Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Yaz. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Yaz with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Yaz. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal cramping or bloating
• acne (usually less common after 3 months of treatment, and may improve if acne already exists)
• back pain
• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling
• changed interest in sexual activity
• darkening skin on the face
• diarrhea
• difficulty wearing contact lenses
• dizziness
• nausea
• nervousness
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• changes in your bleeding pattern during periods or between periods, such as:
  • complete stopping of menstrual bleeding for several months in a row
  • breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods
  • decreased bleeding during periods
  • occasional stopping of menstrual bleeding
  • prolonged bleeding during periods
• flu-like symptoms
• for women with a history of abnormalities in the breast:
  • breast cancer
  • cysts in the breast
  • lumps in the breast
• increased blood pressure
• mood swings
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of a liver problem (such as yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, or itchy skin)
• swelling of ankles and feet
• swelling, pain, or tenderness in upper abdominal area
• vaginal yeast infection with vaginal itching or irritation, or thick, white, or curd-like discharge
• worsening Headaches or migraines

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• redness, tenderness, itching, burning, or peeling of skin
• seizures
• signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, Hives, swelling of the face or throat)
• signs of a blood clot in the arm or leg (tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the arm or leg) or lungs (difficulty breathing, sharp chest pain that is worst when breathing in, coughing, coughing up blood, sweating, or passing out)
• signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
• sudden loss of vision (partial or complete)
• signs of stroke, e.g.:
• dizziness
• fainting
• sudden severe or worsening headache
• vision or speech problems
• vomiting
• weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Yaz.

The white tablets are inactive. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose,  talc, and titanium dioxide.

Do not take Yaz if you:

• are allergic to drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol, or any ingredients of Yaz
• are or may be pregnant
• have active liver disease
• have any eye damage resulting from vascular (blood vessel) disease of the eye, such as partial or complete loss of vision or defect in visual fields
• have had a Heart Attack
• have had jaundice (yellowing of skin) with pregnancy or with prior pill use
• have, have had, or may have an endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining) or another type of tumour that needs estrogen to grow
• have, have had, or may have Breast Cancer
• have heart valve disease with complications
• have or have had benign or malignant liver tumours
• have or have had cerebrovascular disorders (e.g., Stroke) or a condition that may be the first sign of a stroke (such as a Transient Ischemic Attack or small reversible stroke)
• have or have had Coronary Artery Disease (e.g., Angina)
• have or have had migraines with aura
• have or have had pancreatitis associated with extremely high triglyceride levels
• have or have had Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic (blood clotting) disorders
• have reduced kidney function
• have reduced liver function
• have problems with the adrenal gland
• have severe or multiple risk factors for Blood Clots:
• Diabetes with blood vessel involvement
• heavy smoking (more than 15 cigarettes per day) and age over 35
• inherited or acquired blood clotting disorders
• major surgery associated with an increased risk of blood clots after surgery
• prolonged bed rest
• severe high blood pressure
• severe High Cholesterol
• have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

There may be an interaction between drospirenone - ethinyl estradiol and any of the following:

• Anastrozole
• angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., Ramipril, Lisinopril, or Enalapril)
• angiotensin-II receptor blockers (e.g., candesartan, losartan)
• antacids (when taken within 2 hours of the medication)
• antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole, erythromycin, Metronidazole, penicillin, neomycin, Nitrofurantoin, rifampin, rifabutin, sulfonamides, tetracyclines)
• anticonvulsants (e.g., Carbamazepine, Ethosuximide, Lamotrigine, Oxcarbazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, primidone, Topiramate)
• Apixaban
• Aprepitant
• “azole” antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Lorazepam, Diazepam)
• beta-blockers (e.g., Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol)
• boceprevir
• Bosentan
• certain diuretics (e.g., Amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene)
• chloral hydrate
• Cholestyramine
• clarithromycin
• clofibrate
• Clonidine
• Clozapine
• Cobicistat
• conivaptan
• corticosteroids (e.g., Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisone)
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Cyclosporine
• dabigatran
• Dabrafenib
• Deferasirox
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glipizide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Nateglinide, Rosiglitazone)
• Diltiazem
• Exemestane
• grapefruit juice
• heparin
• HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs; e.g., delaviridine, efavirenz, etravirine, nevirapine)
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• hyaluronidase
• Lenalidomide
• low-molecular-weight heparins (e.g., Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Tinzaparin)
• Mefloquine
• Meperidine
• mifepristone
• Mitotane
• Modafinil
• mycophenolate
• nefazodone
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen)
• Olanzapine
• Pimozide
• potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes
• Rasagiline
• retinoic acid medications (e.g., acitretin, etretinate, Isotretinoin)
• Rivaroxaban
• St. John's wort
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Duloxetine, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine)
• Selegiline
• telaprevir
• theophyllines (e.g., Aminophylline, Oxtriphylline, Theophylline)
• Thyroid replacements (e.g., dessicated thyroid, Levothyroxine)
• Tizanidine
• Tranexamic acid
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Clomipramine)
• Ulipristal
• Ursodiol
• Verapamil
• Warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Yaz.

