What is Yaz: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Yaz overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Gianvi, Jasmiel, Loryna, Lo-Zumandimine, Nikki, Ocella, Syeda, Yasmin, YAZ, Yaz 28, Zarah, Zumandimine, Zumandimine

Generic Names:

  • Drospirenone-Ethinyl Estradiol

Uses:

  • Prevents pregnancy. Also treats premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Hormonal Contraceptive, Monophasic Contraceptive Combination

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Yaz used for?

Gianvi is a combination drug used to prevent pregnancy. It works by preventing the release of an egg during a woman’s menstrual cycle. This medication contains two hormones; progestin and estrogen and also works to make vaginal fluid thicker. This helps to prevent sperms from reaching the egg.

What form(s) does Yaz come in

  • Tablet

What are common Yaz doses?

  • Disp Pack 28 Tablets

Common Yaz prescriptions

  • YAZ
    1 package (28 tablets), 3-0.02 mg disp pack

How to take Yaz

  • Missed dose: Carefully follow the patient instructions if you miss a dose. You may need to use a second form of birth control for the first 7 days of your first pill cycle.

  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Follow the instructions in the patient leaflet or call your doctor if you vomit or have diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours of taking this medicine.

  • Take this medicine at the same time each day, preferably after your evening meal or at bedtime with water, as needed. Birth control pills work best when there is no more than 24 hours between doses. Take the pills in the order they appear in the container.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Each brand of birth control pills has specific directions. Follow the patient instructions for your prescribed brand. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the pills in the original container.

  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the pills in the original container.

  • Each brand of birth control pills has specific directions. Follow the patient instructions for your prescribed brand. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Follow the instructions in the patient leaflet or call your doctor if you vomit or have diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours of taking this medicine.

  • Missed dose: Carefully follow the patient instructions if you miss a dose. You may need to use a second form of birth control for the first 7 days of your first pill cycle.

  • Take this medicine at the same time each day, preferably after your evening meal or at bedtime with water, as needed. Birth control pills work best when there is no more than 24 hours between doses. Take the pills in the order they appear in the container.

Yaz contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to drospirenone or ethinyl estradiol, or if you are pregnant. Do not use it if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by your doctor, kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal problems, certain heart problems, a blood clotting disorder, or diabetes with kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage. Do not use it if you have a history of breast cancer.

Yaz warnings

  • Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. This medicine could harm your unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have given birth within 4 weeks before you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have inherited angioedema, diabetes, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, migraines, jaundice during pregnancy, or a history of depression or chloasma. Tell your doctor if you smoke.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of blood clots, which may cause a stroke or heart attackPossible increased risk of breast or cervical cancerLiver problemsHigh blood pressureGallbladder diseaseHigh cholesterol in the blood

  • This medicine may cause skin discoloration. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

  • This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. Talk with your doctor if you have questions.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Yaz interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with medicine to treat hepatitis C virus infection, including ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol works. Tell your doctor about all other medicines that you are using.

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • You may need to stop using this medicine for a few weeks before and after you have surgery because of the risk of blood clots.

  • This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. Talk with your doctor if you have questions.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will check the effects of this medicine at regular visits. He may also monitor your blood pressure. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Yaz side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Breast lumps, tenderness, pain, swelling, or discharge

  • Chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg (calf), sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding or heavy bleeding

  • Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting

  • Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, yellow skin or eyes

  • Irregular, late, or missed menstrual period

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild nausea, bloating

  • Mood changes, depression, nervousness

  • Vaginal spotting, light bleeding, itching, discharge

  • Headache