Skip to content

Drospirenone

Drospirenone is the progestin in Yaz, a combined oral contraceptive used for Contraception and for treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Yaz pairs 3 mg drospirenone with 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol.

Yaz

Contraception, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

0.02mg + 3mg

Ethinylestradiol and drospirenone tablets for contraception and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. They prevent ovulation by altering hormone levels.

From$1.90/ tabletView

Key points

  • Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined oral contraceptives; women over 35 who smoke should not use Yaz.
  • Drospirenone’s antimineralocorticoid activity carries a risk of high potassium levels, so women on medicines that raise potassium should have levels checked during the first cycle.
  • The effectiveness of Yaz for PMDD has not been evaluated beyond three menstrual cycles.

How does Drospirenone work?

Drospirenone is a spironolactone analogue with antiandrogenic and mild antimineralocorticoid properties. In Yaz, it works alongside ethinylestradiol to suppress ovulation, the primary way combined oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy. Changes in the endometrium contribute a second contraceptive effect. The same progestin appears in Yasmin, listed under Women’s Health.

Further reading