Question 1

What is Yaz?

Accepted Answer

Yaz is a prescription medication that contains two types of female hormones: a progestin called drospirenone and an estrogen called ethinyl estradiol. It belongs to a class of drugs known as combination oral contraceptives, which are commonly referred to as birth control pills.

This medication works primarily by preventing the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle. It also causes changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining to help prevent fertilization and implantation.

Question 2

What is Yaz used for?

Accepted Answer

Yaz is used to treat:

Acne vulgaris

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Prevention of pregnancy

Question 3

How does Yaz work?

Accepted Answer

Hormonal Action

Yaz contains two female hormones: a progestin called drospirenone and an estrogen called ethinyl estradiol. These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy through several different methods.

Preventing Ovulation

The main way this medication works is by stopping ovulation. By maintaining consistent hormone levels in the body, the pill signals the brain to suppress the hormones that normally trigger the ovaries to release an egg each month. If no egg is released, fertilization cannot occur.

Additional Safeguards

Even if an egg were to be released, Yaz provides other layers of protection:

Cervical Mucus Changes: The hormones cause the mucus at the opening of the uterus to become thicker and stickier. This creates a physical barrier that makes it difficult for sperm to swim into the uterus to reach an egg.

Uterine Lining Changes: The medication alters the lining of the uterus, making it thinner. This change makes it less likely for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall and develop.

Other Uses

For conditions like acne or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), the hormones in Yaz help by regulating the body's natural hormonal fluctuations. Drospirenone, the progestin in Yaz, also has properties that may help reduce water retention and bloating associated with the menstrual cycle.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Yaz?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredients in Yaz are Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Yaz?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Yaz may include:

Nausea

Headache

Breast tenderness

and others.

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Yaz?

Accepted Answer

Yaz belongs to the combined oral contraceptive drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Yaz and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take Yaz

Take this medication by mouth once daily. For the best results, take the pill at the same time every day. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it at the same time each day helps maintain its effectiveness and may help you remember to take it.

Following the Pill Pack

Yaz is supplied in a blister pack that contains a specific sequence of pills. The pack includes active hormone pills followed by inactive reminder pills. Follow the direction of the arrows or labels on the pack to ensure you take the pills in the correct order. Do not skip any doses, even if you do not have intercourse frequently.

Starting the Medication

You will typically start your first pack on either the first day of your menstrual period or the first Sunday after your period begins. If you start on a Sunday, you may need to use a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, for the first week of use. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best start date for your situation.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss multiple doses, refer to the patient instructions provided with your medication or contact a healthcare professional for guidance. You should use a backup birth control method until you have consistently taken the active pills for the required amount of time as specified in the patient labeling.

Question 8

Is Yaz safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Yaz is a medication used to prevent pregnancy and is not intended for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, you should stop taking it immediately and contact a healthcare provider. While studies have not shown an increased risk of birth defects when oral contraceptives are taken accidentally during early pregnancy, the medication serves no purpose once a pregnancy has begun.

Breastfeeding

The use of Yaz while breastfeeding is generally not recommended, especially in the early stages of nursing. Considerations include:

Milk Production: Combined oral contraceptives like Yaz can decrease the amount and quality of breast milk produced.

Hormone Transfer: Small amounts of the active hormones in Yaz can pass into breast milk. The effects on the nursing infant are not fully understood.

Healthcare providers often suggest using other forms of birth control until a nursing infant is completely weaned.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Yaz come in?

Accepted Answer

Yaz is supplied as a blister card containing a sequence of tablets intended for oral use. Each pack is designed for a menstrual cycle and contains two different types of tablets:

Active tablets: These film-coated tablets contain the active hormonal ingredients.

Inert tablets: These film-coated tablets do not contain active medication and serve as placeholders to help maintain a daily routine.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Yaz?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Yaz is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of pregnancy in women. It is also indicated for the treatment of symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) for women who choose to use an oral contraceptive. Additionally, it is approved to treat moderate acne vulgaris in women at least 14 years of age who have started their menstrual periods and desire birth control.

Boxed Warning

The FDA-approved labeling for Yaz includes a boxed warning regarding cigarette smoking and serious cardiovascular events. Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from combination oral contraceptive use, including heart attack, blood clots, and stroke. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. Yaz is contraindicated in women who are over 35 years old and smoke.

Generic Availability

The FDA has approved multiple generic versions of Yaz. These generic products are considered therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name medication and contain the same active ingredients, drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.

Question 11

What should I know about Yaz and blood clots?

Accepted Answer

Increased Risk of Blood Clots

Yaz is a combination birth control pill that contains drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. Like other hormonal contraceptives, it increases the risk of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), heart (heart attack), or brain (stroke). Some medical evidence suggests that birth control pills containing drospirenone may carry a higher risk of blood clots compared to pills containing other types of progestins, though the overall risk remains lower than the risk of blood clots during pregnancy or the postpartum period.

Factors That Increase Risk

Certain factors can significantly increase the likelihood of developing a blood clot while taking Yaz:

Smoking: Smoking while using Yaz greatly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events. This risk is highest for those over age 35 who smoke 15 or more cigarettes per day.

Age: The risk of cardiovascular complications increases as you get older.

Medical History: A history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or being overweight increases the risk.

Immobility: Major surgery or being unable to move for long periods, such as during recovery or long-distance travel, can raise the risk of clots.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Sudden pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg.

Chest pain, discomfort, or a feeling of heaviness.

Sudden shortness of breath or coughing up blood.

Severe or unusual headache.

Sudden changes in vision or loss of vision.

Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

Yaz

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Blood Clots Information

FAQ

Found an Error?

Yaz