Question

Medication & Prescriptions Pregnancy

What are possible side effects of yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) birth control pills?

Doctor's Answers 1

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There are 2 types of contraceptive pills - the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) and the progestin-only contraceptive pill (POP)/“mini-pill”.

For this case let’s focus on the COCP. The COCP contains both estrogen and progestogen. There are multiple types of COCP and each type contains a different combination of estrogen/progestogen. Due to the different combinations, the benefits and side effects may differ slightly between the COCPs. Hence each type of COCP may have slightly different indications for its use.

As a general overview, here are some common benefits, side effects and risks:

COCP benefits:

  • Contraception

  • Regulating period cycle

  • Reducing menorrhagia (heavy flow)
    Reducing dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)

  • Treating acne

COCP side effects:

  • Nausea/vomiting

  • Bloating

  • Weight gain

  • Breast tenderness

  • Acne

  • Mood changes

  • Headaches

  • Breakthrough bleeding

COCP potential serious complications

  • Venous thromboembolism (blood clot in lungs/legs)

  • Stroke

  • Slight increase in risk of breast/cervical cancer

YAZ specific benefits/side effects:

  • Benefits: treating moderate acne, treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

  • Side effects: higher risk of breakthrough bleeding

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