When taken as directed, Yaz--a combination of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol--is a 99 percent effective birth control pill that may have the side benefits of reducing painful or heavy menstrual cycles. Yaz may also help treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and acne. Failure to take the pills properly--for instance, skipping the occasional dose--may result in an unintended pregnancy, so taking Yaz properly is very important. Yaz is available by prescription only.
Step 1
Consult with your health-care provider--she may have specific advice for you on whether you should start on a "Day 1" cycle or a "Sunday" cycle.
Step 2
Choose a time to take your pill. Taking the pill at the same time every day makes it more effective and also easier to remember; many women make it a regular part of their early-morning or before-bed routines.
Step 3
Take the first pink (active) pill in the upper left corner of the Yaz pack on the first day of your period if you and your doctor decided to start you on a "Day 1" cycle. If you're doing a "Sunday" cycle, you should take the first pill on the Sunday after your period started (or the same day, if your period starts on a Sunday), whether or not you are still bleeding.
Step 4
Continue taking one pill at the same time every day until you've used up the entire pack, working all the way across each row before starting the new row at the far left side. Take all the pink (active) pills first, then take the four white (inactive) pills, at which point you will probably menstruate.
Step 5
Throw out the empty pack and start a new pack, beginning with the first pink pill in the upper left corner, on the very next day after you took the last white pill from the previous pack.
Tips and Warnings
- Some doctors recommend using a backup method of birth control for the first week or sometimes the first month after starting birth control, but this is especially important if you start on the "Sunday" cycle. The Yaz website offers a daily reminder service to help you remember to take your birth control pills.
- Some prescription medications and herbal supplements may interact with birth control pills and reduce their efficacy; always keep your doctor informed about any medications or supplements you are taking and, if you're unable to confirm whether they may affect Yaz's efficacy, use a backup method of birth control just in case. Oral contraceptives like Yaz are contraindicated for women who have blood clots, cancers, a history of cardiovascular problems, or are or may become pregnant.
