Product Description

Yasmin Use

Yasmin is a prescription medication that helps prevent pregnancy.

How Yasmin works

Yasmin prevents pregnancy in two ways. First it tricks the body into thinking that it's pregnant. This prevents the release of an egg, or ovulation. Secondly it thickens the cervical mucous, which makes it difficult for sperm to travel to the egg.

How to take Yasmin

Follow your doctor's advice. Each 28-day cycle or packet contains 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills. Begin your first dose on the first day of your menstrual period or on the Sunday after your period starts. Take one active pill every day for the first 21 days, followed by one inactive pill a day for the last 7 days of treatment. Remember, each dose should be taken no more than 24 hours after the last dose. When you finish the 28-day cycle or packet begin a new one the following day.

Yasmin precautions

Do not take Yasmin if you are pregnant or nursing. Yasmin is in the FDA pregnancy category X, which means that it can cause severe birth defects in unborn babies or nursing infants. During your treatment you should avoid smoking. Smoking greatly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot formation. Also, be aware that Yasmin does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or AIDS. Using a condom is the only way you can protect yourself from these diseases.

What to tell your doctor

Before you take Yasmin tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: liver disease, kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency, a history of heart attack or stroke, blood clot disease, high blood pressure, angina, heart disease, bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, high cholesterol, diabetes, gallbladder disease, migraines or other headaches, epilepsy, a history of depression, irregular menstrual periods, or a need for bed rest due to surgery or illness. Also, let your doctor know if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, especially if you are using a potassium-sparing diuretic or ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for pain.

Yasmin side effects

During your treatment you may experience headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, changes in weight or appetite, water retention, intolerance to contact lenses, changes in skin color, changes in blood sugar, and changes in menstrual cycle. These side effects are less serious and do not require you to stop treatment. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking Yasmin and seek emergency medical attention: allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives), sharp chest pain, coughing of blood, shortness of breath, pain in the calf, chest pain, sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness or fainting, changes in vision or speech, weakness, numbness in the arm or leg, stomach pain or tenderness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, light colored stools (possible liver problems), insomnia, depression, or new or changing breast lumps.