| Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ
If you are a woman of child-bearing age, you may have been met with several options when looking to prevent pregnancy. There are several contraceptive pills out on the market. Of these, Yaz and Yasmin are two combined oral contraceptives (COCs) that have some similarities and differences. Depending on your medical history and your overall health, one contraceptive pill may be better than the others.
Both Yaz and Yasmin are manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and contain ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, and drospirenone, a synthetic form of progestin. The combination of these two hormones prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries) while producing changes in the vagin* and uterus. These changes include making the vagin*l mucus thicker to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
Other brand-name drugs that contain ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone include Gianvi, Syeda, Nikki, and Zarah.
What are the main differences between Yaz and Yasmin?
Yaz (Yaz coupons) contains 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent pregnancy. It can also treat depression and mood symptoms from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) as well as moderate acne in women 14 years of age and older. In a blister pack, there are 21 active pills and 7 inactive, or placebo, pills.
Yasmin (Yasmin coupons) contains 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone. Unlike Yaz, Yasmin is only indicated to prevent pregnancy. In one blister pack, there are 24 active pills and 4 placebo pills.
| Main differences between Yaz and Yasmin | ||
|---|---|---|
| Yaz | Yasmin | |
| Drug class | Hormonal contraceptive Combination oral contraceptive | Hormonal contraceptive Combination oral contraceptive |
| Brand/generic status | Generic version available | Generic version available |
| What is the generic name? | Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol | Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol |
| What form(s) does the drug come in? | Oral tablet | Oral tablet |
| What is the standard dosage? | 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol / 3 mg of drospirenone | 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol / 3 mg of drospirenone |
| How long is the typical treatment? | 28-day cycle | 28-day cycle |
| Who typically uses the medication? | For contraception: Women of reproductive age For moderate acne: Women at least 14 years old | For contraception: Women of reproductive age |
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Conditions treated by Yaz and Yasmin
Both Yaz and Yasmin prevent pregnancy in women. In addition to contraception, Yaz (What is Yaz?) can treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in women who would like to use birth control. Yaz can also treat moderate acne in women 14 years of age and older.
Use the following table to compare the approved medical uses and off-label uses of Yaz and Yasmin.
| Condition | Yaz | Yasmin |
| Contraception | Yes | Yes |
| Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) | Yes | No |
| Acne | Yes | No |
Is Yaz or Yasmin more effective?
Both Yaz and Yasmin have been shown to be effective in preventing pregnancy in women who don’t use any other contraception.
In a primary study to test the efficacy of Yaz, the pregnancy rate was 1 out of 100 women per year. This study evaluated over a thousand participants who collectively completed over ten thousand 28-day cycles. The study included a diversified group of women and lasted for 1 year.
In the studies evaluating the efficacy of Yasmin (What is Yasmin?), pregnancy rates were less than 1 per 100 women in a year. One study, for example, showed a pregnancy rate of 0.407 which indicates a high efficacy. All efficacy studies had a duration of up to 2 years and included over two thousand participants who collectively completed over thirty thousand 28-day cycles.
Coverage and cost comparison of Yaz vs. Yasmin
Yaz is a brand name drug and may or may not be covered depending on your insurance plan. The average retail cost of brand name Yaz is $157 for a 28-day supply.
Loryna, Kyra and Nikki are generic equivalents of Yaz that have the same ingredients and may cost around $85. With a SingleCare coupon, you can reduce this cost and expect to pay around $25.
Yasmin is also a brand name drug and may or may not be covered depending on your insurance plan. Yasmin can cost around $150 for a 28-day supply. Ocella, Syeda, and Zarah are generic equivalents of Yasmin that contain identical ingredients in the same strength. Ocella costs around $72. If you use a SingleCare Yasmin coupon, you may be able to save more on this drug.
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| Yaz | Yasmin | |
| Typically covered by insurance? | No | No |
| Typically covered by Medicare? | No | No |
| Standard dosage | 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol / 3 mg of drospirenone 28-day supply | 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol / 3 mg of drospirenone 28-day supply |
| Typical Medicare copay | Depends on your insurance plan | Depends on your insurance plan |
| SingleCare cost | $25 | $47 |
Side effects of Yaz vs. Yasmin
Yaz and Yasmin share some similar side effects such as headaches or migraines, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and mood changes. Other side effects of Yaz include menstrual changes, irritability, decreased libido (sex drive), and weight gain. Other side effects of Yasmin include premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and stomach pain or discomfort.
Yaz and Yasmin can also cause serious side effects such as blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Blood clots can also cause other serious events such as thromboembolisms where the clots become lodged in a blood vessel. Thromboembolisms can include a pulmonary embolism (PE) in the lungs or a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs.
