Side Effects of Yaz Birth Control

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YAZ comes in packs of 24 tablets. Each tablet contains 3 mg of drospirenone and 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol. By combining two hormones at a low dose level, the maker believes the pill is just as effective as higher dose contraceptive drugs, and carries fewer side effects. The drug has a claimed failure rate of 1 pregnancy per 100 women per year if no pills are missed. Including women who miss some pills in these statistics increases the failure rate to approximately 5 pregnancies per 100 women per year.

Because of the possibility of increased retention of potassium, do not take this drug if you have liver, adrenal or kidney diseases. A number of other drugs may cause increased potassium as well, and should be discussed with a doctor. These include NSAIDs, diuretics that contribute to potassium buildup, blood pressure medications in the ACE-II category, and the blood thinner heparin. Other factors considered in the risk category are taking oral contraceptives while smoking, high blood pressure or existing clotting disorders.

Studies report multiple side effects of oral contraceptives. Among these are nausea, vomiting, increase or loss of weight, difficulties wearing contact lenses, increased occurrences of varicose veins, rashes, migraines and severe mood swiings. Serious side effects include heart attacks, brain hemorrhages, hypertension, gallbladder disease, embolisms, liver tumors and phlebitis. Other noted but not confirmed side effects are acne, colitis, headache, hair loss, nervousness, upper respiratory diseases, headache, diarrhea, urinary tract infections and breast pain.

YAZ, when taken as prescribed, prevents 99 percent of pregnancies. The FDA also approves the drug to treat severe premenstrual symptoms, both emotional and physical. As an additional advertised benefit, Bayer says YAZ has been proven to help treat moderate acne. Proper use is supposed to lead to shorter, lighter and more regular menstrual periods.

YAZ will not protect against HIV or other diseases transmitted by sexual contact. Women with conditions that create kidney, liver or adrenal insufficiency should not use this drug. It must not be used when pregnant. Other medical conditions in which YAZ is contraindicated include heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, breast cancer, heavy smoking and those undergoing major surgery involving prolonged bed rest.
The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. This information is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you find on the Internet.