Dear Reader,

Yasmin, a low-dose birth control pill, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2001 and is available in the United States. It is 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly, and works in the same way as other combination birth control pills. Each pill pack consists of 21 pills that contain the same amount of estrogen and progestin, to be taken one per day for three weeks, followed by seven placebo pills that are taken throughout the week, in order for a woman to get her period. A newer formulation of Yasmin, called Yaz, has 24 active pills and four placebo pills. The Yaz (24-day) formulation is FDA approved as a method of birth control, as well as a treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne.

As the only birth control pill to contain the synthetic progestin known as drospirenone, Yasmin is an alternative for women who experience adverse effects from other oral contraceptives. Drospirenone has antimineralocorticoid activity that influences the regulation of water retention and electrolyte balance in the body, as well as antiandrogenic (anti-male hormone) properties. It may even be effective in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

As a result of this particular progestin, common benefits of Yasmin include:

• less water retention
• less premenstrual weight gain
• fewer PMS and menstrual symptoms
• prevention of acne

Similar to other birth control pills, possible side effects of Yasmin include:

• headaches
• menstrual changes
• breast tenderness
• abdominal cramps and bloating
• nausea
• vaginal discharge

Yasmin is not recommended for women who:

• have kidney, liver, or adrenal disease, since drospirenone may increase potassium levels in the bloodstream.
• take certain medications, especially those that increase potassium levels in the body.
• have a history of blood clots or stroke.
• have a history of blood clots in the legs, lungs, or eyes.
• experience chest pain.
• have a history of or suspected cancer of the breast, lining of the uterus, cervix, or vagina.
• have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• have a history of jaundice.
• have a liver tumor.

In addition, women who smoke and/or have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol need to take precautions if they take Yasmin.

Health care providers consider a woman's medical history to evaluate if this new birth control method is appropriate for her. For Columbia University students, Yasmin is available through Primary Care Medical Services. Call x4-2284 for an appointment. More information about Yasmin is available on the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research web site of the FDA. As with any birth control choice, it's a good idea to talk with your health care provider to determine which option suits you best. 

Alice

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