What is YAZ (Ethinyloestradiol/Drospirenone/Lactose) used for?

YAZ (Ethinylestradiol/Drospirenone/Lactose) is an oral birth control pill prescribed to women to prevent pregnancy. It contains hormones that stop the release of an egg from the ovaries to prevent fertilization. Your physician may also prescribe it for the treatment of other unlisted conditions.

How should I use YAZ (Ethinyloestradiol/Drospirenone/Lactose)?

YAZ (Ethinylestradiol/Drospirenone/Lactose) should be used according to your physician's directions and those included with the packaging to get the safest and most effective results from treatment. One tablet should be taken each day beginning on the first day of your period, but your instructions may differ based on your weight, age, and health condition. The tablets are packaged in calendar labeled blisters to help you keep track of the correct pill to take. These should be swallowed with a full cup of water and may be taken with or without food, although a snack or meal is recommended before work if you get an upset stomach. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablets as this may destroy or change the effects of their contents.

What are the side effects of YAZ (Ethinyloestradiol/Drospirenone/Lactose)?

Some patients using YAZ (Ethinylestradiol/Drospirenone/Lactose) have reported experiencing side effects such as:

• Indigestion or bloating
• Mild nausea or vomiting
• Unusual appetite or weight changes
• Tenderness, swelling, or discharge from the breast area
• Vaginal irritation or discharge
• Disrupted menstrual periods

Stop using the medicine and contact your physician as soon as possible if you experience any serious side effects such as migraines, coughing, flu symptoms, numbness or weakness, swelling in the arms or legs, lump in the breast, depression, darkened urine, discolored stools, or jaundice. It may be necessary to lower your doses, reduce the frequency of administration, or seek emergency medical attention in serious cases to prevent more health problems from occurring.

Please Note

YAZ (Ethinylestradiol/Drospirenone/Lactose) should not be used by men or by women who are pregnant, suspected to be pregnant, attempting to conceive, pregnant, or those who have angina, heart valve disease, migraines, a history of breast cancer, porphyrias, gallstones, a history of jaundice, blood clots, severe diabetes with complications, systemic lupus, high cholesterol, cancer of the genital tract, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or liver disease. Also inform your physician if you have varicose veins, obesity, a history of gallstones, heart failure, hypertension, a history of depression, inflammatory bowel disease, a history of depression, sickle cell anemia, a family history of breast cancer, or decreased liver or kidney function. These conditions may lead to unexpected problems during treatment requiring special adjustments in regimen.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using YAZ (Ethinylestradiol/Drospirenone/Lactose). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.