Yaz Birth Control Pills

Yaz offers an oral contraceptive regimen consisting of 28 active film tablets containing 3 mg of drospirenone and 0.02 mg of Ethinyl estradiol as the active ingredients. Drospirenone is a progestin, and estradiol is an estrogen.

About Yaz Birth Control Pills

When used daily, the combination birth control pill reduces the likelihood of pregnancy by more than 99%. The Contraceptive effects of this combination oral contraceptive are based on the interaction of various factors, the most important of which are seen as the inhibition of ovulation and the changes in cervical secretion. In addition to preventing pregnancy, Yaz has other contraceptive uses as well. One of the main among these is treating a severe form of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a distress condition that severely impacts women’s mood and relationships at home and work. The combination of estradiol and drospirenone appears to be more effective against PMDD than any oral contraceptive. Yaz tablet is also approved to treat moderate acne by blocking the production of male hormones that causes acne breakouts. If you decide to take a birth control pill, have started menstruating, and are at least 14 years old, Yaz may offer dual benefits in preventing pregnancy and clearing acne. Sometimes, birth control pills are prescribed to make your periods more regular, decrease your risk of ovarian cysts, decrease painful periods and blood loss. Using this contraception pill does not protect you or your partner against sexually transmitted diseases such as (gonorrhoea, HIV, chlamydia). Read the instructions given by your doctor before you start using this product. The prescription contains essential information on when to take the pills and how long to continue the treatment. If you have any doubt, consult your doctor. 

Important Information

Before prescribing oral contraceptives, your doctor will assess your health history to see if you are a suitable candidate for Yaz pills. Always speak to your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you currently take. While some medicines pose minor interaction risks, some may be outright contraindicated while taking the combined contraceptive. Yaz should not be used by females over 35 years old who smoke. Women who smoke have an increased risk of serious heart problems with Yaz. Drospirenone can increase the level of potassium in the blood and should not be taken if you have a liver, kidney, or adrenal disorder. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in functioning nerve and muscle cells, including those of the heart. Also, Yaz should not be given to people with:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• high blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Pancreatitis 
• Migraine headaches
• Jaundice
• Diabetes-related eye, kidney, nerve, or circulatory disorders
• Known or suspected cervical cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and any other cancer influenced by hormones
• A history of heart attack, stroke, angina pectoris, or blood clots
• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy

 For people taking antiviral medicines for hepatitis, Yaz is not recommended because ethinyl has been associated with liver complications. In such cases, progestin may be a more appropriate option if a patient is being treated for hepatitis C and wish to use an oral contraceptive. Some studies have shown increased blood clots among women who take combination oral contraceptives with drospirenone as active ingredients. In contrast, other research studies have found no increased risk.

Dosing Instructions

Yaz delivers in a pack of 28 pills, containing 24 light pink pills and four white pills. The contraceptive pill is taken once daily before or after consuming food. It must be taken daily, preferably during bedtime.

One can take the pills in the following two ways:

1. The first method – Take the first pill on Sunday immediately following the start of your menstrual cycle, even if you are still bleeding. If your cycle begins on a Sunday, take your first pill then. Make sure you adopt a backup method of birth control, such as a condom, until you have taken seven pills.
2. Second, method – Take your first pill during the first 24 hours of the start of your menstrual cycle. You must use a backup method as the pill is effective from the first dose.

The Verdict

Yaz works well as most other birth control pills, and when used correctly, they prevent pregnancy. It is equally effective in treating PMDD and can. Women of any age who use any contraceptive pills are strongly advised not to smoke.