Treatments over the Easter break

Keep up to date with our delivery, collection and our customer service hours. Find out more.

On this page

    Yasmin

    On this page

    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.

    On this page

      Yasmin FAQs

      On this page

      Does Yasmin help with acne?

      Yasmin can be taken for acne as well as preventing pregnancy. The pill helps to prevent the build-up of sebum on the skin which can cause spots. Find out more in our contraceptive pill and acne guide.  

      What should I do if I miss the pill?

      This depends on when and how many pills are missed. Missing one pill, at any time, does not compromise contraception. Missing two or more pills or starting a new pack late might affect your contraceptive cover.

      Up to 48hrs since your last pill – take your next pill as soon as you remember and continue the rest of the pack as usual. This might mean you need to take 2 pills on 1 day.

      More than 48hrs – this depends on when you last took your pill and where you are in your pill packet. Please check the patient information leaflet for further information.

      Is Yasmin safe to use while breastfeeding?

      Yasmin, like most combined contraceptive pills, can be taken from 6 weeks after childbirth, if you’re breastfeeding. 

      Can Yasmin stop periods?

      If you take 2 packs of Yasmin back-to-back you can avoid having a period. 

      If you decide to come off the pill you may find you have no period after stopping Yasmin. Your periods may be irregular, it can take 3 months for them to get back to normal.  

      Does Yasmin cause weight gain?

      You might be worried about the Yasmin pill and weight gain. There is no evidence to suggest taking Yasmin will affect your weight. You may find your weight changes throughout your cycle due to fluid retention and other reasons not related to the pill. 

      Can smokers use Yasmin?

      If you smoke and are under 35, you may be offered Yasmin. However, if you’re over 35 you’ll be advised to try a different method of contraception such as the progestogen-only pill, intrauterine device (IUD), intrauterine system (IUS), contraceptive implant or the contraceptive injection

      Can I buy Yasmin online?

      You can request and pay for a Yasmin prescription online. As this pill is a prescription-only medication, even if you are using an online service, you will need a prescription from a clinician before you can buy the treatment.

      With all combined contraceptive pills, we will need to know your height, weight and blood pressure to prescribe safely. You can fill this out during the consultation. If you don’t know your blood pressure, don’t worry, you can have this checked in your local LloydsPharmacy.  

      How do I switch to Yasmin from a different pill?

      If you would like to switch your contraceptive pill, contact us via your Patient Record or get an appointment with your GP to discuss the change. If you are changing to a new pill you would be advised to have no break between the packs and you may have to use other contraceptive methods during the changeover.

      Important information about Yasmin

      If you’ve already bought your pill from us, you can request a further 3, 6 or 12-month supply from your Patient Record, if you're medically suitable. If you want to change your pill, please send us a message via your Patient Record.

      Combined contraceptives can cause your blood pressure to rise, which can be dangerous. Your blood pressure needs checking before starting any combined contraceptive, then once a year after that. If you’ve had your blood pressure checked recently, or checked it yourself using a home blood pressure monitor, you can give us this information as part of your consultation. Alternatively, you can have these checked when you pick up your prescription in your local LloydsPharmacy.  

      Taking Yasmin and other medicines

      You should be able to take Yasmin alongside other medicines. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Yasmin safely.

      Alternative contraceptive treatments

      We offer a range of contraceptives, including NuvaRing, Evra Patch, combined pills, low-dose pills and mini pills. View all our contraception options.

      Condoms are an effective form of contraception and protect against STIs.

      There are also long-acting contraceptives available through your GP or family planning clinic, including implants, the coil and injectable contraception.

      Our contraception service

      1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

        5 mins

      2. Choose from recommended options

        In your Patient Record

      3. One of our NHS-experienced clinicians confirms your suitability

        You’ll be informed by email if your contraception has been approved and prescribed

      4. 3, 6 or 12 months of protection

        Delivery to your door

        Collect at 7000+ convenient ParcelShops

        Same-day pharmacy collection

      What our patients say

      Delivery & collection information

      • Standard delivery

        Free

        Delivered within 2-3 working days.

      • Next-day delivery

        £4.95

        Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days. Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

      • Standard ParcelShop collection

        Free

        Collect from 7000+ convenient ParcelShops in 2-3 working days.

      • Next day ParcelShop collection

        £2.95

        Collect next day from 7000+ convenient ParcelShop locations, if approved before 5pm Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sunday orders, collect Monday if approved before 12pm Sunday or Tuesday if ordered after 12pm. 

      • London same-day collection

        Free

        Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day. Subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected London pharmacy.

      Find a collection point
      or

      Show pharmacy collection points

      Show Evri Parcelshop collection points

      List
      Map
          Close
          LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

          This service operates in the United Kingdom only

          Close
          LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

          This service operates in the United Kingdom only

          Visit IE Online Doctor Continue with UK service
          Close
          LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

          This service operates in the Republic of Ireland only

          Continue with Irish Service Continue with UK Service