DROSPIRENONE; ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (Yasmin(reg)) is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill or "the pill"). This product combines an estrogen and progestin, similar to the natural sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced in a woman's body. Ethinyl estradiol is the estrogen and drospirenone is the progestin. This product can prevent ovulation and pregnancy. In general, a combination of estrogen and progestin works better than a single-ingredient product. Drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol tablets can also help regulate menstrual flow, treat acne or may be used for other hormone-related problems in females. A generic product is not available for this birth control pill.

What should my health care professional know before I use drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol?
They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions: adrenal gland disease; blood clots; blood sugar problems, like diabetes; cancer of the breast, cervix, ovary, uterus, vagina, or unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated by a health care professional; depression; fibroids; gallbladder disease; heart or circulation problems; high blood pressure; high potassium level; kidney disease; jaundice; liver disease; menstrual problems; migraine headaches; tobacco smoker; stroke; an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogen/progestin, other hormones, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding.

How should I use this medicine?
Take drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol pills by mouth. Before you start taking these pills decide what is a suitable time of day and always take them at the same time of day in the order directed on the pack. Swallow the pills with a drink of water. Take with food to reduce stomach upset. Do not take more often than directed.
Most products contain a 21-day supply of pills containing the active ingredients. An additional 7 pills containing inactive ingredients may be included and are to be taken during the week of menstruation; this reduces the chance of missing the first day of the next cycle. Most products are to be started on the first Sunday after you start your period or on the first day of your period. You may need to ask your health care provider which day you should start your packet.Before starting this medication, read the paper on your prescription provided by your pharmacist. This paper will tell you about the specific product you are taking. Make certain you understand the instructions.
Keep an extra month's supply of your pills available to ensure that you will not miss the first day of the next cycle.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
Try not to miss a dose. If you do, it may be necessary to consult your health care professional.
28 day schedule: If you miss one dose, take it as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the regular time as usual. You may take 2 tablets in one day. If you miss two doses (days) in a row, take 2 tablets for the next 2 days, then, continue with your regular schedule. Whenever 1 or 2 doses are missed, you should use a second method of contraception for the next 7 days in addition to taking the pills. If you miss three doses in a row, you should notify your physician or other health care professional for instructions. You will probably need to throw away the rest of the tablets in that cycle pack and start over. Another method of contraception should be used until at least 7 doses have been taken in the new cycle. Missing a pill can cause spotting or light bleeding. Make sure that no more than 7 days pass at the end of the 21 day cycle, before you start your next pack of pills. If you miss 1 of the seven inactive pills, you can either double the inactive dose or skip it, but it is important to start the next month's cycle on the scheduled day.