Yasmin Pills

What is Yasmin?

Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) containing two synthetic female hormones: drospirenone (3mg) and ethinylestradiol (0.03mg). It belongs to the pharmacological class of hormonal contraceptives and works through multiple mechanisms to prevent pregnancy.

Mechanism of Action

The pill operates through three primary mechanisms:

• Ovulation suppression: Inhibits the release of eggs from the ovaries by suppressing the luteinising hormone (LH) surge
• Cervical mucus thickening: Makes cervical mucus less penetrable to sperm
• Endometrial changes: Alters the lining of the uterus to make it less receptive to a fertilised egg

Think of Yasmin as a multi-layered security system for pregnancy prevention. Like a security system with multiple checks, it creates barriers at different points: stopping the egg from being released, preventing sperm from reaching any egg that might be released, and creating an unfavourable environment for implantation.

Drospirenone, one of Yasmin's active ingredients, is a unique progestogen with anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgenic properties. This means it may help reduce water retention and has mild anti-acne effects, which some women find beneficial.

What is Yasmin Used For?

Yasmin has one primary approved indication:

Yasmin is suitable for women who:

• Are seeking reliable, reversible contraception
• Prefer oral administration over other contraceptive methods
• Have no contraindications to combined hormonal contraceptives
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding

Before Using Yasmin

Before starting Yasmin, a thorough medical assessment is essential. Your healthcare provider will evaluate:

Medical History Assessment Checklist

• Personal or family history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
• Current or past medical conditions (liver disease, migraines, diabetes, etc.)
• Smoking status and age
• Blood pressure measurement
• Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation
• Medication review (including herbal supplements)

Required Baseline Tests

While not all tests are mandatory for every patient, your doctor may recommend:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Weight and BMI calculation
• Possible liver function tests if indicated by medical history
• Pregnancy test if there's any doubt about pregnancy status

Yasmin Contraindications

Yasmin has both absolute and relative contraindications. Absolute contraindications mean you should NOT take Yasmin under any circumstances.

Absolute Contraindications

• Current or history of venous thromboembolism (blood clots)
• Arterial thromboembolism (heart attack, stroke)
• Migraine with aura
• Liver disease or liver tumors
• Breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Pregnancy
• Severe diabetes with vascular damage

Relative Contraindications (Require Special Consideration)

• Smoking (especially if over 35 years old)
• Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m²)
• Controlled hypertension
• Family history of blood clots
• Mild liver impairment
• Depression

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Women

• Yasmin is not intended for use after menopause
• Women over 35 who smoke should not use Yasmin due to significantly increased cardiovascular risks

Renal Impairment

• Contraindicated in patients with renal failure or severe kidney impairment
• Drospirenone has anti-mineralocorticoid activity and may increase potassium levels

Hepatic Impairment

• Contraindicated in acute or severe liver disease
• Mild hepatic impairment requires careful monitoring

Pediatric/Adolescent Patients

• Yasmin can be used from menarche (first period) onwards
• No specific dose adjustment needed, but careful consideration of skeletal maturity is important

Yasmin and Other Medicines

Several medications can interact with Yasmin, potentially reducing its effectiveness or increasing side effects. According to clinical studies, these interactions are particularly important to consider:

High-Risk Medication Combinations

• Enzyme-inducing antibiotics: Rifampicin, rifabutin (significantly reduces contraceptive effectiveness)
• Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone (reduces contraceptive effectiveness)
• HIV medications: Ritonavir, nevirapine, efavirenz (may reduce effectiveness)
• Herbal supplements: St. John's Wort (reduces contraceptive effectiveness)
• Hepatitis C treatments: Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (contraindicated)

Medications Affected by Yasmin

Yasmin may increase or decrease levels of:

• Ciclosporin (increased levels)
• Lamotrigine (reduced levels - may increase seizure risk)
• Theophylline (variable effect)
• Tizanidine (increased effects)

Always inform all healthcare providers that you are taking Yasmin before starting any new medication.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Yasmin is contraindicated during pregnancy.
• If you become pregnant while taking Yasmin, stop immediately and consult your doctor
• Extensive studies have not shown an increased risk of birth defects when combined oral contraceptives are taken inadvertently during early pregnancy

Contraception Requirements

• If you're sexually active and don't wish to become pregnant, you must use Yasmin consistently and correctly
• No additional contraception is needed if you take Yasmin as directed

Breastfeeding

• Not recommended while breastfeeding.
• Small amounts of hormones pass into breast milk and may affect milk production
• Combined hormonal contraceptives are generally not advised until weaning or 6 months postpartum
• Progestogen-only pills are usually preferred for breastfeeding women

