Jenny
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 Posted: 10/31/07 - 19:08 Post subject: FAQs: Yaz birth control and its side effects |
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YAZ (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is a type of birth control pills that is 99% effective and the first birth control pill that helps the hormonal levels stay even due to its 24/4 dosing schedule (you take active pills for 24 days, followed by 4 inactive pills).
YAZ prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation (prevents an egg from being released from an ovary), changing cervical mucous and uterine lining so that sperm could not reach the uterus and making things harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus lining.
Yaz is also indicated for treating moderate acne in women who are at least 14 years old and who have started having menstrual periods, and who wish to use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy. Further more, Yaz can be used for treating the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) that include anxiety, depression, irritability, trouble concentrating, lack of energy, sleep or appetite changes, and feeling out of control as well as some physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, headache, and bloating or weight gain. Yaz should be used for PMDD only by women who choose to use an oral contraceptive as their method of birth control.
The effectiveness of YAZ for PMDD when used for more than three menstrual cycles has not been evaluated. YAZ has not been evaluated for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Yaz is a 28-day birth control pack that contains both "active" and "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. The period should start while you are using the four reminder pills. Pills should not be taken more than 24 hours apart. Yaz is said to be quite helpful when it comes to that time of the month. It helps by giving you shorter, lighter periods, a more regular cycle, and can even reduce cramps. If taken at night, the pills may reduce side effects such as headache and nausea.
Yaz should be taken exactly as it was prescribed for you, no larger amounts and no longer than recommended by your doctor. When you have finished with one pack, start a new pack the following day. You need to take the pills regularly in order not to get pregnant.
When you first start using Yaz, you should use a back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, for the first week or two. Yaz will not protect you against HIV infection or any other STDs.
Less serious side effects reported by women include:
• mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;
• freckles or darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, or loss of scalp hair;
• changes in weight or appetite, swelling of your hands or feet;
• problems with contact lenses;
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• changes in your menstrual periods; breakthrough bleeding
• headache, nervousness, dizziness.
If more serious side effects occur, make sure you see your doctor and refrain from taking the pills:
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• a breast lump; or
• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).
If you experience signs of an allergic reaction like hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, you should call emergency.
Certain medications can make Yaz less effective, which may result in pregnancy. If you do get pregnant, do not take the pills as they can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Report taking any vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.
Women who have a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems, a heart valve disorder, breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, kidney or liver disease, an adrenal gland disorder, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills should not be using Yaz.
Taking hormones increases the risks of blood clots, stroke and heart attacks especially in women older than 35 and those who smoke. Yaz also increases potassium levels in the blood, so make sure you consult your doctor if you are taking medications or have medical conditions that also affect potassium levels like liver disease, kidney disease, and adrenal gland disorders.
You can use the following links to discuss your experience as well as side effects of Yaz:
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