Yasmin

Yasmin is a contraceptive pill. Like other hormone-based contraceptives, Yasmin provides effective protection while allowing spontaneous sex. Yasmin contains two different hormones, an oestrogen and a progesterone, and is referred to as a combined oral contraceptive.

Very safe - but only if the tablets are taken correctly. In order to benefit from Yasmin, it is important to follow the instructions in the patient leaflet carefully, taking one pill at the same time every day. In general, oral contraception is considered a very safe method, preventing over 99% of all possible pregnancies when used correctly.

If you are taking Yasmin correctly, you do not need to worry about using an additional contraceptive for preventing pregnancy. However, Yasmin provides no protection from sexually transmitted diseases. If you have sex with partners whose sexual health status is unknown, you should always use a condom to prevent contracting gonorrhoea, herpes, human papilloma virus or HIV. Also, if you have forgotten to take a pill or are currently taking medication which interacts with your pill (for example certain antibiotics) you may also need to use a condom in addition to taking your daily tablet.

Like other combined contraceptive pills, Yasmin is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, as it works in three ways. Firstly, the hormones in Yasmin cause the mucus at the entrance of the womb to thicken, which means that sperm will not be able to make their way to the egg. Should this mechanism fail, you are still protected from pregnancy as Yasmin also suppresses ovulation. Finally, taking a contraceptive pill causes changes in the texture of the walls inside the womb. Even if the first two mechanisms fail, a fertilised egg will not be able to implant in the womb and develop.

Yasmin and all other combined oral contraceptive pills are associated with an increased risk of thrombosis. Whether pills containing drospirenone (the progesterone in Yasmin) lead to a higher increase in this risk than contraceptives containing a different progesterone, is currently unclear. While a study published in the British Medical Journal seemed to confirm this hypothesis, German scientists from the Endokrinologikum in Hamburg have criticised the methodology of the original study and claim that the results are “statistically irrelevant”.

The risk of thrombosis increases with age and unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Overweight men and women are at a higher risk, as are patients with a family history of blood clots or arteriosclerosis. If you have any of these conditions, a contraceptive pill like Yasmin may not be suitable for you.

Your doctor will be able to help you decide whether you can safely take Yasmin. Do make sure to provide your GP with all relevant information on your family history and previous health problems.

No. Combined oral contraceptives like Yasmin are not suitable for women who are breastfeeding. If you would like to use an oral contraception while breastfeeding, you should discuss the possibility of taking a progesterone-only pill, also known as the mini pill, with your doctor or gynaecologist. Due to the lower dose of hormones they contain, some mini pills can safely be taken by breastfeeding women.

Some medicines will make Yasmin less effective and put you at risk of pregnancy. Always check with your doctor before taking Yasmin if you are taking any other medicines.

Most antibiotics can be taken with Yasmin. You should not need to use another form of contraception, unless you get sick (diarrhoea or vomiting) after taking them.

However, if you are prescribed rifabutin or rifampicin, you should use an additional barrier method of contraception (like condoms) for as long as you are taking the antibiotics, and for at least 7 days afterwards. This is because rifabutin and rifampicin both can make Yasmin less effective.

You should take your daily Yasmin tablet at the same time every day. The tablet is to be swallowed whole with a drink of water. The days of the week are printed around the edge of the blister pack, which makes it easy for you to see which pill you need to take next. It also helps you to establish whether you have taken all pills as required.

After three weeks of taking Yasmin, there is a one-week break. During this 7-day break, you will not be taking any pills, but you are still protected from pregnancy. Usually, you will experience a period during this week, which may be lighter and less painful. After 7 days, you need to begin the next blister pack and continue your 21 day course of Yasmin pills.

If you do not take your Yasmin tablets as advised, you are not protected from unwanted pregnancy. Hence, it is very important not to forget to take your pill every day. If you have forgotten to take a tablet but remember to take it within 12 hours of the usual time, your protection is not affected. Take the tablet as soon as you remember and continue by taking the next pill at your usual time, even if this involves taking two Yasmin tablets in the same day.

If it has been more than 12 hours since you were supposed to take Yasmin, you may need to use additional protection during the following 7 days. Whether this is necessary depends on the point in time of your cycle when you missed the pill. Read the patient leaflet for detailed instructions on what to do if you miss the pill in either of the three weeks. If you have forgotten to take the pill in week 3, you may need to skip your break and start the next pack straight away to ensure your contraceptive protection remains effective.

If you have been taking your pill correctly, you are very unlikely to be pregnant. If you are unsure, you should do a pregnancy test or consult your doctor. Yasmin is not to be taken by pregnant women, as it can harm the unborn baby. Hence, it is very important to rule out the possibility of an existing pregnancy before starting Yasmin. However, missing a period while taking a contraceptive pill is not unusual, especially during the first three months, when your body adjusts to the daily hormone intake.

Yasmin contains two active ingredients. Each individual tablet contains 0.03mg Ethinylestradiol and 3.0mg Drospirenone. The pills are light yellow, round and have a convex surface. On one side they are embossed with the letters “DO”.

Taking Yasmin can cause side effects in some women. Common side effects include:

• depressive moods and mood swings
• headaches and migraines
• nausea and stomach problems
• breast pain, irregular bleeding and fungal infections

Yasmin can also cause other, less common side effects. For a complete list of side effects and risks, please read the patient leaflet or speak to your doctor.

Under certain circumstances, you may be advised not to take Yasmin. This can be the case if you:

• have ever had a blood clot
• have a family history of blood clots
• have ever had a heart attack
• have a higher risk of heart attack
• have a higher risk of blood clots
• have a high level of cholesterol in your blood
• have hypertension
• have a severe form of migraine
• have or have had an inflammation of the pancreas
• have liver function problems
• have or have had a form of cancer affecting your breasts or genitals
• are experiencing unexplained bleeding from the vagina