Yasmin

21-day pack: Take 1 tablet daily for 21 days. Take no tablets for 7 days, and then begin the next pack.

28-day pack: Take 1 tablet daily for 21 days, then take 1 "reminder" tablet daily for 7 days, and then begin the next pack.

Talk with your doctor about the best time to start your pills. The first day of your menstrual period (bleeding) is known as "Day 1." Your doctor may have you start your pills on the first Sunday after your period starts or on Day 1 or Day 5 of your period. The pills should be taken approximately the same time every day, (e.g., with a meal or at bedtime).

It is a good idea to use a second method of birth control (e.g., latex condoms, spermicidal foam or gel) for the first 7 days of the first cycle of pill use to ensure prevention of pregnancy.

Many women experience spotting or light bleeding or may feel sick to their stomach during the first 3 months of taking the pill. If you do feel sick, do not stop taking the pill. The problem will usually go away. If it does not go away, check with your doctor or clinic.

If you have vomiting or Diarrhea, or if you take certain medications (such as antibiotics), your pills may not work as well. If you start a new medication while taking birth control pills, check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that it will not reduce the effectiveness of the pills. Use a backup method of birth control, such as latex condoms and permicidal foam or gel, until you can check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that you take Yasmin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss pills at any time, the risk of becoming pregnant increases.

If you miss one pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the next pill at the usual time. This means that you might take 2 pills in one day.

If you miss 2 pills in a row during the first 2 weeks of your cycle, take 2 pills on the day you remember and 2 pills the next day. Then take one pill a day until you finish the pack. Use a second method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills.

If you start your pills on Sunday and you miss 2 pills in a row during the third week of your cycle or 3 or more pills in a row anytime in your cycle, keep taking one pill a day until Sunday. On Sunday, safely discard the rest of the pack and start a new pack that day. Use another method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills. You may not have a period this month. If you miss 2 periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic.

If you start your pills on a day other than a Sunday and you miss 2 pills in a row during the third week of your cycle or 3 or more pills at anytime during your cycle, safely dispose of the rest of the pill pack and start a new pack that same day. You may not have a period this month. If you miss 2 periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic. Use another method of birth control if you have sex in the 7 days after you miss the pills. You may not have a period this month. If you miss 2 periods in a row, call your doctor or clinic.

If you are taking the 28-day pack and miss any of the white pills in week 4, safely dispose of the pills you missed and keep taking one pill each day until the pack is empty. Begin a new pack as you would normally.

See the package insert for additional information on where to start and what to do if you forget to take a pill.

Store Yasmin at room temperature in its original packaging and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it could cause water retention and swelling; it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun; it may cause your breasts to feel swollen and tender; it may affect your appetite. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Yasmin 21

Each hormone-containing yellow, round, film-coated tablet contains 3.0 mg of drospirenone and 0.030 mg of ethinyl estradiol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, modified starch, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow ferric oxide.

Yasmin 28

Each hormone-containing yellow, round, film-coated tablet contains 3.0 mg of drospirenone and 0.030 mg of ethinyl estradiol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, modified starch, polyethylene glycol, povidone, talc, titanium dioxide and yellow ferric oxide.

The white tablets are hormone-free. Nonmedicinal ingredients for hormone-free tablets: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, and titanium dioxide;

Do not take Yasmin if you:

• are allergic to drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, or any ingredients of the medication
• are or may be pregnant
• have active liver disease
• have any eye damage resulting from vascular (blood vessel) disease of the eye, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields
• have a condition that increases the risk of high potassium (such as diseases of the kidney, liver, or adrenal glands)
• have had a Heart Attack
• have had jaundice (yellowing of skin) with pregnancy or with prior pill use
• have, have had, or may have an endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining) or another type of tumour that needs estrogen to grow
• have, have had, or may have Breast Cancer
• have heart valve disease with complications
• have or have had benign or malignant liver tumours
• have or have had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., Stroke) or a condition that may be the first sign of a stroke (such as a Transient Ischemic Attack or small reversible stroke)
• have or have had Coronary Artery Disease (e.g., Angina)
• have or have had migraines with aura
• has or has had pancreatitis associated with extremely high triglyceride levels
• have or have had Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic (blood clotting) disorders
• have reduced kidney function
• have reduced liver function
• have problems with the adrenal gland
• have severe or multiple risk factors for Blood Clots:
  • Diabetes with blood vessel involvement
  • heavy smoking (more than 15 cigarettes per day) and over age 35
  • inherited or acquired blood clotting disorders
  • major surgery associated with an increased risk of blood clots after surgery
  • prolonged bed rest
  • severe high blood pressure
  • severe High Cholesterol
• have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