High blood pressure, gallbladder problems, and liver disease are other adverse effects that may occur from contraceptive pills. These effects can be life-threatening. Talk to your doctor if you already have high blood pressure, clotting problems, or a history of liver tumors before starting birth control.
While women on Yaz or Yasmin have an increased risk of blood clots, medical experts don’t suggest immediately stopping their use. The risk is still relatively low according to one report from CMAJ. However, the risk is still there which has led some countries like France to pull coverage for the pill.
| Yaz | Yasmin | |||
| Side Effect | Applicable? | Frequency | Applicable? | Frequency |
| Headache/migraine | Yes | 7% | Yes | 11% |
| Menstrual irregularities | Yes | 5%-25% | No | – |
| Nausea/vomiting | Yes | 4%-16% | Yes | 5% |
| Breast pain/tenderness | Yes | 4% | Yes | 8% |
| Mood changes | Yes | 2% | Yes | 2% |
| Irritability | Yes | 3% | No | – |
| Decreased libido | Yes | 3% | No | – |
| Weight gain | Yes | 3% | No | – |
| Premenstrual syndrome | No | – | Yes | 13% |
| Stomach pain | No | – | Yes | 2% |
Source: DailyMed (Yaz), DailyMed (Yasmin)
Drug interactions of Yaz vs. Yasmin
Yaz and Yasmin interact with the same types of drugs. Herbal products or drugs that affect the liver enzymes, especially the CYP3A4 enzyme, can have an effect on contraceptive pills. Drugs like phenytoin and carbamazepine induce the CYP3A4 enzyme and decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme such as ketoconazole and diltiazem can increase the level of Yaz or Yasmin in the body.
Other medications used to treat HIV can also affect the levels of estrogen and progestin in the body. These levels can change how effective the contraceptive pill is. Although antibiotics have been reported to affect oral contraceptives, it is still debated whether antibiotics have a significant impact on oral contraceptives. Most healthcare professionals still recommend using a backup contraceptive method if you are prescribed an antibiotic.
| Drug | Yaz | Yasmin |
| CYP3A4 inducers (phenytoin, carbamazepine, topiramate, rifampin, oxcarbazepine, St. John’s Wort, etc.) | Yes | Yes |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, verapamil, macrolides, diltiazem, etc.) | Yes | Yes |
| HIV medications such as protease inhibitors (atazanavir, ritonavir, etc.) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (nevirapine, efavirenz and etravirine, etc.) | Yes | Yes |
| Antibiotics | Yes | Yes |
Warnings of Yaz vs. Yasmin
Because both Yaz and Yasmin contain drospirenone, they come with a higher risk of blood clots which can lead to cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. Women over 35 years old who smoke should not use Yaz or Yasmin. Smoking cigarettes has been shown to increase the risk of blood clots and adverse effects when using combined oral contraceptives.
Yaz and Yasmin contain drospirenone, which can increase the potassium levels in the body. These pills can increase the risk of hyperkalemia, or higher than normal potassium. Therefore, potassium levels should be monitored in women who are also taking other medications that might increase potassium.
Women with a past medical history of breast cancer, high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol should consult a doctor before starting Yaz or Yasmin. Taking combined oral contraceptives may worsen these problems or increase the risk of serious side effects.
Yaz or Yasmin should not be used in pregnant women or those women who suspect they’re pregnant. If you suspect you are pregnant while taking oral contraceptives, you should discontinue their use.
Frequently asked questions about Yaz vs. Yasmin
What is Yaz?
Yaz is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) pill. It contains 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone. Yaz not only prevents pregnancy but also treats premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne in women aged 14 years and older.
What is Yasmin?
Yasmin is similar to Yaz and contains the same ingredients. However, it contains 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg of drospirenone. Yasmin is solely used to prevent pregnancy in women of child-bearing age.
Are Yaz and Yasmin the same?
Yaz and Yasmin contain ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone. But they are not the same drug. Yasmin contains a slightly higher amount of ethinyl estradiol compared to Yaz. They also have different uses and side effects.
Is Yaz or Yasmin better?
Yas and Yasmin are both effective at preventing pregnancy. Based on efficacy studies, only around 1 out of 100 women per year get pregnant when taking Yaz or Yasmin. However, some women may prefer one over the other based on the side effects they might experience.
Does Yaz cause weight gain?
Yes. Yaz may cause weight gain in some women. Based on a trial in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), around 2.5% of those taking Yaz experienced weight gain. This side effect may be enough for some women to choose a different contraceptive pill.
Does Yasmin cause weight gain?
Weight gain has not been shown to be a common side effect of Yasmin. Although weight changes may be a side effect of birth control pills in general, you likely won’t gain weight with Yasmin. Consult a doctor if you have had weight problems in the past.
