Yasmin (Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol)
Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive containing 3mg drospirenone and 30mcg ethinyl estradiol per tablet, marketed by Bayer. It is the original drospirenone-containing pill, distinguished by the spironolactone-like progestin and a higher EE dose than the related Yaz product.
- Active ingredients
- Drospirenone , Ethinyl Estradiol
- Manufacturer
- Bayer
- Dosage forms
- tablet
- Available dosages
- 3mg / 0.03mg
- Category
- Women's Sexual Health
What is it?
Yasmin is the brand name under which Bayer markets its original drospirenone + ethinyl estradiol combined oral contraceptive, FDA-approved in 2001. It introduced drospirenone — a spironolactone-derived progestin with anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgen activity — to the contraceptive market. Yaz (drospirenone 3mg + EE 20mcg) is the related lower-EE product. Authorised generic equivalents are widely available: Ocella, Syeda, Zarah, Loryna and others contain the same active ingredients at the same doses and have demonstrated bioequivalence.
Active ingredients
Each Yasmin tablet contains 3mg drospirenone and 30 micrograms (0.03mg) of ethinyl estradiol. The active substances are identical between branded Yasmin and authorised generic equivalents. Drospirenone is structurally derived from spironolactone and shares its anti-mineralocorticoid (mild diuretic, less fluid retention) and anti-androgen (skin and acne benefit) effects, distinguishing it from older progestins like levonorgestrel and norethindrone.
Forms and dosages
Yasmin is supplied as a 28-day pack: 21 active tablets (3mg drospirenone + 30mcg EE) followed by 7 inert placebo tablets. One tablet is taken at the same time daily; withdrawal bleeding occurs during the placebo week. Missed doses are managed according to standard combined oral contraceptive rules. Yaz uses a 24/4 schedule (24 active + 4 placebo) with lower EE (20mcg) for less hormonal swing.
Indications
Yasmin is approved for prevention of pregnancy in women who choose to use a combined oral contraceptive. The Yaz lower-dose product has additional FDA approvals for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and moderate acne, supported by drospirenone's anti-androgen activity. Yasmin and Yaz are typically chosen when the anti-mineralocorticoid (less fluid retention) or anti-androgen profile (acne, hirsutism control) is preferred, although they carry a modestly higher VTE risk than older levonorgestrel-containing pills.
How it works
Yasmin combines two complementary mechanisms. Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone together suppress LH and FSH, preventing ovulation. They also thicken cervical mucus and thin the endometrium, providing additional contraceptive backup. Drospirenone's anti-mineralocorticoid activity slightly increases sodium and water excretion, often translating into less fluid retention and weight stability than older pills. Anti-androgen activity may improve acne and hirsutism over months.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Yasmin and Yaz? ▾
Both contain 3mg drospirenone but differ in EE dose and schedule. Yasmin has 30mcg EE in a 21/7 schedule; Yaz has 20mcg EE in a 24/4 schedule. Yaz delivers slightly less estrogenic side effects and has FDA approval for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and acne in addition to contraception. Yasmin is the older, higher-EE original; Yaz is the lower-EE successor with more indications.
Does Yasmin carry a higher VTE risk than older pills? ▾
Drospirenone-containing combined oral contraceptives have been associated with a modestly higher venous thromboembolism risk than levonorgestrel-containing pills (e.g. ~9–10 per 10,000 woman-years vs ~6 for levonorgestrel pills, vs 1–5 for non-users). According to current guidelines, this is a class effect of drospirenone and the prescriber discusses it before initiating; smokers, women over 35, and those with VTE risk factors are typically steered to lower-risk options.
Does Yasmin help with acne or PMS? ▾
Drospirenone's anti-androgen activity may improve acne over 3–6 months, though Yaz (the lower-EE 24/4 version) has the formal FDA approval for moderate acne and premenstrual dysphoric disorder rather than Yasmin. According to clinical practice, women starting Yasmin or Yaz often notice improvement in skin and PMS symptoms, but the formal indication and labelled benefit lies with Yaz.
What lab tests are needed on Yasmin? ▾
Routine combined oral contraceptive monitoring includes blood pressure, weight and a focused symptom review at baseline and follow-ups. Drospirenone's anti-mineralocorticoid activity raises potassium slightly, so the prescriber may check potassium when there is concomitant use of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs or potassium-sparing diuretics. According to the prescribing information, otherwise routine labs are not required for healthy women.
Is Yasmin the same as the generic versions? ▾
Yes — Yasmin and authorised generic equivalents (Ocella, Syeda, Zarah and others) contain 3mg drospirenone + 30mcg ethinyl estradiol and have demonstrated bioequivalence. The generics are significantly cheaper and clinically equivalent in nearly all cases. Most current prescribing in the US is on the generic, though Bayer's branded Yasmin remains available.
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The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.