Yasmin

Chemical Name: DROSPIRENONE and ETHINYL ESTRADIOL

Common uses

This medicine is an estrogen and progestin combination contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It may also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat symptoms of menopause, or treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking nevirapine, rifampin, or St. John's wort. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (e.g., losartan), barbiturates, carvedilol, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, felbamate, griseofulvin, heparin, HIV protease inhibitors, modafinil, metoprolol, pioglitazone, penicillin or tetracycline antibiotics, theophylline, topiramate, troglitazone, troleandomycin, certain" water pills" such as spironolactone or triamterene, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of cancer, heart, kidney, or liver conditions; pulmonary embolism, blood clots, stroke, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, or smoking. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have before using this medicine. TRY TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time every day, not more than 24 hours apart. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at the regular time. This means you may take 2 doses on the same day. IF YOU MISS MORE THAN 1 DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, refer to the patient information that came with this medicine. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood cholesterol may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor you are taking this medicine if you must have surgery and be immobilized for a long period of time. SMOKING CIGARETTES while using this medicine may increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, blood clots, high blood pressure, or other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. DO NOT SMOKE OR USE OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS while using this medicine. TAKING CERTAIN ANTIBIOTICS or anticonvulsants while you are using this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of this medicine. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control until your next period. If you have any questions, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. IF YOU WEAR CONTACT LENSES and you develop problems with them, contact your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dark skin patches on your face. Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker. If patches develop, use a sunscreen or protective clothing when exposed to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths. USE OF THIS MEDICINE WILL NOT PREVENT the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, bleeding between menstrual periods, breast tenderness, or weight change. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience persistent or recurrent abnormal vaginal bleeding, a missed menstrual period, dizziness or fainting, swelling of fingers or ankles, headache, or difficulty wearing contact lenses. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sharp or crushing chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, sudden severe headache, pain in the groin or calf, yellow skin or eyes, lumps in the breast, changes in vision, severe depression, numbness of an arm or leg, or severe stomach pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.

Additional information

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.