Yaz is a combination birth control pill. Prevent pregnancy. It is also used to treat premenstrual dysphonic disorder (PMDD) or certain types of acne in women who are using this medicine for birth control. It contains two types of hormones estrogen and progestin. You'll find that most combination birth control pills are low-dose, meaning they contain .035 milligrams or less of estrogen. Low doses of estrogen are just as effective as high doses when preventing pregnancy and have the added benefit of reducing those pasty side effects. It works by preventing ovulation, thickening the mucus in the cervix, and changing the lining of the uterus. Yaz is the only pill that has a 24 dosing schedule and contains the hormone drosperinone. You take the active (hormone) pills for 24 days then follow with the four inactive pills. Most combination birth control pills contain the synthetic hormone progestin made from the male hormone testosterone. However, the drospirenone in Yaz is a synthetic progestin that is an analogue to spironolactone. With drospirenones activities similar to spironolactone it may lead to less water retention and breast tenderness and improved skin appearance (less growing hair and acne).
What are the advantages to using Yaz?
Like other birth control pills Yaz can help give you a shorter, lighter period, a more regular cycle and less cramping. Lighter periods can mean less blood loss leading to a decrease in the risk of iron deficiency anemia.Yaz may also reduce the risk of: Ovarian cysts, Noncancerous breast cysts, or lumps Ectopic, pregnancy Endometrial cancer, Ovarian cancer How to use this medicine: If you are switching from another birth control pill to this medicine, start this medicine on the same day that you would have stated a new pack of your previous birth control pills. Yaz may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. This medicine may cause dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If you experience unusual Brest tenderness or symptoms o morning sickness you could be pregnant. Do not Brest-feed while taking this medicine.
Common side effects for Yaz can be: Weight gain, Nausea and vomiting (felt for the first few cycles), Dizziness, Increase or decrease in acne, Headaches, High blood pressure, Loss of libido, Depression, Vaginal infections Serious, but less common, health risks can be: Blood clots in legs, lungs, heart or brain, Stroke, Heart attacks, Possibly cervical cancer.
