (21 yellow tablets and 7 white tablets) that should be taken continuously through a scheduled oral contraceptive drug regimen. It is available only with a prescription.
Yasmin Uses
Combined oral contraceptives like Yasmin and Yaz are primarily prescribed to sexually active females who have a regular menstrual cycle and do not want to become pregnant. It may also be taken for treatment of moderate acne in women older than 14 years and have started menstruating, and also wish to use oral contraceptive pills to prevent pregnancy.
It is also sometimes used to manage symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) that include depression, anxiety, irritability, lack or energy, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, problems concentrating, joint or muscle pain, breast tenderness, weight gain, and headache.
Birth control pills cannot prevent or protect individuals from sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe Yasmin for other purposes not discussed in this medication guide.
How Yasmin Works
Yasmin, as well as other combined oral contraceptives, work by inhibiting the normal menstrual cycle. During a normal menstrual cycle, the level of certain female sex hormones changes at an expected rate. These hormonal changes cause the release of an egg from the ovary (a process called ovulation) and prepare the uterine lining or the womb for childbearing. If at the end of the menstrual cycle the egg had not been fertilized, the levels of female hormones drop, eventually causing the uterine lining to shed (monthly period).
Basically, the each pill of Yasmin contain specific amounts of hormones that trick the body into thinking that ovulation has already occurred. The constant amount of hormones blocks the ripening of an egg as well as its release from the ovaries at every menstrual cycle.
Aside from preventing ovulation, it also thickens the natural mucus in the opening of the uterus, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg and to fertilize it. Yasmin also alters the quality of uterine lining making it less likely for the fertilized egg to attach to it (implantation).
Yasmin also helps make menstrual bleeding, less painful, lighter and more regular. In fact, it can also be used to help women who have menstrual problems, especially painful, heavy or irregular periods.
How to Take Yasmin
Read your prescription label carefully and take this drug exactly as prescribed. Do not take more than the recommended amount or for longer the suggested duration.
Usually, the first tablet of Yasmin is taken on first day of the menstrual bleeding or on the first Sunday after the menstrual bleeding begins. Use of a different birth control measure, such as spermicide or condom, may be necessary at initiation of treatment. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Yasmin pill should be taken every day, no more than 24 hours apart. Once the course is completed, start a new pack for the following day. Missing doses can make this contraceptive less effective. Be sure to get a refill before running out of pills.
Yasmin 28-day contraceptive pack includes seven “reminder” pills that ensure you are on regular cycle. Usually, your monthly period begins while taking these reminder pills.
Breakthrough bleeding is possible during the first three months. Contact your healthcare provider if bleeding persists or becomes severe.
If you experience severe vomiting or diarrhea while taking Yasmin, use a different birth control measure. If you are scheduled for surgery or medical tests, or if you will be on bed rest, your healthcare provider may recommend withdrawing this medication temporarily. Inform all your healthcare providers such as surgeon or pharmacist that you are taking Yasmin. Be sure to visit your doctor regularly or at scheduled appointments.
Important Things To Remember When Using Yasmin
- No birth control method is 100 percent effective. Birth control pills are less effective compared to having surgery to become sterile or abstaining from sex. Discuss other birth control alternatives with your healthcare provider.
- Use of a back-up birth control method is necessary at start of drug regimen.
- Yasmin does not help prevent sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or AIDS. It does not also provide emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual intercourse.
- Yasmin should not be used by pregnant women or those who have recently given birth. It is also contraindicated for women who have any of these conditions: circulation problems, blood clotting disorder, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes complications of the eyes and kidneys, liver impairment, severe migraine headaches, unusual vaginal bleeding, chronic smoking and over 35 years of age, history of uterine or breast cancer, heart attack, blood clot, stroke or jaundice due to birth control pills.
- Yasmin may increase the risk of breast cancer and blood clots. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the pill before initiating treatment.
- Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience adverse effects that include coughing up blood, pain on coughing or breathing, unusual swelling or stabbing pain in one leg, severe chest pain, sudden breathlessness, severe headaches or migraine, hearing or speech problem, sudden disturbance in vision, epileptic seizure, fainting, yellowing of the skin, severe stomach pain, or if you get pregnant.
