Yaz birth control - online prescription available
Yaz birth control pills can help if you're interested in preventing pregnancy. Yaz can also treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne. Get a new prescription or refill of Yaz from a board-certified primary care doctor online today.*
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
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:
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Nausea and, rarely, vomiting
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Breast tenderness
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Breakthrough or irregular bleeding
Much less common, but more worrisome side effects of Yaz could include:
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Sudden severe headache or changes in migraine headaches
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Elevated blood pressure and rarely, stroke
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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:
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Take one tablet of Yaz every day at the same time, with or without food.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Medicine for hepatitis C or HIV/AIDs infection
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Antifungal medicines and antibiotics
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Diuretics, including Aldactone (spironolactone)
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Blood thinners, including heparin
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Potassium supplements
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St. John's wort
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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
Acne
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Yaz prescription FAQs
How much does Yaz cost?
How can I refill my Yaz prescription?
Is weight gain a side effect of Yaz?
What are the main side effects of Yaz?
The main side effects of Yaz include:
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Nausea
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Breast tenderness or soreness
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Breakthrough or irregular bleeding, especially in the first few months of use
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Weight fluctuations
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Headache and/or mood changes
Is Yaz a good contraceptive pill?
Who should not take Yaz?
Avoid taking Yaz and other hormonal birth control pills if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
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Heart problems, coronary artery disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure
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Increased risk of blood clots or serious cardiovascular events
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High levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia)
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High cholesterol or triglycerides
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Thyroid disease
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Migraine headaches
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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 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?
3 simple steps to request your Yaz prescription today
Book a Yaz prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Yaz prescription.
Pick up your birth control pills.
Yaz prescription pricing details
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Popular PlushCare Birth Control
Yaz prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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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
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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
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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.