What is Yaz?
Yaz is a medicine that combines two hormones: progestin and estrogen, and it’s taken by women to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It works by preventing ovulation or release of eggs during a menstrual cycle. Besides, this medication works as vaginal fluid thicker to prevent fertilization and changes the lining of the womb to prevent the attachment of fertilized eggs. Sometimes, Yaz is used to treat PMDD and moderate acne. Its intake also decreases painful periods and blood loss, prevents a risk of ovarian cysts and makes periods more regular.
Recommendations for Use
This medicine should be taken orally, once a day, with and without food. Take a regular dose at the same time a day, and if you have nausea or upset stomach, take it at bedtime or after evening meals. Don’t miss your doses, because pregnancy is more likely to happen if you take pills at a different time, start new packs late or miss pills.
Each pack contains 24 pills with hormones and 4 pills without them, and you should start a new pack with no break. If you’re a beginner, take the first pill on the first day of your menstrual period and use extra forms of birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy during the first week.
Precautions and Contraindications
Before you start taking Yaz, make sure that your doctor knows everything about possible allergic reactions and your medical history, especially if you have blood clots, adrenal gland issues, heart problems, uncontrolled or untreated hypertension, cancer, blood clotting conditions, abnormal breast exam, migraines, diabetes, heart diseases, irregular heartbeats, liver and kidney problems, yellow eyes or skin, unexplained vaginal bleeding, depression, high cholesterol levels, obesity, edema and gallbladder issues.
This medicine may increase potassium levels, so avoid taking potassium supplements. Yaz may also cause dark and blotchy areas on the face, so avoid any direct sunlight, sunlamps and tanning booths. Use special sunscreen and wear protective clothes. This medication is not intended to be taken during pregnancy, and it passes into the breast milk.
Drug Interactions
They should be avoided because they change the way Yaz works and lead to severe side effects. Some of the most common pharmaceutical products that potentially interact with this medicine include tranexamic acid, aromatase inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, water pills, some drugs that treat chronic hepatitis, rifamicins, meds to treat seizures, barbiturates, HIV drugs, etc. That’s why doctors should get a list of other medications that you’re taking to avoid possible drug interactions. Besides, Yaz may affect lab tests and produce false results.
Side Effects
This medicine may lead to experiencing some side effects, but most of them are rare and mild, including vomiting, nausea, bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, weight changes and swelling of feel or ankles. Some patients may notice vaginal bleeding between periods, and it’s advisable to call doctors if any of these symptoms persist. The intake of Yaz may raise blood pressure and lead to serious side effects, which are quite rare. Go to the hospital if you experience such severe symptoms as sudden changes in vaginal bleeding, signs of high potassium levels, allergic reactions, unusual sweating, fainting, confusion, shortness of breath, lack of coordination, vision changes, slurred speech, yellow eyes and skin, dark urine, mood and mental changes and some others. Stop taking Yaz and get emergency medical help in this case.