There may be an interaction between drospirenone - ethinyl estradiol and any of the following:

• Abiraterone acetate
• Aliskiren
• Amiodarone
• Anastrozole
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors; e.g., Ramipril, Lisinopril, or Enalapril)
• angiotensin-II receptor blockers (e.g., candesartan, losartan)
• antacids (when taken within 2 hours of the medication)
• antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, erythromycin, Metronidazole, penicillin, neomycin, Nitrofurantoin, rifampin, sulfonamides, tetracyclines)
• anticonvulsants (e.g., Carbamazepine, Ethosuximide, Lamotrigine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, primidone, Topiramate)
• Apixaban
• Aprepitant
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam, Diazepam, Chlordiazepoxide)
• beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol)
• boceprevir
• Bosentan
• caffeine
• certain diuretics (e.g., Amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene)
• Cholestyramine
• clarithromycin
• clofibrate
• Clonidine
• Cobicistat
• conivaptan
• corticosteroids (e.g., Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisone)
• Crizotinib
• Cyclosporine
• Cyproterone
• dabigatran
• Dabrafenib
• Deferasirox
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glipizide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Nateglinide, Rosiglitazone)
• Dipyridamole
• Doxorubicin
• Dronedarone
• Enzalutamide
• Exemestane
• Exenatide
• folic acid
• grapefruit juice
• heparin
• HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; e.g., delaviridine, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• hyaluronidase
• Hydrocodone
• immune globulin
• Meperidine
• mifepristone
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• mycophenolate
• nefazodone
• Nilotinib
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen)
• Perampanel
• potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene)
• potassium supplements or potassium-
• containing salt substitutes
• Prazosin
• progesterone
• propranolol
• Prucalopride
• quinidine
• quinine
• reserpine
• retinoic acid medications (e.g., acitretin, etretinate, Isotretinoin)
• rifampin
• Rivaroxaban
• Ropinirole
• St. John's wort
• Selegiline
• siltuximab
• Somatropin
• Sunitinib
• Tacrolimus
• Tamoxifen
• telaprevir
• tenofovir
• Teriflunomide
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• Thyroid replacements (e.g., dessicated thyroid, Levothyroxine)
• tipranavir
• Tizanidine
• Tocilizumab
• topiramate
• Tranexamic acid
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine)
• Ulipristal
• Ursodiol
• Verapamil
• Vinblastine
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Yasmin. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Yasmin.

Blood clots: All hormonal contraceptives can increase the risk of developing blood clots. Some studies show that birth control pills containing drospirenone have a higher risk of blood clots compared to other birth control pills. Tell your doctor if you have a history of blood clots or are at risk of developing blood clots. Inform your doctor if you are planning an upcoming surgery or if you will be immobilized or inactive for a prolonged period of time (i.e., through accident or illness), as there is an increased risk of blood clot formation when using combination hormone contraceptives. If you experience crushing chest pain or heaviness, pain in the calf, sudden shortness of breath, vision or speech changes, sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or are coughing blood, get immediate medical attention as these symptoms could indicate a possible blood clot.

Blood pressure: Yasmin may increase blood pressure, increasing the risks of other heart problems. If you have high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Yasmin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Yasmin, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may need to visit your doctor more frequently to have your blood pressure checked while using Yasmin. Occasionally, high blood pressure that develops with the use of hormone contraceptives may require stopping Yasmin.

Cigarette smoking and heart disease: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious heart disease and death. Birth control pills also increase this risk, particularly as a woman gets older. Women over 35 years of age who are heavy smokers (more than 15 cigarettes per day) should not use the birth control pill. All women are urged not to smoke while taking Yasmin.

Other factors that increase your risk of heart disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or a family history of these conditions. It is unclear whether taking the birth control pill increases this risk. For women who have a low risk of heart disease and do not smoke, the benefits of using low-dose birth control pills outweigh the possible risks of heart disease, regardless of age. These women may continue to use birth control pills up to the age of Menopause.