Blood clots: All hormonal contraceptives can increase the risk of developing blood clots. Some studies show that birth control pills containing drospirenone have a higher risk of blood clots than other birth control pills. Tell your doctor if you have a history of blood clots or are at risk of developing blood clots.

Tell your doctor if you are planning an upcoming surgery or if you will be immobilized or inactive for a prolonged period of time (i.e., through accident or illness), as there is an increased risk of blood clot formation when using combination hormonal contraceptives.

If you experience crushing chest pain or heaviness, pain in the calf, sudden shortness of breath, vision or speech changes, sudden severe headache, weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or are coughing blood, get immediate medical attention, as these symptoms could indicate a possible blood clot.

Blood pressure: Yaz may increase blood pressure, increasing the risks of other heart problems. If you have high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Yaz may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Yaz, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may need to visit your doctor more frequently to have your blood pressure checked while using Yaz.

Occasionally, high blood pressure may develop with the use of hormonal contraceptives. This may require stopping Yaz.

Cigarette smoking and heart disease: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious heart disease and death. Birth control pills also increase this risk, particularly as women get older. Women over 35 years of age who are heavy smokers (more than 15 cigarettes per day) should not use the birth control pill. All women are urged not to smoke while taking Yaz.

Other factors that increase your risk of heart disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or a family history of these conditions. It is unclear whether taking the birth control pill increases this risk.

For women who have a low risk of heart disease and do not smoke, the benefits of using low-dose birth control pills outweigh the possible risks of heart disease, regardless of age. These women may continue to use birth control pills up to the age of Menopause.

Depression: Yaz, like other birth control medications, may contribute to feelings of depression. If you have a history of depression or other emotional problems, discuss with your doctor how Yaz may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Yaz, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have a history of depression or other emotional problems you may be more likely to have a recurrence while taking oral birth control medications.

Diabetes: If you have diabetes, or have a family history of diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Yaz may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Yaz, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have diabetes, it may be necessary to test your blood sugar more often to detect any worsening of blood sugar control after starting birth control pills.

Electrolytes: Yaz contains the Progesterone drospirenone, which may increase potassium levels in women who are at high risk for this condition. Women with reduced kidney or liver function or inadequate production of adrenal hormones are at increased risk.

If you receive other medications that can increase your potassium you should have your potassium levels checked by your doctor when you first start Yaz. Some of these medications include potassium supplements, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (e.g., Candesartan, Losartan), some diuretics, Heparin, aldosterone antagonists (e.g., Spironolactone), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen or Naproxen).

Eye disorders: Women who are taking birth control pills may experience fluid buildup in the cornea of the eye that may cause vision changes. This fluid buildup may also mean that your contact lenses may not fit as well as they used to, especially if you have hard contact lenses. Soft contact lenses usually do not cause problems. If your contact lenses feel uncomfortable, talk to your eye doctor.

Fibroid tumours: Yaz may worsen fibroid tumours (noncancerous growths in the uterus), causing sudden enlargement, pain, or tenderness. If you notice these effects, contact your doctor.

Gallbladder problems: The use of hormonal contraceptives increases the risk of gallbladder problems. If you experience symptoms of gallbladder problems such as severe stomach or back (between the shoulder blades) pain, nausea or vomiting, contact your doctor.

Kidney Disease: If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Yaz may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Yaz, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You may need to have regular blood tests while taking Yaz.

Liver disease: Although uncommon, the use of hormonal contraceptives has been associated with liver problems. See your doctor as soon as possible if you develop signs of liver problems such as yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, or itchy skin.

Migraine and headache: If you have migraines, discuss with your doctor how Yaz may affect your medical condition and whether any special monitoring is needed. Tell your doctor if you develop new types of headaches that are recurrent, persistent, or severe or if migraine headaches worsen.

Regular checkups: You should visit your doctor yearly for a physical examination and follow-up while you are taking Yaz.

Return to fertility: After stopping birth control therapy, you should delay pregnancy until at least one normal spontaneous menstrual cycle has occurred in order to date the pregnancy. An alternative birth control method should be used during this time. If you do not menstruate for 6 months or more after stopping birth control pills, notify your doctor.

Risk of cancer: The use of hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer in women before menopause (around age 50). If you have been using hormonal contraceptives for a long time (more than 8 years), started using them at an early age, or have a family history of cancer (mother or sister), you may be at an increased risk of developing cancer. Talk to your doctor about whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you are taking birth control pills, you should learn how to do a breast self-exam. Notify your doctor any time you detect a lump. In a few women, the use of birth control pills may speed up the growth of a breast cancer that has not yet been diagnosed. A yearly clinical breast examination is also recommended because, if breast cancer should develop, medications that contain estrogen may cause the cancer to grow quickly.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Birth control pills do not protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs; formerly known as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs). It is recommended that latex condoms be used in combination with Yaz to protect against these infections.

Pregnancy: Yaz should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Yaz, or think that you may be pregnant, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Breast-feeding: The hormones in Yaz pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding women should use another form of birth control until they are no longer breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor about your options.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Yaz have not been established for children under 14 years of age.