YASMIN Tab 21's

ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S)

Drospirenone Ethinlestradiol

DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION?

This medicine requires a doctor's prescription. It falls under 'Prescription Only Medicine (POM)'.

BENEFITS AND USES:

This medicine is a combined hormonal contraceptive with a 21-day regimen. It contains two types of female hormones, estrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progestogen (drospirenone). This medication can help prevent ovulation and regulates other naturally occurring hormones in the body. When taken correctly, this prevents pregnancy and promotes regular menstrual bleeding.

DIRECTIONS:

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor/pharmacist or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed. Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. If you are switching from other forms of contraception, please seek advice from your healthcare professional. You should take this medication after food. You may start taking this medication on the first or second day of your menses (if this is your first time taking hormonal contraceptives or restarting this medication after a break). If you are also using it for contraceptive purposes, a barrier method of contraception (e.g. condoms), is recommended for the first 7 days of taking this medication for the first time. You should take one tablet daily for 21 days in a row, preferably at the same time every day. After completion of the pack, there will be 7 days where you do not need to take any tablets (7-day tablet-free interval), during which you will experience withdrawal bleeding (menses) within two to three days after the last tablet. Start taking your next pack of medication after the 7-day tablet-free days, even if you are still having menstrual bleeding.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS MEDICINE?

This medication can cause the following side effects: - Spotting or bleeding may occur between your periods during the first few months of taking oral contraceptives. However, if this continues after the third month, check with your doctor. Nausea, vomiting, bloating and stomach cramps. Take the medication after food to reduce these side effects - Breast tenderness - Headache or migraine. You may take painkillers such as Paracetamol to manage headaches - Unable to tolerate contact lenses - Weight changes, mood swings. Take medication at the same time every day to avoid huge changes in the hormone levels in your body - Pigmentation of the skin. Apply sunblock when you are outdoors and avoid long hours of sun exposure Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe.