From the Research
No, you should not use Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) with Nexplanon (etonogestrel implant). Using these two hormonal contraceptives together is not recommended as it would provide unnecessary hormone duplication without additional contraceptive benefit. Nexplanon alone is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy by releasing a steady dose of progestin, as noted in a review of contraception methods 1. Adding Yaz, which contains both estrogen and progestin, would expose you to excess hormones that could increase your risk of side effects such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.
The use of combined hormonal contraceptives like Yaz has been associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis, as reported in studies such as the one published in JAMA 1. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of Yaz have been evaluated in several studies, including a post-authorization safety surveillance study in Chinese women, which found that the most frequently reported adverse events were nausea, breast pain, and breast swelling 2.
If you're experiencing issues with Nexplanon like irregular bleeding, consult your healthcare provider about appropriate management options. They might recommend non-hormonal treatments or, in some cases, a low-dose estrogen-only supplement rather than a combined hormonal contraceptive like Yaz. Your provider can help determine the safest and most effective approach for your specific situation, taking into account the potential benefits and risks of different contraceptive methods, as discussed in a review of drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol 3.
Key points to consider:
- Nexplanon is a highly effective contraceptive method with a failure rate of less than 1% per year 1
- Using Yaz with Nexplanon would provide unnecessary hormone duplication without additional contraceptive benefit
- Combined hormonal contraceptives like Yaz increase the risk of venous thrombosis and other side effects
- Non-hormonal treatments or low-dose estrogen-only supplements may be recommended for managing issues with Nexplanon, rather than adding a combined hormonal contraceptive like Yaz.