Side Effects of Yaz
Yaz is a brand name version of the combined drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol medication. is an oral contraceptive that uses hormones to prevent eggs from becoming fertile. It is also used to treat severe premenstrual syndrome, a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. The side effects of Yaz can be wide-ranging and while they are usually minor, they can become far more serious in people who smoke.Yaz contains a mix of the hormones progesterone and estrogen which combine to prevent ovulation. In addition to birth control, the other primary use of Yaz is to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder. PMDD is characterized by similar symptoms to PMS, but they are far more intense and are accompanied by severe mood swings and irritability.
The most common side effects of Yaz include an increase in blood pressure, light bleeding between periods, stomach bloating, diarrhea or constipation, irregular appetite, breast tenderness or discharge, headache, and a vaginal infection, irritation, or white discharge. These issues typically disappear within a few months of use; contact your doctor if they fail to do so. According to the National Institutes of Health, smoking significantly increases the odds of suffering side effects of Yaz.
The Mayo Clinic reports that women who do not smoke face virtually no risk of suffering severe side effects of Yaz. Serious side effects of Yaz include sudden and severe abdominal pain, coughing up blood, chest or leg pain, swelling of the extremities, slurred speech, a fever, and the chills. For smokers, severe complications from Yaz include heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. In the event of an allergic reaction, side effects of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol include itching, or hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face or throat. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these complications develop.
Certain drugs and substances can also interact with Yaz and generate adverse reactions. Some of the most common drugs that interact with Yaz include theophylline, tizanidine, felbamate, isotretinoin, and paclitaxel. According to the University of Virginia, the drospirenone component of Yaz limits the kidneys' ability to excrete potassium. As such, potassium rich foods like bananas, tomatoes, prunes, and potatoes should be moderated while taking Yaz to prevent complications. Additionally, Yaz should not be taken by people with an existing kidney disease.
Yaz, a contraceptive composed of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, is prescribed primarily for birth control and to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Side effects of Yaz are usually mild and short-term, but in people who smoke they can become far more severe. Before using Yaz, talk to your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take and about any other medical conditions you have.