The FDA first approved the Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol combination on Mar 17, 2006, Treatment for Prevention of Pregnancy.

Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol combination pills are used in females to effectively prevent pregnancy and to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This combination is also indicated for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women aged at least 14 years, provided they have no known contraindications to oral contraceptive therapy and have reached menarche (puberty). It is advised for acne treatment only if the patient also desires oral contraception for birth control purposes.

Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol combination is administered in the form of oral pills. It is available as 0.03 mg/3 mg film-coated tablets. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage for you based on factors such as your age and overall health condition.

Like all medications, Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol may cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Serious side effects may include swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, along with difficulty swallowing or breathing, which could indicate angioedema. Common side effects include menstrual disorders, bleeding between periods, breast pain, and tenderness. You might also experience headaches, mood changes like feeling depressed, migraines, nausea, or thick whitish vaginal discharge, which could indicate a yeast infection.

It is not recommended to take Drospirenone or Ethinylestradiol if you are allergic to them or any of their other ingredients. It is also not recommended for females who haven't reached puberty and after menopause. Before starting this medication, you must inform your doctor if you have had any blood disorders, tumors, liver or kidney failure, or heart or brain disorders. Give a detailed overview of your medical history and medication before starting to take this pill.

It is important to take precautions when using Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol. Avoid taking this medication if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Yasmin, discontinue it immediately and seek medical advice. Similarly, it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. Inform your doctor if you have lung disorders or a history of pulmonary embolism, as the symptoms may worsen with this medication. Women with liver issues or severe liver impairment should also exercise caution, as Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol may not be properly metabolized. Limit alcohol intake, as it can increase the risk of liver damage and affect medication metabolism. However, it is generally safe to drive or operate machinery while taking this medication. Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

Before starting Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol, it's important to know about the risk of blood clots and learn the symptoms to watch out for. Your doctor will check your blood pressure. Be aware of situations that may affect this medication's effectiveness and consider using extra contraceptive methods if needed. Remember, Drospirenone, ethinylestradiol doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Factors like age and smoking can increase the risk of blood clots, so let your doctor know if anything changes with your health, and it is advisable to quit smoking when you are taking this pill. Keep an eye out for breast lumps, and see your physician if you have severe abdominal pain. If you notice any mood changes while on this medication, talk to your doctor. It is normal to experience unexpected bleeding initially, but if it continues, don't hesitate to contact your doctor. If you don't have bleeding during the pill-free days for two cycles, make sure you are not pregnant before starting the next strip.

1. Bayer plc, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC),[Revised on Oct 2023] [Accessed on Mar 2024], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1607.pdf
2. Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on May 2023] [Accessed on Mar 2024], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/021676s020lbl.pdf
3. Cooper DB, et al., Oral Contraceptive Pills. [Updated 24/11/2022] [Accessed on 11/03/2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/
4. Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Estrogens, Progestins, and the Female Reproductive Tract, 13th edition, 2018, 818.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.