About Yasmin

Yasmin is a pill used for the prevention of an unwanted pregnancy. The drug contains drospirenone (a progestin hormone). The drug is a birth control pill and does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

How to take the Drug

Yasmin is available in a pack of 28 pills containing 21 pills that are active meaning that they are the only ones that contain the hormones - drospirenon and ethinyl estradiol. The remaining 7 pills are reminder pills. The pill must be started right from the first day of the period. This provides complete protection against any unwanted pregnancies. Yasmin offers two packs for Day 1 starters and Sunday starters. The Sunday starter requires you to take the pill on the Sunday after your period has started.

Drug Precautions

There are some precautions one must take before starting or while using Yasmin:

• If you are suffering from any heart ailment, blood pressure, bleeding or any blood clotting disorder, have had a stroke or any abnormal symptoms do consult your medical practitioner before using Yasmin.
• If you a patient suffering from diabetes, gallbladder disease, epilepsy, depression, irregular periods do consult your doctor before using Yasmin.
• Do not use Yasmin if you are pregnant as Yasmin is reported to have serious defects in an unborn child.
• Do not use Yasmin in case you are a nursing mother.
• It is advisable to give up smoking while using Yasmin as smoking can have serious adverse effects causing a stroke, heart attack and even blood clots.

Side Effects

Some of the reported side effects in people using Yasmin are:
- Spotting or irregular vaginal bleeding
- Changes in vision and difficulty in using contact lenses
- Fluid retention
- Dark patches on the skin
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Thinning of hair

It is advisable to consult your medical practitioner in case you observe any of these symptoms persisting or observe any other abnormal symptoms.

Missed Dose

If, you miss the dose of an active pill then, take it as you remember or along with your next normal dose. In case you do miss two doses, then take two pills together on the day that you do remember and also two pills the following day. After the two days of two pills each, revert to your normal dose of one pill every day. Missing a pill can increase your risk of pregnancy and so it would be advisable to also use another means of contraception.

Overdose

An overdose can result in symptoms such as:

- Withdrawal bleeding
- Nausea
- Serum concentration of sodium and potassium must be monitored in case of an overdose of Yasmin.

Storage

The drug must be stored at a temperature of 25oC. Keep away from the reach of children and pets.