Yaz vs. Yasmin
See how Yaz and Yasmin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Yaz and Yasmin both contain drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, but Yaz has FDA approval for PMDD and acne while those uses are off-label for Yasmin.
Yaz uses a 24-day active pill, 4-day placebo schedule with a lower estrogen dose, while Yasmin follows a standard 21-day active, 7-day placebo schedule with a slightly higher dose.
Yasmin typically costs less per month than Yaz, but both carry the same boxed warning about smoking-related cardiovascular risk and the same potassium precautions.
Yaz vs. Yasmin Drug Summary
Yaz
Yaz is a combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily to prevent pregnancy. It also carries FDA approval for treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne in women who want oral birth control. It follows a 24-day active pill, 4-day placebo cycle.
Yasmin
Yasmin is a combination oral contraceptive with the same active ingredients, drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, taken once daily to prevent pregnancy. Its FDA approval covers only pregnancy prevention, though it is sometimes prescribed off-label for acne, PCOS-related cycle irregularities, or heavy periods. It follows a standard 21-day active pill, 7-day placebo cycle.
Yaz vs. Yasmin Side Effects
Yaz
Yasmin
Yaz vs. Yasmin Dosage
Yaz
Yasmin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3 mg/0.02 mg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | inert tablet once daily | Days 25-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 24 days |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3 mg/0.03 mg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | placebo tablet once daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
Yaz
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3 mg/0.02 mg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | inert tablet once daily | Days 25-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 24 days |
Yasmin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3 mg/0.03 mg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | placebo tablet once daily | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 21 days |
Yaz vs. Yasmin Indications
Yaz
Yaz is approved for pregnancy prevention and carries additional FDA approvals for PMDD and moderate acne, giving doctors documented backing for these specific uses. This makes it a common choice for women managing mood-related premenstrual symptoms or breakouts alongside their contraception needs.
Prevent pregnancy
Treat PMDD in women who choose an oral contraceptive
Treat moderate acne in women 14 and older who want oral birth control
Yasmin
Yasmin's FDA approval is limited to pregnancy prevention, though its drospirenone content leads some doctors to prescribe it off-label for acne, PCOS-related cycle irregularities, or heavy bleeding. Patients considering these off-label uses should discuss the evidence and risks with their doctor.
Prevent pregnancy
Off-label: treat acne
Off-label: manage PCOS-related irregular cycles
Yaz vs. Yasmin Pros and Cons
Yaz
Yaz and Yasmin share the same active ingredients, but Yaz carries added FDA approvals for PMDD and acne that Yasmin does not have. Yaz's shorter placebo interval and lower estrogen dose are notable formulation differences, though it typically costs more per month.
Pros
FDA-approved for PMDD, not just an off-label use
FDA-approved for moderate acne treatment
Lower estrogen dose (20 mcg) than Yasmin's 30 mcg
Cons
Costs more per month, roughly $112 to $226 versus Yasmin's $50 to $96
24 active pill days per cycle require more consecutive daily dosing
Higher reported rate of menstrual irregularities than Yasmin's comparable PMS category
Yasmin
Yasmin contains the same hormones as Yaz but its FDA approval covers only contraception, with acne and cycle-related uses considered off-label. It uses a standard 21/7 dosing schedule and a slightly higher estrogen dose, and it is typically the less expensive option of the two.
Pros
Costs less per month, roughly $50 to $96 versus Yaz's $112 to $226
Standard 21-day active, 7-day placebo schedule matches many other pills
Long-established formulation with extensive real-world prescribing history
Cons
Not FDA-approved for PMDD or acne, so those uses are off-label
Higher estrogen dose (30 mcg) than Yaz's 20 mcg
Higher reported rates of PMS, headache, and breast tenderness than Yaz
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