by Carol Collins

Created on: September 18, 2010   Last Updated: September 19, 2010

The Difference Between Yaz and Ocella

Drug Description

Yaz, known by the generic name: of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol and brand names Ocella, Yasmin and Yaz and are used for the prevention of pregnancy, if taken as directed. Yaz is an oral contraceptive using a synthetic form of the hormones estrogen and progestin. These hormones prohibit the ovaries from producing mature eggs. Likewise, they cause the lining of the uterus and cervix to thin preventing implantation of a fertilized egg.

Bayer Pharmaceuticals manufacture the three drugs. Ocella is the generic equivalent of Yaz and contains the exact active ingredients the additives or non-active ingredients may vary. Yasmin contains a higher dose of estrogen.

Dosage:

Before you can buy Yaz, you must have a prescription. Be sure to discuss with your heath care provider, any allergies to food or medication. When you buy Yaz or Ocella, an instruction label is on the dispenser and a pharmaceutical information paper provided. Take the pills exactly as directed on the label. The instructions will indicate if you take the first pill, the day of your period or the Sunday after your period begins. If you are unclear about this, ask the pharmacist, where you buy Yaz, to explain the directions.

Take the pills the same time every day. Be sure to refill your prescription prior to finishing the previous pack. If these instructions are not followed, you run the risk of pregnancy occurring. Do not take Yaz or Ocella if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. The hormones in Yaz can also cause harm to your baby if you are nursing.

If you miss a daily dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss two doses during week one or two, take two tablets the next two days; however, if you miss a tablet in week three, you must dispose the pack and buy Yaz or Ocella again, to restart the schedule. It is best to use an alternate method of birth control any time there is a missed dose

When you buy Yaz or its generic Ocella, it will tell you on the printed literature, to keep pills in a cool dry place and out of the reach of children and pets. Never take someone else’s medicine or give your pills to anyone else.  

Contraindications:

Discuss with your physician if you have or had:

An allergic  reaction to drospirenone or ethinyl estradoil. Problems related to circulation such as: stroke or blood clot Diabetes Kidney, liver or adrenal gland disease Cancer of the breast, uterus or a hormone-dependent cancer High blood pressure, headaches or disorder of the heart Excessive or scant vaginal bleeding Jaundice caused by other birth control pills

Warnings:

Yaz may increase potassium levels in some women; you should be closely monitored by a physician when taking birth control pills. Do not smoke while taking this class of medication. Oral contraceptives do not prevent HIV or any other STD.

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