Consumer information: Yasmin

What is Yasmin Used For?

• Yasmin® is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) used for:
  • Preventing pregnancy.
  • Treatment of moderate acne in women aged 16 and older who desire contraception and have no contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy.

How Does Yasmin Work?

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

Effectiveness:

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

Who Should Not Use Yasmin?

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

Warnings and Precautions:

• Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.
• Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, especially in women with hypertension, obesity, or diabetes.
• Potassium levels: Yasmin may increase potassium levels, especially in patients with renal insufficiency, hepatic dysfunction, or those using medications that affect potassium levels.

Possible Side Effects:

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

When to Start Yasmin:

1. Starting after a period:
   • Begin Yasmin on Day 1 of the menstrual cycle (first day of the period) for immediate protection.
   • If starting after Day 1, use backup contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days.
2. After childbirth:
   • Non-breastfeeding women can start Yasmin 21 to 28 days after delivery. Use backup contraception for the first 7 days if starting later.
3. After miscarriage or abortion:
   • Start Yasmin 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 of taking a pill, take another pill as soon as possible.
• Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Other Considerations:

• Breastfeeding: Yasmin 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 Yasmin between 15°C and 30°C, protected from light and moisture.