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Yasmin Drug Interactions

by on August 15, 2012

There are a number of drugs that can interact with Yasmin. Using Yasmin with these drugs can either increase or decrease the blood levels of Yasmin, which can affect its effectiveness.

Significant Drug Interactions

Some of the drugs that can cause significant drug interactions when taken with Yasmin include the following:

Drugs that decrease the efficacy of Yasmin: Some drugs can enhance the metabolism of Yasmin, probably making it less effective or increasing the chances of breakthrough bleeding. Women should use alternative birth control or back-up method if taking medications that can reduce the efficacy of this contraceptive. The back-up contraceptive should be used up to 28 days of stopping the enzyme inducer to prevent possible pregnancy.

  • Phenytoin (Dilantin)
  • Barbiturates
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • Bosentan (Tracleer)
  • Felbamate (Felbatol)
  • Griseofulvin(Fulvicin, Grifulvin)
  • Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
  • Rifampicin (Rifadin)
  • Topiramate (Topomax)
  • Certain seizure medications

Drugs that increase the blood levels of Yasmin: Certain drugs can increase the serum levels of Yasmin. Taking Yasmin with these medications may increase the risk of side effects such as high potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia). In general, occasional use of these medications with Yasmin is not expected to cause any harm. However, it is best to consult your healthcare provider to avoid any potential adverse drug reactions.

  • Atorvastatin
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Acetaminophen
  • Itraconazole or ketoconazole

Drugs for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)/ HCV (hepatitis C virus): Combining Yasmin with these drugs can cause significant changes, either an increase or decrease, in drug serum levels of Yasmin. Consult your healthcare provider if taking such medications with Yasmin.

  • Amprenavir (Agenerase)
  • Atazanavir (Reyataz)
  • Fosamprenavir (Lexiva)
  • Indinavir (Crixivan)
  • Nelfinavir (Viracept)
  • Ritonavir (Norvir)

Antibiotics: There are case reports of pregnancy in women who concomitantly used antibiotics and hormonal contraceptives, although clinical studies do not show consistent effects of antibiotics on birth control pills.

Certain seizure drugs: Combining Yasmin with lamotrigine can reduce its blood levels, possibly making it less effective in control seizures. This is likely caused by the increased metabolism of lamotrigine due to the effects of Yasmin. Your healthcare provider may recommend dose adjustments when taking these drugs together.

  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Drugs affecting potassium concentration: Concomitant use of Yasmin with certain medications can increase serum potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Your healthcare provider may recommend close monitoring of your blood potassium levels. Dose may be adjusted, if necessary.

  • ACE Inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
  • Heparin
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Potassium-sparing diuretics
  • Other potassium products

Certain Bronchodilator: Concomitant use of Yasmin and theophylline may increase the levels of theophylline in the blood; possibly increase the risk of theophylline side effects. Inform your healthcare provider before taking these drugs together. Your dose of theophylline may be adjusted or a different birth control method may be suggested.

  • Theophylline (Uniphyl, Theocron, TheoCap)

This medication guide may not list all the drugs that can potentially interact with Yasmin. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of all the drugs you take including prescription and nonprescription drugs, as well as other health products such as supplements, vitamins and natural products.

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