Yaz (Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Yaz is a birth control pill used to prevent pregnancy. Yaz is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (a severe condition that consists of physical and emotional symptoms, such as depression and irritability, before menstruation) in women who choose to use Yaz for birth control. Yaz is also used to treat moderate acne in women ≥14 years who are able to and wish to use Yaz for birth control.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious heart-related side effects (such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack) from use of birth control pills, such as Yaz. The risk increases with age (especially if you are >35 years old and smoke). Do not smoke while you are taking birth control pills. Use of birth control pills is associated with increased risk of heart attack, clotting disorders, stroke, liver tumors, and gallbladder disease. These risks increase in people with a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, clotting disorders, heart attack, stroke, chest pain, cancer of the breast or sex organs, or liver tumors. Birth control pills may increase your cholesterol levels. Women with high cholesterol should be monitored closely. Yaz does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. You can experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting while you are taking birth control pills, especially during the first 3 months of use. You may also have irregular periods. If you have missed more than two periods in a row, take a pregnancy test to determine if you are pregnant. Do not use Yaz if you are pregnant. Yaz is different from other birth control pills because it contains the progestin (a type of hormone) drospirenone. Drospirenone may increase your potassium levels. During the first month that you take Yaz, your doctor will order a blood test to check your potassium levels.