Yaz is a brand-name birth control pill prescribed to prevent pregnancy. Yaz is known as a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) since it combines an estrogen hormone (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin hormone (drospirenone), which work together to stop a woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg each month.

While the primary effect of combination birth control pills is to prevent ovulation, the medication can also thicken cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and fertilize an egg. It can also treat acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that often results in severe emotional and physical symptoms.

Yaz is available via prescription from a licensed health care provider. Drospirenone ethinyl-estradiol is also available in generic form via prescription. Yaz comes in the form of a tablet to be taken by mouth.

Yaz is an oral contraceptive that is used to prevent pregnancy. It can also treat acne and alleviate the symptoms (both physical and emotional) of PMDD.

Oral contraceptives are ineffective at preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so it is essential to use additional contraception (like condoms) to avoid their transmission.

This medication has been given a black box warning from the FDA due to the risks of smoking cigarettes while using Yaz. Doing so increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and other side effects from oral contraceptives, especially for heavy smokers over 35. Do not smoke cigarettes if you are taking oral contraceptives such as Yaz.

Yaz works by preventing a woman’s ovary from releasing eggs, which makes it impossible for a sperm to fertilize one. It also changes the lining of your uterus (which reduces the likelihood that a fertilized egg can develop in it). It thickens the cervical mucus inside your cervix (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter and further reduces your risk of becoming pregnant).

It's also important to note that while using Yaz does offer protection from pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To reduce the risk of STIs, always practice safe sex by using condoms in addition to your chosen method of contraception, such as Yaz.

You may experience mild side effects while using Yaz. Talk to your doctor if these reactions become severe or do not go away within a few days.

Common symptoms reported while using Yaz include:

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Stomach cramps and bloating
  
• Bleeding between periods
  
• Spotting
  
• Change in the flow of period
• Decreased libido
• Missing periods
  
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Weight changes
  
• Mental depression or anxiety
  
• Vaginal yeast infection
  
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects, though these are among the most common.

Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Yaz:

• Absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods
  
• Change in vision
  
• Changes in skin color
  
• Chest pain or discomfort
  
• Fever or chills
  
• Clay-colored stools
  
• Constipation
  
• Dark urine
  
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
  
• Fainting
  
• Fast or slow heartbeat
  
• Hives, redness, welts, or swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  
• Itching skin
  
• Pain, swelling, or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, neck, foot, calves, or legs
  
• Pounding in the ears
  
• Severe headaches of sudden onset
  
• Sudden loss of coordination or slurred speech
  
• Sweating
  
• Troubled breathing
  
  

Oral contraceptives such as Yaz may increase your long-term risk of developing liver tumors and your short-term risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots while reducing your overall risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers. Some data suggest a little to no increase in the risk of breast and cervical cancer; however, the risk is generally associated with current use and diminishes once someone stops taking the pill.

As with all prescription medications, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medications or supplements you currently take before using Yaz. The hormones in Yaz can interact with other forms of medication, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Yaz comes in the form of a tablet to be taken by mouth. Oral contraceptives are typically prescribed in packets of 21, 28, or 91 tablets and taken once daily at the same time every day. You should take the medication exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of Yaz without consulting your provider. If you are experiencing adverse side effects, inform your provider immediately.

If you miss a dose of Yaz, you should follow the instructions on the packaging of your birth control and use a backup method of birth control until the end of the cycle.

Yaz tablets should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and kept out of the reach of children.

Yaz is currently only available via prescription. This means a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription or refill an existing one during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a nearby pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not Yaz is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Yaz to be picked up near you—often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered immediately for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.