Yasmin 28 days (Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol)

Do’s

• Read the instructions: Before you start taking Yasmin 28 and each time you get a refill, carefully read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication. This leaflet provides important information on how to take the pills and what to do if you miss a dose.
• Take it as directed: Take Yasmin 28 exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, usually once a day at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food.
• Follow the pack instructions: Start with the first tablet in the pack and take them in the correct order as indicated on the pack. Don't skip any doses.
• Use a backup method if needed: If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, these can prevent Yasmin 28 from working effectively. Consider using a backup birth control method like condoms or spermicide during such times.
• Start a new pack on time: Whether or not you get your period, begin a new pack of Yasmin 28 the day after you finish the current pack (including the inactive pill days).
• Consult your healthcare provider: If you miss your period, have any questions, or experience concerning side effects, talk to your healthcare provider.

Don'ts

• Skip doses: Skipping doses increases your risk of pregnancy.
• Take more than prescribed: Don't take more Yasmin 28 than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Use with certain medications: Yasmin 28 may interact with some other medications. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take before starting Yasmin 28.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting
• Mood changes
• Weight changes
• Decreased libido
• Vaginal discharge or discomfort

Serious Side Effects:

• Sudden severe headache
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Leg pain or swelling
• Visual changes.
• High blood pressure
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Dark urine
• Abdominal pain
• Persistent nausea.
• Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Yasmin 28 days, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies to Yasmin's ingredients (ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone) or other estrogens/progestins.

Share your medical background with your healthcare provider, especially regarding:

• Adrenal gland issues
• Stroke or blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal breast exam or cancer history (breast/endometrial)
• Blood clotting disorders
• Diabetes complications (kidney/eye/nerve/blood vessel)
• Severe headaches/migraines
• Angina (swelling disorder)
• Heart problems (valve disease, irregular heartbeat, prior heart attack)
• Kidney or liver problems
• History of jaundice during pregnancy or with birth control pills
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• High cholesterol/triglycerides
• Depression
• Swelling (edema)
• Gallbladder issues
• Obesity

Yasmin may affect blood sugar. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and report changes to your healthcare provider.

Inform your healthcare provider about upcoming major surgery or prolonged restricted mobility (bed rest/long flights). These situations increase blood clot risk with hormonal birth control. You might need to temporarily stop Yasmin or take additional precautions.

Before any surgery or dental work, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal).

Consult your healthcare provider before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium. Yasmin may raise potassium levels. 

Limit sun exposure, wear sunscreen and protective clothing. Yasmin may cause skin darkening (melasma).

You might experience vision problems or contact lens difficulties. Consult your eye healthcare provider if this occurs.

It may take longer to get pregnant after stopping Yasmin. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Do not use Yasmin if pregnant. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy.

Talk to your healthcare provider about safe birth control options after childbirth or pregnancy loss.

Yasmin passes into breast milk and may harm your baby. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Do not use Yasmin if you're over 35 and smoke/use tobacco. Smoking significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and high blood pressure with hormonal birth control. Quit smoking before using Yasmin.