What is Yaz?
Yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and also cause changes in your cervical and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.
This drug is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to treat moderate acne in women who are at least 14 years old and have started having menstrual periods, and who wish to use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy.
Mechanism of action :
Estrogen/ progestogen oral contraceptive; acts by primarily suppressing ovulation. Also causes cervical mucus changes that inhibit sperm penetration and endometrial changes that reduce the likelihood of implantation.
Before taking Yaz :
It can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking it.
You should not take this drug if you have :
untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
heart disease (coronary artery disease, uncontrolled heart valve disorder, history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot);
a blood-clotting disorder or circulation problems;
problems with your eyes, kidneys or circulation caused by diabetes;
a history of hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;
unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;
liver disease or liver cancer;
severe migraine headaches (with aura, numbness, weakness, or vision changes), especially if you are older than 35;
a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills; or
if you smoke and are over 35 years old.
Drug interactions :
Risk of hyperkalemia with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, K+-sparing diuretics, K+supplementation, heparin, aldosterone antagonists, and NSAIDs. Reduced effectiveness or increased breakthrough bleeding with enzyme inducers, including CYP3A4, (eg, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, bosentan, felbamate, griseofulvin, oxcarbazepine, rifampicin, topiramate, St. John’s wort). Significant changes (increase/decrease) in plasma levels with HIV/hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Pregnancy reported with use of hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics. Increased levels with atorvastatin, ascorbic acid, acetaminophen, and CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, itraconazole, ketoconazole). May decrease plasma concentrations of lamotrigine and reduce seizure control; adjust dose of lamotrigine. Increases thyroid-binding globulin; may need to increase dose of thyroid hormone in patients on thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Storage :
Store at room temperature. Protect from heat, light and moisture. Keep away from reach of children.