Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol (By mouth)
droe-SPYE-re-none, ETH-i-nil es-tra-DYE-ol
Prevents pregnancy. Also treats premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne.
Drug classes
Hormonal Contraceptive, Monophasic Contraceptive Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol combination is used to prevent pregnancy. It is a birth control pill that contains two types of hormones, ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone, and when taken properly, prevents pregnancy. It works by stopping a woman’s egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization is prevented.
This medicine is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne in women at least 14 years of age. PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Patients with PMDD may have severe emotional and physical symptoms 10 to 14 days before their menstrual flow starts.
No contraceptive method is 100 percent effective. Birth control methods such as having surgery to become sterile or not having sex are more effective than birth control pills. Discuss your options for birth control with your doctor.
This medicine does not prevent AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. It will not help as emergency contraception, such as after unprotected sexual contact.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Each brand of birth control pills has specific directions. Follow the patient instructions for your prescribed brand. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take this medicine at the same time each day, preferably after your evening meal or at bedtime. Birth control pills work best when there is no more than 24 hours between doses. Keep the pills in the original container. Take the pills in the order they appear in the container.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Follow the instructions in the patient leaflet or call your doctor if you vomit or have diarrhea within 3 to 4 hours of taking this medicine.
Missed dose: Carefully follow the patient instructions if you miss a dose. You may need to use a second form of birth control for several days. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
There are many foods and medicines can affect how drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol works. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are using.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to drospirenone or ethinyl estradiol, or if you are pregnant. Do not use it if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by your doctor, kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal problems, certain heart problems, a blood clotting disorder, or diabetes with kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage. Do not use it if you have a history of breast cancer.
Warnings
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. This medicine could harm your unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you had a baby within 4 weeks before you start using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have inherited angioedema, diabetes, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, migraines, or a history of depression or chloasma, especially during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you have ever had cholestasis (jaundice) caused by pregnancy or birth control pills. Tell your doctor if you smoke.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Increased risk of blood clots, which may cause a stroke or heart attack Possible increased risk of breast or cervical cancer Liver problems High blood pressure Gallbladder diseaseYou may need to stop using this medicine for a few weeks before and after you have surgery because of the risk of blood clots.
This medicine will not protect you from HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases. Talk with your doctor if you have questions.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will check the effects of this medicine at regular visits. He may also monitor your blood pressure. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Irregular, late, or missed menstrual period
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
Unusual or unexpected vaginal bleeding or heavy bleeding
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Breast pain or tenderness
Headache
Mild nausea, bloating
Vaginal spotting, light bleeding, itching, discharge
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Drospirenone-Ethinyl Estradiol, Gianvi, Loryna, Nikki, Ocella, Syeda, Vestura, YAZ, Yasmin, Yaz 28, Zarah
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