Driving & Machine Operation

• Yasmin has no known effects on the ability to drive or operate machinery
• However, some women may experience:
  • Dizziness (uncommon side effect)
  • Migraine or severe headaches
  • Visual disturbances (rare but serious)
• Warning: If you experience dizziness, visual changes, or severe headache while taking Yasmin, do not drive or operate machinery until symptoms resolve

Yasmin Ingredients

Active Ingredients

• Drospirenone (3mg) - A progestogen with anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgenic properties
• Ethinylestradiol (0.03mg) - A synthetic oestrogen

Excipients (Inactive Ingredients)

Allergen Warnings

Lactose: Yasmin contains lactose. Do not take if you have lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

How to Use Yasmin

Follow these step-by-step instructions for correct administration:

Daily Administration

1. Check the pack: Ensure you have the correct medication (Yasmin 0.03 mg/3 mg film-coated tablets)
2. Start timing: Take your first tablet at approximately the same time each day
3. Swallow whole: Take with a small amount of water, with or without food
4. Follow the strip: Take tablets in the order indicated by the arrows on the blister pack
5. Complete the cycle: Take one tablet daily for 21 consecutive days
6. Take a break: Have a 7-day tablet-free interval
7. Restart: Start a new pack on day 8, even if bleeding hasn't stopped

Starting Yasmin for the First Time

Yasmin Dosage Guidelines

Yasmin has only one strength: 0.03 mg ethinylestradiol / 3 mg drospirenone. The dosage schedule is fixed:

Dose Adjustment

No titration or dose adjustment needed for Yasmin. Start with the standard dosage immediately. Dose adjustment is not possible as tablets are fixed combination.

Missed Period Management

• If you took all tablets correctly and miss a withdrawal bleed: unlikely to be pregnant
• If you miss withdrawal bleeding for two consecutive cycles: take a pregnancy test before starting next pack
• Contact your doctor if concerned

Administration Instructions

Oral Administration Technique

1. Remove one tablet from the blister pack by pushing through the foil
2. Place tablet in mouth
3. Swallow with a small amount of water (approximately 100ml)
4. Do not chew or crush the tablet
5. Take at approximately the same time each day

Timing Recommendations

Choose a time that fits your daily routine consistently. Common options include:

• With breakfast
• Before brushing teeth at night
• With another daily medication

Special Administration Circumstances

Vomiting or severe diarrhoea: If vomiting occurs within 3-4 hours of taking Yasmin, or you have severe diarrhoea, take another tablet as soon as possible. If more than 12 hours have passed, follow missed dose instructions.

Difficulty swallowing: Yasmin should not be crushed or chewed. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your doctor.

Missed Dose Management

Time-Based Guidance

Overdose Information

Symptoms of Overdose

• Nausea and vomiting
• Vaginal bleeding (even in girls who haven't started periods)
• Breast tenderness

Management Protocol

1. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by medical professional
2. Seek medical advice if concerned or if a child has taken Yasmin
3. Contact Poison Control for specific guidance
4. Monitor for symptoms and report to healthcare provider

There is no specific antidote for Yasmin overdose. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.

Yasmin Side Effects

All medicines can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Yasmin side effects are categorized by frequency:

Very Common (≥1 in 10 users)

• Headache
• Nausea
• Breast pain/tenderness
• Menstrual disorders

Common (1 to 10 in 100 users)

• Depressive mood
• Migraine
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Acne
• Skin rash
• Fluid retention

Serious Side Effects

Blood Clot Risk Statistics

How to Store Yasmin

Temperature Requirements

• Store below 30°C
• Keep in original blister pack to protect from moisture
• Do not refrigerate or freeze

Safety Protocols

• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Store in a secure place away from pets
• Do not use after expiry date printed on packaging

Disposal Protocols

• Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste
• Return unused or expired medication to your pharmacy
• Ask your pharmacist about local medication disposal schemes

Pack Information

What Yasmin Looks Like

• Tablet appearance: Light yellow, round, film-coated tablets
• Markings: "DO" in a regular hexagon on one side
• Blister pack: Contains 21 tablets with days of the week printed

Available Pack Sizes

• 1 month: 21 tablets (1 blister)
• 3 months: 63 tablets (3 blisters)
• 6 months: 126 tablets (6 blisters)
• 13 months: 273 tablets (13 blisters) - less common

Marketing Authorisation

• Holder: Bayer plc, 400 South Oak Way, Reading, RG2 6AD
• Manufacturer: Bayer AG, 13342 Berlin, Germany
• PL Number: PL 00010/0618

Where Can I Buy Yasmin Online in the UK