Yasmin

How Does Yasmin Work?

Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive that contains two synthetic hormones called drospirenone and ethinylestradiol. 

These synthetic hormones are similar to the naturally produced female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone in the body.

Ethinylestradiol acts similarly to oestrogen by thinning the mucous lining of the uterus to prevent the implantation of an egg cell.

Meanwhile, drospirenone inhibits ovulation (the production and release of an egg from the ovaries) by tricking the body into thinking ovulation has already occurred. Moreover, this hormone thickens the vaginal fluids in the cervix, making it harder for sperm cells to travel into the uterus.

Both hormones work in combination to provide effective protection from unwanted pregnancy.

How To Take Yasmin?

Yasmin is packaged in strips of 21 pills. Each pill is marked with the day of the week on which it should be taken.

Take each pill at the same time on each indicated day, following the arrows until the strip is finished.

After finishing a strip, you should take a 7-day break where you take no pills. During this time, you should experience a withdrawal bleed. You will still be protected against pregnancy during these 7 days as long as you have taken the 21 pills previously as prescribed.

Start your new strip after the 7-day pill-free period, regardless of whether your withdrawal bleeding has stopped. You should start the new strip the day after the 7-day break ends.

What should I do if I forget to take Yasmin?

If you miss one Yasmin birth control pill, take the pill as soon as you remember - even if it means taking two pills in one day. Continue taking the rest of your pills as usual. You will still be protected from pregnancy.

If you miss more than one pill, you may not be protected from pregnancy if you have unprotected sex. You should use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days to ensure you are protected.

For more information on what to do if you miss one or more pills, refer to the patient information leaflet supplied with your pill pack.

What should I do if I take more Yasmin than I should?

If you take several Yasmin pills at once, you may feel sick, vomit or experience bleeding from the vagina.

If you have taken more Yasmin pills than you should, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Yasmin Cautions And Side Effects

Before you begin taking Yasmin, familiarise yourself with the information in the patient information leaflet.

The patient information leaflet contains important information regarding the safety of Yasmin, including a complete list of associated side effects, instructions on how to store the pills and what to do in the event of an allergic reaction.

You can read the patient information leaflet for Yasmin online.

Who can take Yasmin?

Yasmin is a suitable contraceptive option for younger women who are sexually active. However, you may need medical advice before taking this oral contraceptive if you have certain risk factors.

Before taking Yasmin birth control pills, tell your doctor if you:

• are taking other medications, including herbal remedies containing St John’s Wort
• are breastfeeding
• have blood circulation or heart problems
• have kidney or liver problems
• suffer from diabetes
• have varicose veins (swollen veins)
• are allergic to any of the ingredients of Yasmin

You can find a full list of all known cautions about taking Yasmin in the patient information leaflet supplied with your pill pack.

Side effects of Yasmin

Yasmin can cause side effects, but not everyone will experience them. The side effects usually occur during the first 3 months of starting the pill, as your body adjusts to the hormones.

Some side effects of Yasmin contraceptive pills may include:

• Swelling around the facial area
• Changes around the breast area
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Mood changes
• Headache
• Digestion problems
• Skin problems
• Increased risk of blood clots

For a full list of all known Yasmin side effects, read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your pill pack.

If you are concerned about the side effects associated with Yasmin or any other birth control pill, contact your GP or speak to a medical professional for advice.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Yasmin if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are planning on becoming pregnant.

If you become pregnant while taking Yasmin, inform your doctor as soon as possible for advice on what you should do.

Do not take Yasmin while breastfeeding.

Allergies

Do not take Yasmin if you are allergic to ethinylestradiol, drospirenone or any of its other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your pill pack.

Yasmin contains lactose. If you are sensitive to certain sugars, talk to your doctor before taking Yasmin.

If you experience the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking Yasmin, stop taking Yasmin immediately. Go directly to the nearest accident and emergency department. Remember to take the packaging and any remaining medicine with you so that doctors treating you know exactly what you've taken.

Signs of an allergic reaction may include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Other safety information

When completing your online consultation form, please inform our medical team of all the medications you are currently taking. This includes prescription medicines, as well as over-the-counter medicines purchased from pharmacies.

Do not take Yasmin past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never dispose of Yasmin pills in household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicines to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose of them for you. This can help to protect the environment.

Always store Yasmin pills out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Yasmin affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Yasmin should not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

If you experience any side effects that may impair your cognitive ability, such as dizziness, tiredness, or blurred vision, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel it is safe for you to do so.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Yasmin?

You can drink alcohol while taking Yasmin. You should avoid drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week, as recommended by the NHS.

Is Yasmin 100% reliable?

No contraception is 100% reliable. If you are concerned, use extra protection, such as condoms, to prevent unwanted pregnancies. If you are ill or taking antibiotics, this may reduce the effectiveness of the pill. Speak to your doctor for further advice on what to do in such situations.

I am experiencing bleeding during the 21 days of taking the pill; what should I do?

You may experience bleeding outside the 7-day pill-free break (when you should normally experience a withdrawal bleed) during the first few months of taking Yasmin for the first time. If, however, the bleeding does not subside after a couple of months of treatment, speak to your doctor for advice.

Am I protected as soon as I start the treatment?

If you take the first pill in the pack on the first day of your period, you should be immediately protected from pregnancy. If you take the first pill on any other day in your cycle, additional protection, such as condoms, should be used for the first 7 days to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Can Yasmin reduce the risk of STDs?

No. Contraceptive pills cannot prevent or reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases. Only condoms can effectively prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Additional resources

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What should you do if your contraception fails?

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