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Yasmin
Yasmin is a contraceptive pill that prevents pregnancy. Yasmin pills contain female sex hormones that, once taken, prevent an egg from being released. Yasmin also thickens the natural mucus around the cervix so that sperm cannot survive. This contraceptive pill contains ethinylestradiol and drospirenone, and your suitability will be checked during your consultation.
- For contraceptive purposes
- Daily contraceptive pill
- Combined contraceptive pill
Contraceptive pills can be used to prevent pregnancy, and when taken correctly is 99% effective.
Most pills are taken for 21 days with a seven-day break, during which there is often a withdrawal bleed, which usually appears as a period and is normal.
Other pills are taken for 28 days without a break. These can often stop regular menstruation from occurring or can help to lighten heavy periods.
Contraceptive pills, although effective in preventing pregnancy, are not designed to protect you from STIs. To completely protect yourself from contracting STIs, you should use another form of contraception that is designed to protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
It’s important to be aware of potential side effects that can occur when taking any form of medication, including the contraceptive pill. Most side effects of the contraceptive pill are mild and will subside over time, however, there can be some unwanted and serious side effects that can impact your overall health.
When considering which type of combined oral contraceptive pill to take, you will need to consult your doctor.
Before taking Yasmin tablets, you should measure your weight, and take readings of your blood pressure, as these can affect which pill is best for you. You can purchase home blood pressure kits or visit a local pharmacy to get a free blood pressure check.
During your initial consultation, you will need to answer questions about your family's medical history of strokes, heart attacks, and breast cancer. You will also be asked questions about your health history such as migraines, smoking, and general health conditions.
Do not take Yasmin if your kidneys are not working well (poorly functioning kidneys or acute kidney failure). Yasmin can raise the level of potassium in the blood, so tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or take medicines that can increase potassium (such as some water tablets). Your doctor may check your potassium level with a blood test during your first month of taking Yasmin.
Being aware of potential side effects that can occur when taking this form of medication will help you to monitor your health much easier.
Common side effects of taking Yasmin tablets include:
- Spotting or light bleeding in the first few months of starting medication
- Headaches or migraines
- Mood swings
- Nausea
- Sore or tender breasts
Uncommon side effects of Yasmin include:
- Vomiting
- Changes in body weight
- Changes in interest in sex
There are some more serious side effects associated with taking Yasmin tablets. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Changes to the breast such as discolouration around the nipple or lumps
- Discomfort and bleeding after sex
Combined pills such as Yasmin slightly increase the risk of blood clots in the veins and arteries. Get urgent medical help (call 999 or go to A&E) if you notice possible signs of a blood clot, such as:
- Swelling or pain in one leg or foot, especially with warmth, redness or tenderness (signs of a blood clot in the leg)
- Sudden unexplained breathlessness or fast breathing, a sudden cough which may bring up blood, or sharp chest pain (signs of a blood clot in the lung)
- Chest pain, pressure or heaviness, or discomfort spreading to the back, jaw, throat, arm or stomach (signs of a heart attack)
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion or trouble speaking, sudden trouble seeing, or a sudden, severe or long-lasting headache (signs of a stroke)
Out of 10,000 women using Yasmin, about 9 to 12 will develop a blood clot in a year. This compares with about 5 to 7 out of 10,000 women using a combined pill that contains levonorgestrel, and about 2 out of 10,000 women who are not using a combined hormonal contraceptive and are not pregnant.
What should I do if I miss a dose of the Yasmin pill?
If you miss a dose of the Yasmin pill, you should take it as soon as you remember. If you are less than 12 hours late, you are still protected from pregnancy - take the rest of your pills at the usual time. If you are more than 12 hours late, your protection may be reduced. Take the last missed pill as soon as you remember, even if this means taking two pills at the same time, and use extra protection such as condoms for the next 7 days. If you missed a pill in the first week of your pack and had sex in the 7 days before, you could be at risk of pregnancy and may need emergency contraception - speak to our team. Your patient information leaflet explains what to do if you miss pills in the second or third week.
When should I start taking the Yasmin pill?
Begin taking the Yasmin pill on the first day of your period, and you will be protected from pregnancy straight away. If you start on any other day, you will need to use other methods of protection like condoms for the first 7 days.
Can I use the Yasmin pill when breastfeeding?
Yasmin is generally not advised while you are breastfeeding, as combined pills can reduce the amount of breast milk. A progestogen-only pill may be more suitable. Speak to a member of the team about the options available to you.
Can the Yasmin pill cause breast cancer?
Some types of the pill have been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer, our dedicated team can help you choose a contraceptive option that is appropriate for you.
Does the Yasmin pill cause weight gain?
Side effects differ from person to person when using oral contraceptives. Weight gain may occur when using Yasmin pills but can be managed with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Will this contraceptive pill affect my fertility?
Normal fertility resumes as soon as you stop taking the Yasmin contraceptive pill.
Leaflets
Before taking any medicines, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.
