Yaz is an oral tablet consisting of contraceptives called drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. We carry the brand choice of this medication in 0.02mg/3mg!

Yaz is used in women to prevent pregnancy. Pregnancy occurs when a sperm cell (from the man) and an egg (from the female) meet inside the reproductive system of a female body which occurs during time of sexual intercourse. During menstruation in females, also known as a period (this occurs roughly once a month); an egg is released from the female’s ovaries (called ovulation). During ovulation, the egg will travel into the fallopian tube which leads to the uterus. During this time, if a sperm cell reaches the egg, it will then become fertilized and the process of pregnancy begins.

Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) is effective at preventing pregnancy because it is able to prevent eggs from being released (ovulation) and makes it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus lining by creating extra cervical mucus.

Only take this medication the way that your doctor has directed you too. Taking the incorrect dose can lead to unwanted side effects, ineffectiveness, or adverse interactions; avoid taking more or less of a dose than recommended.

Take one tablet every day; ensure they are taken no more than 24 hours apart. When you run out of tablets, you may open another pack the following day. Missing one pill can cause pregnancy to occur.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol)

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant, have recently given birth, if you have an adrenal gland disorder, kidney disease, untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, an increased risk of having blood clots due to a heart problem or hereditary blood disorder, circulation problems, a history of hormone-related cancer or cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina, unusual vaginal bleeding that hasn’t been diagnosed, liver disease or cancer, severe migraines, a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills, if you smoke and are over 35 years old, or if you take hepatitis C medication containing ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (Technivie).

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, high blood pressure or if you are prone to having blood clots, high levels of potassium in your blood, high cholesterol or triglycerides or if you are overweight, depression, liver or kidney disease, underactive thyroid, diabetes, gallbladder disease, or a migraine headache.

Risks

This medication may increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. The risk is highest during the first year, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or those who are overweight. This risk is also high once starting treatment after stopping for 4 weeks. Smoking can significantly increase your risk, especially those who are over the age of 35.

This medication can pass through breast milk and may harm a nursing infant and may also slow down breast milk production. You should not breast feed while being treated with Yaz.

You may have break through bleeding, especially in the following 3 months of starting treatment. If this continues or is very heavy, consult your doctor.

If you need major surgery or long-term bed rest; you may need to temporarily stop using this medication. Let all doctors and surgeons know exactly what medications you are currently on.

Common side effects of Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) may include:

nausea, vomiting; breast tenderness; headache, mood changes, feeling tired or irritable; weight gain; skin darkening or pigmentation changes; changes in your menstrual periods or decreased sex drive.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) may include:

sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; pain, warmth or swelling in one or both legs; shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and/or sudden coughing; coughing up blood; sudden vision loss or blurred vision; chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

liver problems - loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

increased blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;

depression - sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes.

What is Yaz?

Yaz is a birth control medication. It is a drug that is made up of two different hormones: Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol. Drospirenone which is a progestin; and Ethinyl Estradiol that is an estrogen. It is used to avoid pregnancy, by preventing the release of an egg during your menstrual cycle. It also tends to make vaginal fluid thicker to ward off any sperm from reaching the egg, and also changes the lining of the uterus to prevent any eggs from attaching itself to it. Yaz only comes in the one strength, which is 0.02mg/3mg. If you have any questions regarding this medication or any inquiries in general, feel free to give us a call at our toll free number 1-877-385-8998.       

When to start Yaz?

You should begin to take this medication on the first Sunday after the onset of your menstrual period. After that you should take this medicine for 24 consecutive days, followed by one white inert tablet daily on Days 25 through 28.

How much does Yaz cost?

This medication falls under Tier 2 of Medicare’s formulary. And anything on Tier 2 is generally referred to as a “non-preferred generic”. This means that this drug could be a bit more expensive than others. However, you can also find a more affordable option on an online Canadian Pharmacy.  We do have a starting price of $62.00 for a quantity of 28 pills.

When does Yaz become effective?

This medication generally should not be considered effective as a contraceptive until after the first 7 consecutive days of taking the pill.

What is the difference between Yaz and Yasmin?

Both medications are similar in that they are both birth control pills. However, the main differences between the two may be their use and their side effects. Yaz is approved to treat PMDD and acne as well as preventing pregnancy. Yasmin however, is just a birth control pill with no added effects or benefits. It is only approved to prevent pregnancy.