Yasmin

How to take Yasmin

Most women choose to take 1 pill daily for 21 days, then have a 4 or 7-day break before starting the next pack. During this break you’re likely to have a withdrawal bleed. This is like a period but isn’t one.

You can also take Yasmin as follows: 

• Tricycling: Take 1 pill daily for 9 weeks without a break. After 9 weeks (3 packs of pills) take a 4 or 7 day break and then start the cycle again. 
• Continuous use: Take 1 pill daily without a break.  
• Flexible extended use: Take 1 pill daily for at least 21 days. If you get bleeding that’s unacceptable to you, take a 4-day break. On the fifth day start taking the pill daily again and don’t have another break for at least 21 days. 

How does Yasmin work?

The hormones in Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinylestradiol) prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). They also make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, or for an egg to implant itself in the lining of the womb.

How effective is Yasmin?

When taken correctly, Yasmin is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If it’s not always taken correctly roughly 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant.

If you are vomiting or have severe diarrhoea the effectiveness of Yasmin pill will be affected. You may not be protected against pregnancy. If this happens, continue to take the pill as usual but use a condom whilst you're ill. If this continues for more than 24 hours you should follow the same steps as a missed pill.

Please note – you should only start Yasmin if you’re sure you’re not pregnant. 

How long does it take for Yasmin to work?

If you start using Yasmin on days 1-5 of your period, you should be protected from pregnancy immediately, provided you don’t have a short or irregular menstrual cycle.

If you start after day 1 and have short/irregular menstrual cycle you’ll need to use condoms for 7 days if you have sex. Your clinician will be able to advise if you need to use extra contraception in the first 7 days if you have sex.  

What are the side effects of Yasmin?

Many women do not experience any side effects, however some will. Yasmin pill side effects can include mood swings, headaches, breast discomfort, feeling sick and irregular bleeding. Rarely, some women develop blood clots. This pill carries a slightly higher risk of blood clots than others. If you have any concerns, send us a message via your Patient Record.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.