Anyone taking YAZ
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| Tue, 04-24-2007 - 8:07am |
Just wondering if anyone is on the birth control pill YAZ? My doctor decided to switch me from Loestrin FE to YAZ because of irregular spotting in between periods.
But I'm a little hestitant about taking it, especially after a friend (who works for a doctor) talked to a pharacutical rep. who dispenses YAZ. She mentioned to the rep that a friend of hers is starting this pill and asked her about it. The rep. told her that this would not be a good pill for someone over 40 to take. It raises your potassium level and women who tend to take Advil or other anit-inflammatories don't do will on it. She said the rep. seemed very surprised that my doctor would prescribe this for me, it's usually prescribed for younger women.
If anyone knows anything about this BCP or knows someone who's taking it, can you tell me how they are doing on it? Also, does anyone know of a birth control pill that would be good for older women to take? Thank you...

Hi harliegyrl, welcome back!
Jill
Hi, I am 47 and I take Yaz as a treatment for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, PMDD. I also take daily an NSAID given to me by my orthopedist because I have severe arthritis in my knee.
The prescribing info says you must get your potassium levels checked after the first month of Yaz. That is it. There is really no other concern. None of my docs or any of the docs of the many women I know who take YAZ have had any potassium related issues.
I have no idea what the pharm rep was talking about. I would not rely on medical information from a pharm rep. I would rely on info from a doctor.
I think the risks of any BCP are greater for women over the age of 35 and especially for women who smoke. There are other conditions that are also contraindicated like depression, migraines, and others. You can view them all at www.yaz-us.com
Oh, and BTW, I love Yaz. My last period lasted 3 days and it was so light I hardly needed a pantyliner. It has taken away my PMDD and has given me back my life. It is also great for reducing water weight gain.
Best,
Marcella
Jill,
Thank you so much for the information. I went to the YAZ website and read the info on it.
I also, talked to a nurse at my gyno's office who wrote down my concerns and consulted the doctor. She said that she didn't see any problem with me taking this BCP. She said if I had a kidney problem then the rise in potassium with this pill would be a concern, but since I don't, she doesn't see any problems.
Thanks again,
Coreen
Marcella,
Thank you for replying, It makes me feel better to know that there are women in there 40's who are taking this and that your not having any problems on it and that it works so well for you. Also, the fact that your taking anti-inflam. pills with no problems is good to know.
I'm glad to hear too that it reduces the water weight gain and your periods are so short and light, that's a plus.
Thanks again for letting me know your experience with this pill. After consulting with the nurse at my doctor's office about my concerns she said that the doctor didn't see any problem with me taking this BCP so I guess I will be starting it in 10 day's.
Thanks - Coreen
You are welcome! Good luck with the Yaz. I think the hardest part for most people is the first 3 months. Some of the side effects are a bit bothersome. Usually at about 3 months things settle down and it's smooth sailing.
Marcella