About Yaz Birth Control
Yaz is hormonal birth control that contains progestin (drospirenone) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol). It prevents pregnancy by mimicking the body's natural hormones to prevent ovulation and alter the cervical mucous and uterine lining, making conception much less likely. Yaz can also be used to treat acne and reduce the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Yaz is available only by prescription. It is available in generic formulations under different brand names, including drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol.
Yaz is prescribed as a tablet and may be taken on slightly different schedules depending on why it is being prescribed. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. If Yaz is being used for birth control and is not used exactly as prescribed, it may be less effective at preventing pregnancy.
Yaz birth control uses
Yaz has several FDA-approved uses, and may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online healthcare provider may prescribe it for the following reasons, or for other reasons not listed here. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Pregnancy prevention
Yaz is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy. Like other combination oral contraceptives, Yaz pills prevent ovulation and alter the cervical mucus to lower the risk of pregnancy.
Acne
Yaz is FDA-approved to treat moderate acne in women at least 14 years old who have started having menstrual periods and wish to use birth control pills to treat their acne.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Yaz is FDA-approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. Yaz can help improve symptoms such as anxiety, depression, breast tenderness, weight gain, and muscle pain.
Yaz side effects
The side effects associated with taking Yaz are typically mild, and usually go away over time.
Common side effects of Yaz may include:
Nausea and, rarely, vomiting
Breast tenderness
Breakthrough or irregular bleeding
Much less common, but more worrisome side effects of Yaz could include:Sudden severe headache or changes in migraine headaches
Elevated blood pressure and rarely, stroke
Blood clots, especially in those who smoke cigarettes and are over the age of 35
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these serious side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms.
How to take Yaz
Your doctor and pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Yaz prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions carefully. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions. General guidelines for taking Yaz are as follows:
Take one tablet of Yaz every day at the same time, with or without food.
The tablets come in a pack of 28 pills, with 24 active and 4 inactive or "placebo" tablets. Take the active tablets for 24 days, followed by the inactive tablets for 4 days.
You may begin taking Yaz birth control at any point in your cycle, based on your needs and schedule. If you start on a day other than the first day of your period, use a backup method of birth control, like condoms, for the first 7 days of taking the medication.
If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss two pills in a row, take two pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day, then continue taking one pill a day until the pack is finished. Use a backup method of birth control for the next 7 days. If you miss three pills in a row, contact your doctor to discuss whether emergency contraception would be a good idea and to discuss when to restart the medication.
If you experience any side effects or have any concerns about taking Yaz, talk to your doctor.
What to avoid while taking Yaz
Yaz may interact with other medications or supplements you take, including herbal products, as well as over-the-counter drugs. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Common drugs that may interact with Yaz, making one or both medication more or less effective, or causing side effects, include:
Medicine for hepatitis C or HIV/AIDs infection
Antifungal medicines and antibiotics
Diuretics, including Aldactone (spironolactone)
Blood thinners, including heparin
Potassium supplements
St. John's wort
GLP1 agonists and medications used for diabetes or weight loss
It is safe to drink alcohol while taking Yaz. Remember that Yaz does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or infections.
Medication alternatives to Yaz
Pregnancy prevention
Loestrin Fe (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone) Yasmin contraceptiveMirena (levonorgestrel) IUD
Depo shotNexplanon
NuvaRing (vaginal ring) Twirla patch Xulane patchAcne
Estrostep (ethinylestradiol/norethisterone acetate)
Ortho tri cyclen Adapalene gel Tretinoin online Spironolactone (Aldactone)Benzoyl peroxide
Clindamycin cream
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Beyaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolate)
Yaz prescription FAQs
How much does Yaz cost?
The cost of Yaz can vary widely depending on your pharmacy and insurance. Fortunately, most health insurance plans offer free or low-cost birth control.
How can I refill my Yaz prescription?
To refill your Yaz prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After a consultation and reviewing your medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy the same day.
Is weight gain a side effect of Yaz?
Some women may experience weight gain with Yaz, though most do not.
What are the main side effects of Yaz?
The main side effects of Yaz include:
Nausea
Breast tenderness or soreness
Breakthrough or irregular bleeding, especially in the first few months of use
Weight fluctuations
Headache and/or mood changes
Is Yaz a good contraceptive pill?
Yes, Yaz is effective in preventing pregnancy. When taken as directed, Yaz is over 99% effective.
Who should not take Yaz?
Avoid taking Yaz and other hormonal birth control pills if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
Heart problems, coronary artery disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure
Increased risk of blood clots or serious cardiovascular events
High levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia)
High cholesterol or triglycerides
Thyroid disease
Migraine headaches
Hormone-related cancer, such as breast cancer
Avoid using Yaz if you smoke, are over 35, are breastfeeding, or recently had major surgery.What happens if I miss a dose of Yaz?
If you miss one active pill, take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, take two pills at once and use back-up birth control for one week.
If you miss two active pills in a row, take the two missed pills on the day you remember and two pills the next day. Use back-up birth control for one week.What happens if I take too much Yaz?
If you've taken too much Yaz, contact your local poison control center for guidance.
3 simple steps to request your Yaz prescription today
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Step 1
Book a Yaz prescription request appointment.
You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
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Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Yaz prescription.
You can visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
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Step 3
Pick up your birth control pills.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Yaz prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Yaz prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Yaz prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) tablets. Accessed on October 21, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021676s009lbl.pdf
Kaiser Permanente. YAZ (28) 3 mg-0.02 mg tablet. Accessed on October 21, 2022. https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/drug-encyclopedia/drug.yaz-28-3-mg-0-02-mg-tablet.476825
Mayo Clinic. Drospirenone And Ethinyl Estradiol (Oral Route). Accessed on October 21, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/drospirenone-and-ethinyl-estradiol-oral-route/description/drg-20061917
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.