Yasmin (Drospirenone/Ethinyl estradiol) is a combination medication containing progestin (drospirenone) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) used for preventing pregnancy. It is a birth control pill that works by preventing ovulation and by causing changes in the mucus of cervix and in the endoterium. This makes it difficult for sperm to penetrate in the uterus and for an egg to implant to the uterus.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always take Yasmin (Drospirenone/Ethinyl estradiol) as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Yasmin (Drospirenone/Ethinyl estradiol) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Talk with your doctor about the best time to start your pills. The first day of your menstrual period (bleeding) is known as "Day 1." Your doctor may have you start your pills on the first Sunday after your period starts or on Day 1 or Day 5 of your period. The pills should be taken approximately the same time every day. Do not stop taking oral contraceptives without talking to your doctor.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Always take Yasmin (Drospirenone/Ethinyl estradiol) exactly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, or any ingredients of the medication

• are pregnant or had a baby

• have liver disease or liver cancer

• have had a heart disease (coronary artery disease, history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot)

• have had jaundice with pregnancy or with prior use of birth control pills

• have had cancer of the breast, uterus/cervix, or vagina

• have had severe migraine headaches (with aura, numbness, weakness, or vision changes)

• have reduced kidney function

• have untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure

• have problems with the adrenal gland

• have severe or multiple risk factors for blood clots

• have circulation problems (especially caused by diabetes)

• have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

Smoking can greatly increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You should not take Yasmin if you smoke and are over 35 years old.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Common side effects of Yasmin may include:

• Nausea, vomiting;
• Breast tenderness;
• Headache, mood changes, feeling tired or irritable;
• Weight gain; or
• Changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive.

Stop using Yasmin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• Signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
• Signs of a blood clot - sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth and swelling in one or both legs;
• Heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
• Liver problems - loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• Increased blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• A change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches; or
• Symptoms of depression - sleep problems, weakness, tired feeling, mood changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss doses of your oral contraceptive, you may not be protected from pregnancy. You may need to use a backup method of birth control for 7 to 9 days or until the end of the cycle. Every brand of oral contraceptives comes with specific directions to follow if you miss one or more doses. Carefully read the directions in the manufacturer's information for the patient that came with your oral contraceptive. If you have any questions, call your doctor or pharmacist.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of an overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line. Overdose may cause nausea or vaginal bleeding.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medication in the packet it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Store the medicine at room temperature. Protect from light and moisture.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

Do not smoke while taking Yasmin, especially if you are older than 35 years of age.

Yasmin will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.