Yaz birth control pills are slightly different from other birth control pills. In addition to the ethinyl estradiol found in many other birth control pills, Yaz also contains the hormone drospirenone. This hormone may be unsafe to take with certain supplements. Always check with your doctor before taking a new vitamin supplement while taking Yaz birth control pills.
Yaz and Potassium
Drospirenone may raise the levels of potassium in the body. Although potassium is a mineral and not technically a vitamin, it is present in many multivitamin supplements. While increased potassium levels should not interfere with the effectiveness of Yaz, getting too much potassium for a long period of time may result in a serious medical condition known as hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia often has no symptoms, although some individuals may experience nausea, a slow or weak pulse or an irregular heartbeat. Bayer Healthcare, the manufacturer of Yaz, recommends that you get your potassium levels checked during the first cycle you take Yaz.
Yaz and Vitamin C
Taking large amounts of vitamin C while taking birth control pills, including Yaz, may increase the levels of estrogen in your body, according to Drugs.com. The amplified level of estrogen will not interfere with the effectiveness of Yaz and may not cause any adverse effects at all, explains the University of Alaska Anchorage website. It does, however, increase the risk of estrogen-related side effects, explains Drugs.com. Examples of estrogen-related side effects include nausea, vomiting, bloating, hair loss, changes in sex drive, darkening of facial skin, breast swelling or tenderness and changes in menstruation. Increased estrogen levels may also cause serious side effects, such as blood clots, strokes or heart attacks, although this is rare. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks if you plan to take large doses of vitamin C while taking Yaz.
Considerations
Although most vitamin supplements are unlikely to affect the function of Yaz, Yaz may affect the vitamin and mineral levels in your body. Most birth control pills, including Yaz, decrease the amount of folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B12, riboflavin, zinc, magnesium and calcium in the body, according to the University of Alaska Anchorage website. Taking a multivitamin supplement while taking Yaz may help prevent a deficiency of these vitamins and minerals. Ask your doctor which type of supplement would be most appropriate for your specific situation.
Interactions
While most vitamin supplements do not negatively interact with Yaz, Yaz may interact negatively with many other medications and supplements. Some medications and supplements known to interact negatively with Yaz include ACE inhibitors, aminoglutethimide, angiotensin II receptor blockers, antibiotics, barbiturates, certain seizure medications, nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs, cyclosporine, heparin, modafinil, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium products, protease inhibitors, St. John's wort, selegiline and theophylline, according to the Yaz prescribing information. If you take any of these medications or supplements on a regular basis, you may not be able to use Yaz. Talk to your doctor for advice.
References
- Bayer HealthCare: Yaz Prescribing Information
- PDR Health: Yaz
- PubMed Health; Hyperkalemia; David C. Dugdale; November 2009
- University of Alaska Anchorage; Does Taking a Multi-Vitamin Affect Birth Control Effectiveness?; Betty Bang; January 2010
- Drugs.com: Interactions between Yaz and Vitamin C
- Drugs.com: Drugs.com: Ethinyl Estradiol Side Effects
