What Are the Side Effects of the Birth Control Pill Yaz?

Yaz is a combination of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol used to prevent pregnancy. It can also treat mild acne and symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Side Effects

• Common side effects of Yaz include nausea, vomiting, pain and tenderness in the breasts, freckling of the face, increase of hair growth or loss of hair on the scalp, changes in weight or appetite, swelling of the hands and feet, problems with contact lenses, changes in vaginal discharge, changes in menstrual periods and spotting in between periods.

Serious side effects

• Notify your doctor if you experience sudden weakness or numbness, confusion, pain behind your eyes, or problems with vision, speech or balance. These can be signs of blood clots. Also, tell your doctor if you detect any breast lumps while taking Yaz.

Emergency side effects

• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms while taking Yaz: difficulty breathing; swelling in your lips, tongue and throat; or hives.

Pregnancy

• Yaz can cause birth defects in unborn children. Do not use Yaz while pregnant.

Precautions

• Yaz should not be used by patients with a history of stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure or any conditions related to increased blood clotting.