Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using Yasmin.
Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is a birth control pill. Like all oral contraceptives, Yasmin's main purpose is to prevent pregnancy in women as well as to regulate menstrual periods, according to MedicineNet. If taken as prescribed, Yasmin will successfully prevent you from getting pregnant. Like all medications, however, Yasmin has side effects that you should be informed about before beginning the drug. In general, if you are in good health, you should not experience the more serious side effects of Yasmin.
Common Side Effects
Yasmin has various side effects that patients commonly experience. These effects are not serious and usually go away within three months of starting the medication, according to the Yasmin patient package insert. The side effects that women typically experience include nausea, vomiting, digestive discomfort, vaginal bleeding (spotting) between periods, weight and appetite changes, trouble wearing contact lenses, vaginal discharge or irritation and changes in skin condition and hair growth.
Rare Side Effects
Because Yasmin contains drospirenone, an ingredient that raises potassium levels in your body, it can cause complications especially in patients who have cardiovascular, kidney, liver, adrenal or chronic inflammatory disease. Taking Yasmin may very rarely cause the following in patients: blood clots in the legs or lungs, stroke, high blood pressure and cardiac problems such as heart attack; being 35 years of age or older and a regular smoker could increase your chances of experiencing these serious side effects.
If you already have any of the aforementioned medical conditions, taking Yasmin could worsen the condition. However, these side effects may also occur as a result of taking Yasmin in patients who do not already have one of the conditions listed.
In addition, allergic reactions may occur in some Yasmin users. According to Drugs.com, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms upon taking the medication: hives, problems breathing or swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
Breast and Liver Cancer
Yasmin may also affect the liver, causing the development of liver tumors that could rupture and bleed. However, liver cancer is very rare and getting liver cancer while on Yasmin is even more unlikely.
Some studies indicate that breast cancer may result from using Yasmin or any hormonal oral contraceptives because breast cancer is a "hormone-sensitive tumor." Your risk of getting breast cancer from taking Yasmin is increased if you've had breast irregularities, abnormal mammograms or a family history of breast cancer. However, your chances of acquiring breast cancer decrease once you discontinue Yasmin, according to the patient package insert.
Effects on Babies
If you are pregnant, taking Yasmin may cause birth defects in your unborn child, according to Drugs.com. Yasmin could affect you and your baby if you are breast-feeding in one of two ways: the hormones in Yasmin could pass through the breast milk and harm your baby or your production of breast milk may slow down as a result of using Yasmin. Therefore, you should inform your health care provider immediately if you discover that you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
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