From the Guidelines
Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) is FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate acne in women who desire contraception, as stated in the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris 1. The medication works by reducing the production of androgens, hormones that can stimulate oil glands in the skin and contribute to acne formation. The typical dosing regimen for Yaz is one pill daily for 24 days, followed by 4 days of placebo pills. Improvement in acne is usually seen after about 3 months of treatment, though full benefits may take up to 6 months. Some key points to consider when using Yaz for acne include:
- Continuing basic skin care practices like gentle cleansing and avoiding picking at blemishes
- Potential side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, and spotting between periods
- Contraindications for women who smoke and are over 35, or those with certain medical conditions like history of blood clots, certain heart conditions, or liver disease
- The need for a healthcare provider to evaluate whether Yaz is appropriate based on individual health history and needs, as also recommended in the more recent guidelines 2. It's also important to note that while Yaz can be effective for acne treatment, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential risks, including cardiovascular risks and an increased risk of breast cancer in some women, as discussed in the guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets are indicated for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women at least 14 years of age, who have no known contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy and have achieved menarche.
Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets should be used for the treatment of acne only if the patient desires an oral contraceptive for birth control.
Yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets) is approved for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women. The patient must have no known contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy, be at least 14 years old, and have achieved menarche. Additionally, Yaz should only be used for acne treatment if the patient also desires an oral contraceptive for birth control 3.
From the Research
Yaz Approval for Acne
- Yaz, a combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, is approved for the treatment of moderate acne in women who are at least 14 years old, have achieved menarche, and wish to use a contraceptive for birth control 4.
- The anti-androgenic properties of drospirenone make it an effective treatment for acne, as it reduces sebum production and inflammation 5, 6.
Efficacy of Yaz in Acne Treatment
- Studies have shown that Yaz is effective in reducing acne lesions and improving skin clarity in women with moderate acne 6, 7.
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that women who received Yaz had greater reductions in inflammatory, noninflammatory, and total lesion counts compared to those who received a placebo 7.
- Another study found that the use of Yaz among women with acne reduced acne treatment-related resources, including drug costs, medical costs, and total costs 8.
Safety Profile of Yaz
- Yaz has been shown to have a good safety profile, with no increased risk of vascular thromboembolic disease or arrhythmias observed in large epidemiological studies 4, 6.
- The 3 mg drospirenone/20 mcg ethinyl estradiol oral contraceptive administered in a 24/4 regimen was well tolerated and had a safety profile consistent with low-dose contraceptive use 7.