Yasmin 21 days (Drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol)

Do’s

• Take Yasmin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, with or without food.
• Choose a time that's easy to remember and take your pill at the same time each day, 24 hours apart. Taking it after dinner or bedtime may reduce nausea.
• Start with the first tablet in the pack and take them in the correct order as indicated on the package.
• Take all 21 active pills in the pack. Skipping doses increases the risk of pregnancy.
• Use backup birth control if:
  • You miss pills.
  • Start a new pack late.
  • Take your pill at a different time of day than usual.
  • Experience vomiting or diarrhea within 4 hours of taking a pill.

• Start on the first Sunday of your period: Take the first pill on the first Sunday following your period or the first day of your period.
• Use backup birth control (first week only): During the first week of taking Yasmin, use a backup birth control method (like condoms) to prevent pregnancy.

Don'ts

• Don't exceed dosage: Don't take more pills than prescribed.
• Don't take it during pregnancy: Yasmin is not recommended for pregnant women.
• Don't stop taking without consulting a healthcare provider: Stopping Yasmin mid-cycle can disrupt your hormone balance.

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Headache
• Weight changes
• Mood changes
• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Acne

Serious side effects may include:

• Yellowing of the skin/eyes
• Dark urine
• Persistent abdominal pain.
• High blood pressure
• Depression

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Yasmin 21 days, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies to ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, other estrogens or progestins, or any of the tablet's inactive ingredients.

Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, particularly:

• Adrenal gland problems
• History of blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal breast exam or cancer (especially endometrial or breast cancer)
• Blood clotting disorders
• Complications from diabetes (kidney, eye, nerve, blood vessel disease)
• Severe headaches/migraines
• Angioedema (swelling disorder)
• Heart problems (valve disease, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack)
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems (tumor, active disease, jaundice history)
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Depression
• Gallbladder problems
• Obesity

Yasmin may affect blood sugar levels in diabetics. Monitor blood sugar regularly and consult your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar.

Increased risk of blood clots: You may need to stop using Yasmin before major surgery or prolonged bed rest. Discuss travel plans and potential risks with your healthcare provider.

Disclose all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal) to your healthcare provider before any surgery.

Yasmin may increase potassium levels. Consult your healthcare provider before taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium.

Yasmin may cause skin discoloration (melasma). Limit sun exposure and use sun protection.

Yasmin may affect vision or contact lens use. Consult your eye healthcare provider if you experience any changes.

Yasmin should not be used during pregnancy. Discuss reliable birth control options with your healthcare provider if you become pregnant.

Yasmin may pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.