How to Take Yaz Birth Control

By Peggy Deland

Overview

Yaz is a low-dose oral contraceptive (birth control pill) that contains two hormones: an estrogen and a progestin. The estrogen is ethinyl estradiol, which is used in all combination oral contraceptives. The progestin, drosprienone, is somewhat different than the progestins used in most other brands of birth control pills. It has a strong anti-androgen effect, which makes it useful in the treatment of acne and excessive hair growth. Drosprienone is an analog of spironolactone, a diuretic, and should not be taken by people with kidney, liver or adrenal insufficiency. The dosage instructions for Yaz are slightly different than other birth control pills; there are 24 active pills instead of 21.

Step 1

Verify that Yaz is safe for you to take. Although your doctor should have done this before writing the prescription, medical errors occasionally happen. Don't take Yaz if you have been diagnosed with renal (kidney), hepatic (liver), or adrenal insufficiency. You should also not take Yaz if you have a history of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), stroke, heart attack or if you are over 35 years old and smoke cigarettes.
Step 2

Check to see if any other medications you take can increase your potassium level. The progestin in Yaz can increase the amount of potassium in your blood, and if combined with certain other medications, can cause serious side effects. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen (if taken frequently), certain diuretics, ACE inhibitors, heparin and angiotensin-II receptor antagonists can increase your potassium levels dangerously if combined with Yaz. If you aren't sure if you take any of these drugs, ask your doctor. You may still be able to take Yaz, but you will need to have blood tests to make sure your potassium level does not become too high.

Step 3

Start taking Yaz on the first day of your period, and take it at the same time each day. You can use the stickers enclosed in the package to keep track of whether you have taken your daily pill.
Step 4

Start a new pack of Yaz immediately after finishing the first pack. If you wait -- even a day or two -- between packs, you are much more likely to become pregnant.
Step 5

Allow three months after beginning Yaz, if possible, before deciding to switch to a different method of birth control. Many side effects associated with birth control pills tend to improve or go away over time.

Skill: Easy
Ingredients:
Yaz birth control pills
Tip: You don't have to take the four white "reminder" pills if you don't want to. They don't contain any active ingredients. If you don't take the reminder pills, start a new pack four days after you take the last pink "active" pill.
Tip: Save the instructions that come with your Yaz birth control pills. They contain a detailed description of what to do if you forget to take a pill.
Warning:
Like all birth control pills, Yaz is associated with an increased risk of DVT. If you experience swelling and pain in one or both legs, call your doctor right away.
If you become pregnant while taking Yaz, stop taking it right away.
Yaz does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. If you are not in a monogamous, committed relationship, or if your partner has not been tested for STDs, you should still use condoms every time you have sex.

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