Yaz Plus (Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol/Levomefolate Calcium) is a birth control pill (oral contraceptive) that contains two female sex hormones, the progestin drospirenone (3.0mg), and a low dose of estrogen ethinyl estradiol (0.020mg). It also contains 0.451mg levomefolate calcium, which is a B vitamin. This medication is used to prevent pregnancy, to treat moderate acne vulgaris in women 14 years of age and older who are able to use birth control pills. Yaz Plus works by lowering androgen levels in the body and by blocking the effects of androgens at the gland. It is highly effective in preventing pregnancy and it also reduces the number of acne breakouts. Levomefolate calcium in Yaz Plus provides folate supplementation in women who choose to use an oral contraceptive.
Manufacturer Information
Yaz Plus is manufactured by Bayer in Canada and it is available in 3 mg/0.02 mg/0.451 mg tablets, 28 day dosage.
Common side effects include:
• Abdominal cramping and bloating;
• Back pain;
• Breast tenderness or swelling;
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness, nausea and vomiting
Serious side effects include:
• Changes in your bleeding pattern;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Emotional changes;
• Signs of a liver problem;
• Worsening headaches or migraines
The birth control pill is not suitable for every woman. Before you use this medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should not use Yaz Plus if you are allergic to ethinyl estradiol, drospirenone, levomefolate calcium or to any of the other ingredients in this medication or if you have kidney disease, liver disease or adrenal disease. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels. This risk increases with age and becomes significant in hormonal contraceptive users older than 35 years of age.