Oral contraceptives are a popular choice of birth control for many women, and there are many combinations of hormones, brand names and generic options. One is Yasmin, made of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. Yasmin is also available under the names Yaz and Ocella. These hormones prevent eggs from being released from the ovary each month (ovulation), which may prevent pregnancy. Yasmin is also prescribed to manage mild acne in females age 14 or older and the condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Like any drug, there are potential side effects with Yasmin that should be considered before you take the medication.
Birth Defects
If you are or could be pregnant, Yasmin should not be taken because of the potential risk to the developing fetus. Yasmin may lead to birth defects in a baby if taken during pregnancy. You should also not take Yasmin if you are breastfeeding, as the medication can be passed to the baby.
Complications
This medication may be dangerous for women who have circulatory problems, abnormalities with the heart valves, blood clots, stroke, abnormal bleeding from the vagina, disease of the liver or kidney, very high blood pressure or migraine headaches, because Yasmin may make all of these problems worse. Yasmin may increase levels of the mineral potassium in the blood, exacerbating some of these health conditions. Some people may be allergic to drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, and may suffer an allergic reaction to the hormones.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of Yasmin include chest pain, sweating and nausea, as well as confusion or feelings of numbness. Weakness may occur, and side effects may also include loss of vision or difficulty with balance and speech. Jaundice (yellow skin) may occur, and stomachaches, migraine headache problems and depression are all serious side effects.
Minor Side Effects
Some people may experience minor side effects from taking Yasmin, such as soreness in the breasts, abnormal menstruation, affected weight or appetite, swelling, or itching in the vagina. Increased discharge may occur, as well as growth of excess hair, hair loss on the head, darkened skin and contact lens problems.
