Yasmin (contraceptive pills): uses, side effects and price
Sex is an important part of our lives, being much more than mere intercourse and representing one of the greatest physical and sensory pleasures you can enjoy. Although throughout history has been tabuizado and censored, fortunately with the passage of time we have been seeing how sensuality and sexuality have been becoming increasingly naturalized in recent decades, being the enjoyment of this element something sought and desired in a habitual way nowadays.
However, unprotected sex can have consequences: from the possibility of being infected with a sexually transmitted disease to the arrival of an unwanted pregnancy . That is why prophylaxis is very important, using products such as condoms in order to eliminate or reduce any risk as much as possible.
With regard to the possibility of pregnancy, there are also other types of products very common in women (both for this purpose and with others): oral contraceptives. These are drugs that, through their action in the body, are intended to prevent pregnancy. One of them is Yasmin , which we are going to talk about throughout this article.
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What is Yasmin and how does it act?
It receives the name of Yasmin the trademark of a type of reversible contraceptive developed by Bayer, which exercises its action from the administration of hormones in the body of the person who consumes it. Specifically we are faced with a combined hormonal contraceptive, which are characterized by being composed of more than one active ingredient with an effect on the body.
It is a relatively frequent drug sold in the form of film-coated tablets, each pack containing in its most usual presentation a total of 21 tablets which must be taken daily at the same time each day. Once finished, one week of rest should be allowed (at which time menstruation should occur), after which, and even if the menstruation is not over, the next container should be started.
Its mechanism of action is based on the introduction of hormones in the body , specifically of two of them: drospirenone (3 mg per tablet) and ethinylestradiol (0.03 mg per tablet).
The first is a type of progestin, synthetic substances similar to progesterone, which helps regulate the menstrual cycle (and in pregnancy, to protect and maintain the state of pregnancy) and has antiandrogenic and antimineralocorticoid effect.
Ethinylestradiol is a type of estrogen that alone is useful to help control climacteric symptoms or the development of sexual characteristics, but in combination with the former serves as a contraceptive by not allowing ovulation to occur while modifying the endometrium and increases the Vaginal fluid density.
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Prices
Yasmin is sold in a large number of countries , with a price that can vary greatly depending on the location. For example, in Spain, its average price in the aforementioned presentation ranges between € 14.85 and € 16.95, while in Colombia it can reach 60,500 pesos (although its price will soon be reduced) and in Mexico it can be found 230-244.50 pesos.
However, because despite its effectiveness it has also been observed that its consumption can generate important side effects and has even been associated with deaths from thrombosis, in countries where initially it was currently distributed has stopped being prescribed, such as Holland or Kingdom. United.
Main indications
Yasmin is like we said a contraceptive, being as such its most usual indication to prevent pregnancy . In this sense, it is a highly effective drug, although it must be taken into account that it does not have any type of action or avoid the possibility of sexually transmitted infections.
However, although it is not indicated at the prospect level, it is usual for some doctors to prescribe it to treat menstrual cycle disorders such as irregularities or excessive bleeding, as well as in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Finally It has also been used in the treatment of acne or sometimes in premenstrual dysphoric disorder, although these effects are usually secondary to their contraceptive use.
Side effects and risks
As mentioned before, Yasmin can be an effective contraceptive, but the truth is that its use also implies the possibility of side effects.
As more common side effects we can see that taking this drug It is associated with headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, weight gain, alterations in blood pressure , alterations in menstruation (intermessal hemorrhages) or pain in areas such as the breasts or abdomen, depressive mood changes or vaginal yeast infection. It can also raise potassium levels in the blood.
Alterations in the libido, rashes, fluid retention, weight changes, itching, asthma, galactorrhea or hearing difficulties may also appear.
But certainly one of the most serious risks and possible side effects is the fact that the use of Yasmin increases the risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism , in which blood clots are formed that can clog arteries and veins (something that as we have reflected previously has generated debate regarding its level of danger and legal proceedings against the manufacturer due to the existence of severe cases and even deaths) . This risk is higher during the first year of treatment or when you return to it after leaving it.
Contraindications
Yasmin is a potent drug that can generate relevant side effects, and that can be especially dangerous for certain sectors of the population which are going to have it contraindicated.
To begin with and taking into account the fact that it increases the risk of suffering thrombi, it is totally contraindicated in those people who have or have had some type of thrombus or embolism before or that they have a greater risk than usual of suffering them.
Neither should people who have suffered heart attacks, chest or strokes, or who suffer from any blood clotting disorder. Diabetic people , especially if there are lesions in blood vessels, they also have it contraindicated. In the same way those people who have or have had cancer in the liver, breast or genitalia, vaginal bleeding of unknown cause or kidney or liver failure should avoid it.
In addition to all this, people who have allergies to any of its components should not take Yasmine either. It should not be taken during pregnancy and is not recommended during breastfeeding. Finally, its consumption is contraindicated with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and in case of taking other medications you should consult carefully with the doctor.
Bibliographic references:
- Vidal Vademecum Spain. (2014). YASMIN Comp. coated with film 3 / 0.03 mg. [On-line]. Available at: //www.vademecum.es/medicamento-yasmin_prospecto_63576.
