Yaz

Yaz is an FDA-approved combination birth control pill (commonly called “the pill”) which is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. It contains 0.02mg of ethinyl estradiol and 3mg of drospirenone.

In addition to being an effective birth control option, Yaz is also approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), as well as moderate acne.

You can purchase Yaz, as well as Nikki and Beyaz, which are alternative medications with the same formulation, online from Speedy Health.

What is the difference between Yaz and Yasmin?

Yaz and Yasmin are two brand name birth control pills manufactured by Bayer Healthcare. They both contain drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, however Yaz contains slightly less ethinyl estradiol than Yasmin. Both are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to prevent pregnancy, but only Yaz is also approved to treat acne and PMDD.

Estrogen and progesterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the course of your menstrual cycle. Hormonal contraceptives provide your body with a consistent supply of these hormones to prevent pregnancy.

Yaz prevents conception from taking place by suppressing ovulation, thickening the mucus at the entrance of the womb so that sperm cannot reach an egg. It also reduces the quality of the womb lining so that fertilized eggs are less able to implant into the womb and grow.

Each pill strip consists of 28 tablets. There are 24 light pink tablets, which contain the active ingredient, and four white placebo tablets. Take one tablet at the same time each day for 28 days, following the order listed on the pack.

Unlike some other types of birth control pills, there is no break between pill strips. Take the pink tablets once daily, at the same time each day, for 24 days, followed by the white tablets. During this time, you may get a withdrawal bleed that is similar to a period.

When first starting Yaz, you should take the first pill on the first day of your period. This is the first day you are bleeding. You can also begin the Sunday after your period starts, but you will still need to use a back-up contraception method, such as a condom and spermicide, during the first seven days to prevent pregnancy.

When taking any medication, you should always follow the advice of the prescribing doctor as well as the instructions included with the medication.

What if I miss a pill?

If you miss a pill, the next steps depend on how many pills you have missed, what type of pill it is, and how far into the pill pack you are.

If you are under 24 hours late in taking one of the pink pills, you will still be protected against pregnancy. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember and continue taking the rest of your pills as normal. If you miss multiple pills, your risk of becoming pregnant is increased.

Refer to the leaflet included with your medication or get in touch with your healthcare provider if you have missed any pills.

Vomiting and diarrhea

If you experience vomiting or diarrhea within three hours of taking your pill, it may not be as effective and you may not be as protected against pregnancy. Take another pill as soon as possible and the next one at your usual time. Treat severe instances of vomiting or diarrhea as though you have not taken your pill.

Side effects are a possibility of most medications, although combined contraceptive pills are usually well tolerated.

Some of the most common side effects include:

• spotting or bleeding in between periods
• nausea
• breast pain or tenderness
• headaches

As Yaz contains a lower dose of estrogen than other combined contraceptive pills, it may carry a lower risk of estrogen-related side effects such as headache, breast tenderness, and nausea.

You may not experience any side effects, and some side effects may be temporary as a result of starting the medication and will decrease over time.

You can read the information included with your medication for a complete list of side effects. If you experience any side effects that are persistent or severe, contact your healthcare provider for further advice.

Blood clots

While it is rare, women who take combined contraceptive pills are at a slightly higher risk of developing a blood clot compared with those not taking them.

Drospirenone, the artificial progestin used in Yaz, has an increased risk compared to other birth control pills, but the overall risk is still low.

The risk of a blood clot is further increased if you smoke, are older than 35, have high blood pressure, migraine headaches, certain heart conditions, diabetes, or if you are overweight.

This medication is usually well tolerated, but ensuring that you detail your medical conditions and other medications you are taking will help the doctor assess whether or not it is appropriate for you.

If you are over the age of 35 and smoke, you should not use Yaz, as it could increase your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as a heart attack or blood clot. Your doctor may recommend another contraception method, such as the progestin-only pill (POP).

If you are breastfeeding, you should use a different form of contraception.

Your doctor may also not prescribe Yaz if you have:

• previously had a blood clot or have certain blood clotting disorders
• uncontrolled high blood pressure
• diabetes with certain complications
• a history of severe migraine headaches
• previously had a cancer which is sensitive to female hormones, such as breast cancer
• liver tumors or liver disease
• kidney or adrenal disease

Yaz does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it is still important to practice safe sex.

You should inform all healthcare providers about any medications or supplements you are taking, even if they are not prescribed.

Yaz can interact with some medications, including:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• high blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, and potassium-sparing diuretics
• aldosterone antagonists
• heparin

When completing your consultation, it is important to list any medications you are taking, as there may be an interaction. Some medications may make birth control pills less effective. These include:

• barbiturates
• bosentan
• carbamazepine
• felbamate
• griseofulvin
• oxcarbazepine
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• St. John’s wort
• topiramate

You can buy Yaz, Nikki, and Beyaz from Speedy Health by filling out our simple online consultation. After submitting your information, a doctor will assess whether or not the medication is suitable for you. If the consultation is approved, it will be sent on to our pharmacy, and you will receive your medication with free next-day delivery.