Table of Contents
What is Yaz?
Yaz Description:
Yaz tablets comprise a combination of progesterone (drospirenone) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). Functioning as a combination birth control pill, Yaz employs female hormones to prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Additionally, Yaz induces alterations in cervical mucus and the uterine lining, hindering sperm from reaching the uterus and impeding the attachment of a fertilized egg.
Yaz Use:
Primarily used as contraception to prevent pregnancy, Yaz also serves as a treatment for moderate acne in women aged 14 and older who have initiated menstrual periods and desire birth control. Furthermore, Yaz addresses symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), including anxiety, depression, irritability, concentration difficulties, energy loss, sleep or appetite changes, breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, headache, and weight gain.
Warnings:
Avoid using Yaz if pregnant or recently postpartum. Taking Yaz heightens the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, particularly if there are underlying medical conditions. Inform your doctor about any medical issues, hospitalizations, surgeries, or medications before starting Yaz. Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or those overweight face an elevated risk. The first year of birth control pill usage and restarting pills after a hiatus of 4 weeks or more pose increased risks. Immobility due to surgery or extended travel may also elevate risk. Smoking, especially for those over 35, significantly increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. Different brand names (Beyaz, Gianvi, Loryna, Nikki, Ocella, Rajani, Safyral, Syeda, Vestura, Yasmin, Yaz, Yaela, and Zarah) have varying estrogen levels and are not interchangeable without consulting a doctor.
Yaz Side Effects:
Seek emergency medical assistance if signs of an allergic reaction to Yaz appear. Stop Yaz use and contact your doctor if experiencing symptoms such as sudden numbness or weakness, severe headache, vision problems, leg pain or swelling, breathing issues, coughing up blood, sudden vision loss, chest pain, symptoms of liver problems, increased blood pressure signs, swelling in extremities, changes in migraine patterns, or symptoms of depression. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, headache, mood changes, fatigue, irritability, weight gain, skin pigmentation changes, or alterations in menstrual periods or sex drive.
Before Taking Yaz:
Taking Yaz heightens the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or being overweight. Smoking, particularly if over 35, significantly raises these risks. Avoid Yaz if pregnant, and in case of pregnancy or missing two menstrual periods, cease Yaz use. Postpartum individuals should wait at least 4 weeks before starting Yaz. Avoid Yaz if you have a history of blood clots, heart issues, migraines with aura, untreated high blood pressure, circulation problems, high cholesterol, pancreatitis, severe liver disease, jaundice, severe kidney disease, hormone-related cancer, unusual vaginal bleeding, or if undergoing major surgery and bedrest. Yaz should not be taken with certain hepatitis C medications.
How to Take Yaz:
Take Yaz exactly as prescribed, starting on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after it begins. Use additional contraception initially and take one pill daily, approximately 24 hours apart. Starting a new pack the day after the previous one finishes is crucial to prevent pregnancy. Consult your doctor for specific instructions if you miss a dose or experience breakthrough bleeding.
Overdose:
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What to Avoid:
Avoid smoking while on Yaz, particularly if over 35. Yaz does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases; condoms are recommended for protection.
Drug Interactions:
Inform your doctor about all current medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products, as they may interact with Yaz and affect its effectiveness, potentially leading to pregnancy