Skip to main content

Compare
Yasmin vs. Yaz

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Yasmin (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) and Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol) are both combination oral contraceptives (COCs) used to prevent pregnancy, but they have some key differences. Yasmin contains a higher dose of ethinyl estradiol compared to Yaz, which might lead to more side effects. Both Yasmin and Yaz are taken once daily and should be taken in the order directed on the package. Yasmin has 21 active pills and 7 placebo pills in a 28-day pack, whereas Yaz has 24 active pills and 4 placebo pills, which may result in shorter period bleeds. Additionally, Yaz is approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne, whereas Yasmin is not. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

Yasmin

 

Get free coupons

Yaz

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Yasmin

Prescription only

Yasmin is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) that's taken by mouth every day to prevent pregnancy. It's a monophasic COC, which means that all active tablets contain the same dose of hormones. Yasmin contains slightly more estrogen than other birth control options that are similar, so it might cause more side effects.

Indications for Yasmin

  • Prevention of pregnancy

Pros and Cons for Yasmin

Pros

Cons

  • Doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
  • Must take it at the same time every day for it to work well
  • Can't be used by females over 35 who smoke because of the risk for blood clots
  • Can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches

Common Side Effects for Yasmin

Warnings for Yasmin

  • Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems
  • Blood clots and stroke
  • Risk of breast and cervical cancer
  • Liver problems
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar and lipids (fats)
  • Headache
  • Depression
  • Interactions with other medications
  • High potassium

Summary for Yaz

Prescription only

Yaz is a combination birth control pill taken daily to prevent pregnancy. It contains 2 medications: drospirenone (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). In addition to birth control, it's FDA approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and acne. Each 28-day pack contains 24 active hormone tablets and 4 placebo tablets. Possible side effects include nausea, headache, and weight gain.

Branded generics that are like the brand-name product Yaz include Nikki, Jasmiel, and Lo-Zumandimine.

Indications for Yaz

Pros and Cons for Yaz

Pros

  • Taken by mouth once a day
  • 91% effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly
  • Also FDA approved to treat acne and PMDD

Cons

Common Side Effects for Yaz

Pregnancy prevention and acne:

  • Headache or migraine (7%)
  • Irregular menstrual bleeding (5%)
  • Nausea or vomiting (4%)
  • Breast pain or tenderness (4%)

PMDD:

  • Irregular menstrual bleeding (25%)
  • Nausea (16%)
  • Headache (13%)
  • Breast tenderness (11%)
  • Tiredness (4%)

Warnings for Yaz

  • Cigarette smoking and serious heart problems
  • Risk of blood clot
  • High potassium
  • Breast and cervical cancer
  • Liver problems
  • Gallbladder problems
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar and triglycerides
  • Headache
  • Irregular bleeding
  • Depression
  • Worsening of other health conditions

Prices with our coupons for Yasmin vs. Yaz

Price Card Drug Icon
Ocella3 packages / 28 tablets of 3mg/0.03mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Loryna3 packages / 28 tablets of 3mg/0.02mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Birth Control drugs

Yasmin vs. YazBlisovi-24-fe vs. Lo-loestrin-feJunel-fe-24 vs. Lo-loestrin-feSprintec vs. Lo-loestrin-feYaz vs. Lo-loestrin-fe

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.