Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz

Generic Name: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Pronunciation: dro SPY re nown, ETH in il, ESS tra dy ol)

• What is drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?
• What are the possible side effects of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?
• What is the most important information I should know about drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?
• How should I take drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?
• What should I avoid while taking drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?
• What other drugs will affect drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?

Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and also cause changes in your cervical and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

The combination of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to treat moderate acne in women who are at least 14 years old and have started having menstrual periods, and who wish to use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy.

This medication is also used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), such as anxiety, depression, irritability, trouble concentrating, lack of energy, sleep or appetite changes, breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, headache, and weight gain.

Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;
• stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• a breast lump; or
• symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;
• freckles or darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, or loss of scalp hair;
• changes in weight or appetite, swelling of your hands or feet;
• problems with contact lenses;
• vaginal itching or discharge; or
• changes in your menstrual periods.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol (Ocella, Yasmin, Yaz)?

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a heart valve disorder, breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, kidney or liver disease, an adrenal gland disorder, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

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