From the Guidelines
Yaz birth control contains two active ingredients: drospirenone (3 mg) and ethinyl estradiol (20 mcg) per tablet. These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm entry, and altering the uterine lining to prevent implantation 1. Drospirenone is a synthetic progestin that also has anti-androgenic and anti-mineralocorticoid properties, which may help reduce acne and bloating in some users. Ethinyl estradiol is a synthetic form of estrogen.
Some key points to consider when using Yaz birth control include:
- The 24/4 regimen, meaning 24 active hormone tablets followed by 4 inactive tablets
- Taking one pill daily at approximately the same time to maintain effectiveness
- The combination hormonal contraceptive is over 99% effective when used perfectly, though typical use effectiveness is around 91%
- Potential side effects, such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and spotting between periods, particularly during the first few months of use 1.
It's also important to note that Yaz has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne, in addition to its use as a contraceptive 1. However, the risks of Yaz, including cardiovascular risks such as venous thromboembolic events, must be weighed against the benefits of treatment 1. As with any medication, it's essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets, USP provide an oral contraceptive regimen consisting of 24 brown to reddish brown active film-coated tablets each containing 3 mg of drospirenone, USP and 0. 02 mg of ethinyl estradiol, USP Drospirenone, USP (6R,7R,8R,9S,10R,13S,14S,15S,16S,17S)-1,3’,4’,6,6a,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,15a,16-hexadecahydro-10,13-dimethylspiro-[17H-dicyclopropa[6,7:15,16]cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-17,2’(5’H)-furan]-3,5’(2H)-dione) is a synthetic progestational compound Ethinyl estradiol, USP (19-Nor-17α-pregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-20-yne-3,17-diol) is a synthetic estrogenic compound
The active ingredients in Yaz birth control are:
- Drospirenone: a synthetic progestational compound, 3 mg per active tablet
- Ethinyl estradiol: a synthetic estrogenic compound, 0.02 mg per active tablet 2
From the Research
Active Ingredients in Yaz Birth Control
The active ingredients in Yaz birth control are:
- Drospirenone: a novel progestin with antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity 3, 4, 5, 6
- Ethinyl estradiol: a form of estrogen 3, 4, 5, 6
Dosage and Regimen
The typical dosage of Yaz is 3mg of drospirenone and 20μg of ethinyl estradiol, taken in a regimen of 24 days of active tablets followed by a 4-day hormone-free interval 3, 5
Mechanism of Action
Drospirenone has antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic properties, which can help alleviate symptoms such as water retention and acne 4, 5, 6 Ethinyl estradiol works by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration 6
Indications
Yaz is approved for: