Yasmin questions.....

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2004
Yasmin questions.....
5
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 12:47pm
Hello! I just started Yasmin 2 wks ago. I started the 1st pill on the first day of my period. However, my period should have ended at the latest last saturday (May 22). I am still spotting. Not enuf to even use some type of product but i am definitely spotting. My breasts are also still alittle bit sore. Any body else experience this? Is this normal? Does it have anyting to do with the 1st day starter style? I took a preg test & it said negative but should i retest?? I was on b.c. once before but that was years ago so I am not all that "schooled" on the possible side effects & more so, i am not sure what is "normal".Thanks all!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 1:13pm
Hi fellsfeline, Welcome!

Side effects from starting OCs are fairly common, can last for 3 cycles and may include irregular bleeding, breast tenderness and nausea. If, after 3 or 4 cycles the side effects haven’t gone away then you have given that pill a good try and probably need a different mix of hormones. If you haven’t taken BCPs for a while it might be a good idea to refresh your memory about taking your pills as there are some things you need to be careful about when using hormonal contraceptives.

This board considers taking combined oral contraceptives correctly to mean taking them on time (within +/-2 hrs. of your normal pill-time) and using back-up if you forget a pill or are sick and vomit or have diarrhea within 2 hours after taking your pill (considered a missed pill) and if you are taking medicines or supplements that could reduce the effectiveness of your pills. If you forget a pill or have been sick you should use back-up for at least 7 days afterward. If you are taking medicines or supplements then you should use back-up while taking them and for at least 7 days after taking the last dose. And, if you think you might have trouble remembering your pill-time you can set the alarm on a clock or watch or set a reminder message on your cell phone or computer to help remind you. Some things to remember when taking oral contraceptives:

• Combined oral contraceptives have a 4 hour window, progestin-only pills have a 1/2-1 hour window for on-time

• Medicines are typically antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants and some other prescription drugs, if in doubt, check with the pharmacist. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or allergy medications do not change the effectiveness of the pill.

• Supplements may cause changes in the metabolism of the hormones without your knowledge. St. John's Wort has been known to cause pill failure, but because supplements are not regulated by the FDA, there is no systematic testing to determine which will compromise the effectiveness of the pill.

• You can also set your pill time at the same time as another activity that you do every day, whether it's brushing your teeth, watching a particular TV show, having breakfast...

• The patch and the ring have the same requirements as far as use of medications, though timing isn't an issue, nor is diarrhea or vomiting.

The pill, when taken consistently and correctly, is 99% effective. Anything that deviates from perfect use will reduce the effectiveness by an undetermined amount. The most important step you can take to make sure the pill is as effective as it can be is to take it at the same time every day.

So far things sound pretty 'normal' to me. I don't think you need to test. I hope that Yasmin works well for you.

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2004
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 2:15pm
Thank you for the information...Much appreciated! Are you saying that if I have darreah with in the first 1/2 - 1 hr after taking the pill, it is considered a missed pill?????

I have never heard that, althought itmakes plenty of sense.

Thanks again for the info!

le feline : )

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 3:24pm
Hi, le feline,

If you have severe diarrhea within 2 hours after taking your pill the hormones may not be fully metabolized and your protection could be reduced. We consider vomiting or severe diarrhea within 2 hours after taking your pill to be the equivalent of a missed pill and a back-up method should be used for the next 7 days. Using BU for a week after missing only one pill is a new recommendation that is being proposed by the USFDA. Apparently there were enough instances of pregnancy after missing only one pill for the FDA to become concerned. Better safe than sorry, right?

Good luck!

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2004
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 5:40pm
Thanks, Jill! Definitely better to be safe than sorry. amen to that!

Is anyone out there actually ON Yasmin? How do you like it? What has your experience been with Yasmin?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-23-2004
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 6:43pm
hey! well i was on yasmin for almost three months due to the fact that i had horrible side effects! I experienced bloating, breast tenderness, and the worst mood swings ever. It usually takes about three packs to adjust but i just couldn't do it anymore! Good luck to you!