Yaz (drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol)

YAZ® is one-of-a-kind

No two women are the same. But most women are alike in that they want to get on with the business of their lives. And they want to choose a birth control method that works with their lifestyle.

YAZ (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is a combination birth control pill, the kind doctors prescribe most. Combination pills contain two types of hormones: an estrogen and a progestin. Most combination pills are low-dose, meaning they contain .035 milligrams (mg) or less of estrogen. Low doses of estrogen have been proven to be just as effective as high doses in preventing pregnancy and have the added benefit of reducing potential side effects. Since most low-dose combination pills have the same estrogen, the main difference between one brand and another is usually the progestin.

YAZ is unlike other birth control pills because:

It's the only birth control pill that's also approved by the FDA to treat emotional and physical premenstrual symptoms that are severe enough to impact the lives of women who choose the Pill for contraception. It's also proven to help treat moderate acne.

And it's the only 24/4-day pill with the unique hormone, drsp®.

How YAZ® works

YAZ (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol), a combination pill, contains two types of hormones: an estrogen and a progestin. Combination pills are the type of birth control pills most commonly prescribed by healthcare professionals. They work in two ways:

  • The body is "tricked" into thinking it is pregnant. This prevents the release of an egg (ovulation). Without an egg to be fertilized, you can't become pregnant.
  • The cervical mucus is thickened, making it hard for sperm to travel toward the egg and fertilize it, in case an egg is released.

Beyond contraception, YAZ also has other benefits.

  • YAZ is the only birth control pill that's also approved by the FDA to treat emotional and physical premenstrual symptoms that are severe enough to impact your life, for women who choose the Pill for contraception.
  • Not only is YAZ less likely to upset your skin, it is also proven to help treat moderate acne.1 Nearly all birth control pills are made up of a combination of estrogen and progestin hormones. The progestin in YAZ actually blocks the male sex hormones (androgens) that cause acne.2
  • A 24/4-Day Design: YAZ has a 24/4-day dosing schedule, meaning that with YAZ, you take active (hormone) pills for 24 days and inactive (sugar or placebo) pills for four days. Taking active pills for three additional days, versus the traditional 21/7-day regimen, helps your hormone levels stay even. To learn more about what three additional days of active pills may mean for you, please consult your healthcare professional.
  • The unique hormone, drsp®. While most estrogens are the same, YAZ contains the progestin drsp, or drospirenone (pronounced dros-peer-eh-known). While other combination pills have a progestin made from the male hormone testosterone, the drsp in YAZ is an analogue of the aldosterone antagonistspironolactone and exhibits mild antimineralocorticoid properties, similar to natural progesterone. Ask your healthcare professional about the unique properties of drsp.

YAZ contains a different kind of hormone, drsp, which may increase potassium. Therefore, you should not take YAZ if you have kidney, liver, or adrenal disease, because this could cause serious heart and health problems. Tell your doctor if you are on daily long-term treatment for a chronic condition such as cardiovascular disease or chronic inflammatory disease. Women who take certain drugs (see Safety Information) should have their potassium level checked in the first month of taking YAZ.