DROSPERINONE,ETHINYLESTRADIOL
Background and Date of Approval
The FDA approved the drospirenone and ethinylestradiol combination on 17 March 2006 for prevention of pregnancy.
Uses
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.
How is it administered?
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.
Side Effects
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.
Warnings
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.
Precautions
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.
Word of Advice
Before starting drospirenone and ethinylestradiol, understand the risk of blood clots and recognise the symptoms to watch for. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure. Be aware of situations that may reduce this medication's effectiveness and consider additional contraceptive methods if necessary. Drospirenone and ethinylestradiol does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Age and smoking increase the risk of blood clots; inform your doctor of any health changes and consider quitting smoking while taking this pill. Watch for breast lumps and contact your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain. Report any mood changes to your doctor. Unexpected bleeding may occur initially, but contact your doctor if it persists. If you have no bleeding during the pill-free days for two cycles, confirm you are not pregnant before starting the next strip.
References
Bayer plc, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC),[Revised on Oct 2023] [Accessed on Mar 2024], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1607.pdf 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 Cooper DB, et al., Oral Contraceptive Pills. [Updated 24/11/2022] [Accessed on 11/03/2024] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/ Goodman & Gilmanâs Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Estrogens, Progestins, and the Female Reproductive Tract, 13th edition, 2018, 818.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I take Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol birth control pills?
Take one tablet of Yasmin every day, ideally at the same time exactly as directed by your doctor. You can swallow the pill with or without food. The strip contains 21 tablets labeled with the days of the week. Start by taking the tablet marked for the current day of the week and follow the arrows on the strip until all 21 tablets have been taken. After completing a strip, take no tablets for 7 days, during which time you will likely experience withdrawal bleeding. On the 8th day after the last tablet, begin the next strip, regardless of whether the bleeding has stopped. By following this regimen consistently, you remain protected against pregnancy even during the 7-day tablet-free period.
Can Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
No, Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol do not protect against STDs. It's important to use additional barrier methods like condoms to reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
Are there any specific health conditions that may affect the effectiveness of Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol?
Yes, certain health conditions such as liver disorders or severe liver impairment may impact the metabolism of Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol, potentially affecting its effectiveness. Tell your doctor of any existing health conditions before starting this medication.
Can Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol cause mood changes?
Yes, some women using hormonal contraceptives, including Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol, have reported mood changes or depression. If you experience any mood changes, discuss them with your doctor for further medical advice.
How long does it take for Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol to leave my system after discontinuation?
Drospirenone, Ethinylestradiol can persist in your body for up to 6 months after discontinuation. Be cautious and inform your doctor about prior use before starting any new medications during this period.