Consumer information: Yaz®

What is Yaz Used For?

• Yaz® is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) used for:
  • Preventing pregnancy.
  • Treatment of moderate acne in women 14 years and older who have no contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy, desire contraception, and have achieved menarche.

How Does Yaz Work?

• Prevents ovulation: Stops the release of an egg from the ovaries.
• Thickens cervical mucus: Makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
• Alters the uterine lining: Reduces the likelihood of implantation of a fertilized egg.

Effectiveness:

• Perfect use: Yaz is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken as directed.
• Typical use: Missed or late pills may reduce effectiveness.
• Yaz does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use condoms for protection against STIs.

Who Should Not Use Yaz?

• Contraindications include:
  • History of or current blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
  • Liver disease, breast cancer, or other estrogen-dependent cancers.
  • Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes with vascular complications, or women over 35 who smoke.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, particularly in women over 35.
• Yaz may increase potassium levels, especially in women with renal, hepatic, or adrenal insufficiency.
• Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, particularly in women with risk factors like obesity, hypertension, or diabetes.

Possible Side Effects:

• Common side effects include:
  • Nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
  • Irregular bleeding or spotting.
  • Breast tenderness or enlargement.
  • Weight changes and mood changes.
• Serious side effects (less common):
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
  • Stroke or heart attack.
  • Liver tumors.

When to Start Yaz:

1. Starting after a period:
   • Begin Yaz on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle for immediate protection.
   • If starting later, use backup contraception (e.g., condoms) for the first 7 days.
2. After childbirth:
   • Non-breastfeeding women can start 21-28 days after delivery. Use backup contraception for the first 7 days if starting later.
3. After miscarriage or abortion:
   • Start Yaz immediately after a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion for immediate protection.

Missed Pills:

1. Missed one pill:
   • Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, then take the next pill at your usual time (you may take two pills in one day). No backup contraception is required.
2. Missed two pills in a row:
   • Take two pills the day you remember and two pills the next day.
   • Use backup contraception for 7 days.
3. Missed three or more pills:
   • Discard the rest of the pack and start a new one.
   • Use backup contraception for 7 days.

What to Do if You Vomit or Have Diarrhea:

• If vomiting or severe diarrhea occurs within 3-4 hours after taking a pill, take another pill as soon as possible.
• Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Other Considerations:

• Breastfeeding: Yaz may reduce breast milk production and is not recommended during breastfeeding.
• Take the pill at the same time every day for maximum effectiveness.

Storage Information:

• Store Yaz between 15°C and 30°C, protected from light and moisture.