Depression: Yasmin, like other birth control medications, may contribute to feelings of depression. If you have a history of depression or other emotional problems, discuss with your doctor how Yasmin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Yasmin, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Women with a history of depression or other emotional problems may be more likely to have a recurrence while taking oral birth control medications.

Diabetes: If you have diabetes or a family history of diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Yasmin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Yasmin, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have diabetes, it may be necessary to test your blood sugar more often to detect any worsening of blood sugar control after starting birth control pills.

Epilepsy: Women with a history of epileptic seizures should speak to their doctor about the possibility of Yasmin increasing the numbers of epileptic seizures she may experience.

Electrolytes: Yasmin contains Progesterone drospirenone, which may increase potassium levels in women who are at high risk for this condition. Women with reduced kidney or liver function or inadequate production of adrenal hormones are at increased risk. Women who receive other medications that can increase their potassium should have their potassium levels checked by their doctor when they first start Yasmin. Some of these medications include potassium supplements, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (e.g., Candesartan, Losartan), some diuretics, Heparin, aldosterone antagonists (e.g., Spironolactone), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen or Naproxen).

Eye problems: Women who are taking birth control pills may experience fluid buildup in the cornea of the eye, which may cause vision changes. This fluid buildup may also mean that your contact lenses may not fit as well as they used to, especially if you have hard contact lenses. Soft contact lenses usually do not cause problems. If your contact lenses feel uncomfortable, talk to your eye doctor.

Fibroid tumours: Yasmin may worsen fibroid tumours (noncancerous growths in the uterus), causing sudden enlargement, pain, or tenderness. If you notice these effects, contact your doctor.

Gallbladder problems: The use of hormonal contraceptives increases the risk of gallbladder problems. If you experience symptoms of gallbladder problems, such as severe stomach or back (between the shoulder blades) pain, nausea or vomiting, contact your doctor.

Kidney Disease: If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Yasmin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Yasmin, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may need to have regular blood tests while taking Yasmin.

Liver disease: Although uncommon, the use of hormonal contraceptives has been associated with liver problems. See your doctor as soon as possible if you develop signs of liver problems such as yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, or itchy skin.

Migraine and headache: Women with migraines should discuss with their doctor how Yasmin may affect their medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed. Tell your doctor if you notice the development of worsening migraine headaches or new types of headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe.

Regular checkups: You should visit your doctor yearly for a physical examination and follow-up while you are taking Yasmin.

Return to fertility: After stopping birth control therapy, you should delay pregnancy until at least one normal spontaneous menstrual cycle has occurred in order to date the pregnancy. An alternative birth control method should be used during this time. If you do not menstruate for 6 months or more after stopping birth control pills, notify your doctor.

Risk of cancer: The use of hormone contraceptives may increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer in women before menopause (around age 50). If you have been using hormone contraceptives for a long time (more than 8 years), started using them at an early age, or have a family history of cancer (mother or sister), you may be at an increased risk of developing cancer. Talk to your doctor about whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you are taking birth control pills, you should learn how to do a breast self-exam. Notify your doctor anytime you detect a lump. In a few women, the use of birth control pills may speed up the growth of a breast cancer that has not yet been diagnosed. A yearly clinical breast examination is also recommended because, if breast cancer should develop, medications that contain estrogen may cause the cancer to grow quickly.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Birth control pills do not protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs; formerly known as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs). It is recommended that latex condoms be used in combination with Yasmin to protect against these infections.

Pregnancy: Yasmin should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Yasmin, or think that you may be pregnant, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Breast-feeding: The hormones in Yasmin pass into breast milk. These hormones may reduce the quantity and quality of the breast milk. Breast-feeding women should use another form of birth control until they are no longer breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about your options.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Yasmin have not been established for children less than 16 years of age.

To ensure effectiveness, this medication should be taken at the same time each day. It may be taken with or without food.<br/><br/>Birth control pills are dispensed in specific packaging. It is important to follow the sequence of tablets. Always start a new pack at the set date.<br/><br/>If you forget a pill, take it as soon as you remember and then continue to take one pill every day as usual. If you are more than 24 hours late in taking your pill, contact your pharmacist. This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects.