Yasmin is a form of progesterone and ethinyl estradiol is a form of estrogen. These are both female hormones involved in conception. Together, yasmin and ethinyl estradiol prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) from occurring.

Yasmin and ethinyl estradiol are used to prevent pregnancy.

Yasmin and ethinyl estradiol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Special precautions

Yasmin may increase potassium in the body. The following list of conditions and medications may also affect potassium levels in the body. Do not take yasmin and ethinyl estradiol without first talking to your doctor if you have or are taking:

• liver disease or a history of yellowing of the skin or eyes due to pregnancy or previous use of birth control pills;

• kidney disease;

• adrenal insufficiency;

• a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, others), and others;

• a potassium-sparing diuretic such as spironolactone (Aldactone, others), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide, others), amiloride (Midamor, others), or eplerenone (Inspra);

• a potassium supplement such as Klor-Con, K-Dur, K-Tab, Kaon, others;

• an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), enalapril (Vasotec), and others;

• an angiotensin II receptor antagonist such as candesartan (Atacand), losartan (Cozaar), telmisartan (Micardis), and others; or

• Heparin.

• Also, do not take yasmin and ethinyl estradiol without first talking to your doctor if you have

• had a stroke, heart attack, or blood clot;

• high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;

• breast, uterine, or another hormone-related cancer; or

• Undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding.

* Before taking yasmin and ethinyl estradiol, also tell your doctor if you have diabetes; high cholesterol; gallbladder disease; migraines or other headaches; epilepsy; a history of depression; a history of scanty or irregular menstrual periods; smoke cigarettes; or need an extended period of bed rest due to surgery or illness.

* Yasmin and ethinyl estradiol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it has been reported to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can have very serious negative effects on a developing baby. Do not take yasmin and ethinyl estradiol if you are pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant.

* Yasmin and ethinyl estradiol passes into breast milk and may decrease milk production. Do not take yasmin and ethinyl estradiol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking yasmin and ethinyl estradiol and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• sharp chest pain, coughing of blood or shortness of breath (possible blood clot in the lung );

• pain in the calf (possible blood clot in the leg);

• crushing chest pain or heaviness in the chest (possible heart attack);

• sudden severe headache or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, disturbances of vision or speech, weakness, or numbness in an arm or leg (possible stroke);

• partial or complete loss of vision (possible clot in the eye);

• stomach pain or tenderness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, or light-colored stools (possible liver problems);

• difficulty sleeping, weakness, lack of energy, fatigue , or change in mood (possibly severe depression); or

• new or changing breast lumps

Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take yasmin and ethinyl estradiol and talk to your doctor if you experience

• headache or dizziness;

• changes in menstrual cycle or breast tenderness;

• changes in weight or appetite;

• water retention;

• intolerance to contact lenses;

• changes in skin color; or

• changes in blood sugar

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Keep all appointment with your doctor.

Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.