Indications 

Yaz birth control is an oral birth control medication used to control unplanned pregnancy. It can be indicated to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or moderate acne if you have chosen to use birth control pills as your method of pregnancy prevention.  

YAZ Birth Control 28-day pack is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that contains two hormones: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg, and altering the lining of the uterus to make it less receptive to implantation. 

Use and Dosage 

YAZ Birth Control 28-day comes in the form of tablet form to be taken orally as instructed by a doctor, with or without food, usually once a day. Select a convenient time of day to take the tablet and take it at the same time every day, 24 hours apart. Taking the tablet after the evening meal or at bedtime may help relieve nausea and stomach upset. 

YAZ Birth Control 28-day comes in a pack of 28 tablets. You should take one tablet every day, preferably at the same time each day. Take one tablet of YAZ orally once a day, at the same time each day, for 28 consecutive days. The pack contains 24 active pills with hormones and 4 reminder (placebo) pills without hormones. Take the pills in the correct order to maintain effectiveness. 

If you miss a dose of YAZ, refer to the product package information for advice on missed doses. You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or spermicide, to prevent pregnancy. If you frequently forget to take your pills as directed, contact your doctor to discuss switching to another form of birth control. 

Side Effects 

Common Side Effects 

• Acne 
• Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods 
• Breast tenderness, enlargement, or discharge 
• Brown or black skin patches 
• Changes in menstrual flow 
• Constipation 
• Diarrhea 
• Gingivitis (swelling of the gum tissue) 
• Hair growth in unusual places 
• Increased or decreased appetite 
• Nausea 
• Painful or missed periods 
• Stomach cramps or bloating 
• Swelling, redness, irritation, burning, or itching of the vagina 
• Vomiting 
• Weight gain or weight loss 
• White vaginal discharge 

Serious Side Effects 

• Bulging eyes 
• Coughing up blood 
• Crushing chest pain or chest heaviness 
• Dark-colored urine 
• Depression, especially if you also have trouble sleeping, tiredness, loss of energy, or other mood changes 
• Dizziness or faintness 
• Double vision 
• Extreme tiredness, weakness, or lack of energy 
• Fever 
• Leg pain 
• Light-colored stool 
• Loss of appetite 
• Menstrual bleeding 
• Partial or complete loss of vision 
• Rash 
• Severe headache 
• Severe stomach pain 
• Severe vomiting 
• Shortness of breath 
• Speech problems 
• Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs 
• Unusual bleeding 
• Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg 
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes 

Cautions 

• Switching from another birth control method: If you are switching from a different form of birth control, such as a transdermal patch, vaginal ring, injection, intrauterine device (IUD), or implant, follow the instructions provided in the package or consult your healthcare provider for guidance on when to start taking YAZ. 
• Vomiting or severe diarrhea: Vomiting or severe diarrhea can affect the absorption of YAZ. If you vomit within three hours of taking YAZ, consider it a missed dose and follow the instructions provided in the package or consult your healthcare provider for guidance. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not take YAZ if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have recently given birth, start taking YAZ no sooner than four weeks after delivery to avoid an increased risk of blood clots. 
• Pre-existing medical conditions: Before taking YAZ, talk to your doctor about your health history, including any pre-existing medical conditions. Certain conditions, such as a history of blood clots, heart disease, liver disease, or certain types of cancer, may require special consideration or alternative contraceptive options. 
• Drug interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking, as some medications may interact with YAZ and reduce its effectiveness. This includes certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, anticonvulsants, HIV medications, and St. John’s Wort. 
• Smoking: Women of any age who use birth control pills are strongly advised not to smoke, as smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives. 
• Breakthrough bleeding: Breakthrough bleeding is more likely with continuous and extended-cycle regimens than with the traditional 28-day schedule. Note that breakthrough bleeding does not necessarily indicate a lack of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.