Yasmin

In addition to its contraceptive benefits, Yasmin may also be prescribed to treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may help alleviate symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and irritability associated with PMDD.

Yasmin is taken orally in a 28-day pack, with 21 active tablets containing the hormones and 7 placebo tablets. The active tablets are taken daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break during which the placebo tablets are taken.

How to use

Here are some general guidelines for using Yasmin:

1. Start with the first tablet: Begin taking Yasmin on the first day of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period). Follow the arrows on the blister pack to ensure you take the tablets in the correct order.
2. Take one tablet daily: Take one tablet at the same time each day, preferably with a meal or at a time that is convenient for you. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew or crush it.
3. Follow the 28-day pack: Yasmin comes in a 28-day pack. The pack contains 21 active tablets and 7 placebo tablets. Take one active tablet daily for 21 days, followed by one placebo tablet daily for the next 7 days. The placebo tablets do not contain any active ingredients and are meant to help you maintain your daily pill-taking routine.
4. Be consistent: It is important to take Yasmin consistently and not miss any doses. Try to take the tablets at the same time every day to help establish a routine and ensure the effectiveness of the contraceptive.
5. Use backup contraception: In the first cycle of starting Yasmin, additional contraception (such as condoms) should be used for the first 7 days to ensure contraceptive protection.
6. Continue with the next pack: After finishing the 28-day pack, start a new pack the following day, even if your period has not yet finished. Continue this pattern, taking one tablet daily, for as long as you wish to prevent pregnancy.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is as follows:

1. Take one tablet daily: Start by taking one tablet at the same time every day, preferably with a meal or at a time that is convenient for you. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not chew or crush it.
2. Follow the 28-day pack: Yasmin comes in a 28-day pack. The pack contains 21 active tablets and 7 placebo tablets. Take one active tablet daily for 21 days, followed by one placebo tablet daily for the next 7 days. The active tablets contain the hormones necessary for contraception, while the placebo tablets are inactive and help you maintain your daily pill-taking routine.
3. Take the tablets in order: Follow the arrows on the blister pack to ensure you take the tablets in the correct order. Start with the active tablets, taking one each day for 21 consecutive days. Then, switch to the placebo tablets for the remaining 7 days.
4. Begin on the first day of your menstrual cycle: Ideally, start taking Yasmin on the first day of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period). This provides immediate contraceptive protection. However, you can also start on the second to fifth day of your cycle, but in this case, you should use additional contraception (e.g., condoms) for the first 7 days of pill-taking.
5. Continuous use: After finishing one pack, start a new pack the following day, even if your period has not yet finished. Continue taking one tablet daily, following the same 21+7-day pattern, for as long as you wish to prevent pregnancy.

Side effects

Like any medication, Yasmin can cause side effects in some individuals. While not everyone experiences side effects, it's important to be aware of potential adverse reactions. Here are some possible side effects:

1. Nausea: Some individuals may experience nausea, especially during the first few months of using Yasmin. Taking the pill with food or before bedtime can help reduce this side effect.
2. Headache: Headaches, including migraines, may occur in some individuals.
3. Breast tenderness: Medicine may cause breast tenderness or discomfort in some users. This side effect is usually mild and resolves on its own.
4. Breakthrough bleeding: Some individuals may experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods while taking Yasmin, especially during the first few months of use.
5. Changes in menstrual cycle: Yasmin can affect your menstrual cycle, leading to changes such as lighter or shorter periods, missed periods, or irregular bleeding.
6. Mood changes: Mood swings or changes in mood may occur while taking Yasmin.
7. Weight changes: Some individuals may experience slight weight gain or weight loss while taking Yasmin. However, the impact on weight is typically minimal.
8. Other side effects: Less common side effects may include bloating, changes in libido, acne, changes in appetite, or changes in skin pigmentation.

Storage

When it comes to storing Yasmin, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines to maintain its effectiveness and safety. Here are some general storage instructions:

1. Temperature: Store medicine at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
2. Protect from moisture: Keep pills in its original blister pack or container with the blister intact. Store it in a dry place to protect it from moisture. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, where moisture levels are high.
3. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight: Store Yasmin in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, or extreme temperature fluctuations. Do not store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
4. Childproof storage: Keep Yasmin out of reach and sight of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose of Yasmin, it is important to seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Here are some general steps to take in the event of a Yasmin overdose:

1. Call emergency services: If someone is experiencing severe symptoms or is unconscious, call emergency services immediately.
2. Provide necessary information: When seeking medical help, be prepared to provide information about the dosage and quantity of Yasmin that was taken, as well as the time of ingestion.
3. Monitor vital signs: Keep a close eye on the individual's vital signs, such as heart rate and breathing. If there are any sudden changes or concerning symptoms, it is crucial to inform the medical professionals.

In case of an emergency, please dial your emergency services number without delay.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose of Yasmin, here are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember: If you realize you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you missed more than one tablet, take only the most recently missed tablet. Leave out the other missed tablets. You may take two tablets on the same day.
2. Continue with the regular dosing schedule: Take the remaining tablets at the usual time, following the prescribed order. This may mean taking two tablets on the same day or taking one tablet daily until the pack is finished.
3. Use backup contraception: If you missed one or more active tablets and had sexual intercourse in the past 7 days, consider using backup contraception (e.g., condoms) for the next 7 days.
4. Additional precautions: If you missed active tablets in the last week of the pack and did not skip any placebo tablets, start the next pack immediately after finishing the current pack, without taking the usual 7-day break. This will ensure continuous contraceptive protection.

It's important to note that missing tablets may decrease the effectiveness of Yasmin in preventing pregnancy. The risk of pregnancy increases with each missed tablet and during the placebo tablet interval. Therefore, it's recommended to strive for consistent daily tablet intake to ensure maximum contraceptive protection.