Yasmin birth control, the brand name of combination of the hormones drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and changing the cervical and uterine lining. The medication also may treat moderate acne in menstruating women at least 14 years of age, and the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Taking Yasmin inappropriately can decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Women should always follow the directions as closely as possible and talk to a doctor if they have any questions or concerns when taking the medication.
Step 1
Make a doctor’s appointment. Yasmin requires a prescription, so a doctor’s visit is necessary to obtain the medication. At the appointment, a woman should thoroughly discuss both the risks and benefits of the medication with her doctor and bring up any questions or concerns she may have about Yasmin.
Step 2
Choose which day to start. Women should make this decision with a doctor when possible. Although the specific start date depends on a woman’s individual circumstances, many women begin taking the medication on the first day they begin menstruating, or the Sunday after their period begins. Always ask a doctor if backup birth control is necessary when beginning this medication.
Step 3
Choose a time to begin the medication. Unlike the start date, the time a woman chooses to take the pill is mostly a matter of personal preference. Many women find it helpful to schedule taking their medication as part of an existing routine, such as brushing their teeth in the morning, or eating dinner, to help them to remember to take the pill on time.
Step 4
Prepare a backup method of birth control. Having a backup method of birth control ready to go can come in handy. Taking antibiotics or missing pills can reduce the effectiveness of Yasmin and these circumstances require a backup method of birth control. Having the alternative birth control readily available will help prevent a lapse in pregnancy protection.
Step 5
Take a pregnancy test. Yasmin is included in pregnancy category X, which means it causes birth defects and harms unborn babies. Therefore, it is important for women to rule out pregnancy before taking this medication. Breastfeeding mothers should also fully wean their infants before using Yasmin, as the medication does pass through breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.
Step 6
Begin taking Yasmin. A woman should begin by taking the first yellow pill in the upper left hand corner of the package, according to the Yasmin patient prescribing information sheet. She then takes the yellow pill to the right of that pill the next day at the same time, and continues taking the yellow active pills in order until reaching the white reminder pills. The white reminder pills do not contain hormones and only serve to make it easier for women to continue the habit of taking a pill at the same time each day. A few days after taking the first white pill, a woman gets her period. She should continue taking the rest of the white reminder pills and begin a new package of Yasmin when no pills remain.
Step 7
Get a blood test to check potassium levels. Drospirenone, one of the hormones in Yasmin, can increase potassium levels in the body. A woman should have a blood test during the first month of taking Yasmin to ensure that her potassium level is not too high.
Step 8
Watch for side effects. Many women experience breast pain or tenderness, changes in weight or appetite, hair loss or growth, swelling of hands or feet, vaginal itching or discharge, problems with contact lenses and changes in periods while taking Yasmin, according to Drugs.com. Although these side effects often disappear as the body adjusts to the medication, women should contact a doctor if they are severe or persistent. Also, some women experience rare side effects that may be sign of serious health complications. These include stomach pain, jaundice, breast lumps, changes in migraine headaches, chest pain, pain in the arm or shoulder, sweating, sudden weakness or numbness, confusion and vision or speech problems. Women experiencing these serious side effects should stop using Yasmin and call a doctor immediately.
Tips and Warnings
- Yasmin does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Women who miss two or more yellow active pills may become pregnant and should use a backup method of birth control until they get instructions from a doctor on how to proceed.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription
- Backup method of birth control
