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

Most common
headache/migraine (up to 6.7%)
nausea/vomiting (up to 4.2%)
menstrual irregularities (up to 4.7%)
breast pain/tenderness (up to 4.0%)

Yasmin

Most common
headache/migraine (up to 10.7%)
nausea/vomiting (up to 4.5%)
premenstrual syndrome (up to 13.2%)
breast pain/tenderness/discomfort (up to 8.3%)

Yaz vs. Yasmin Dosage

Yaz

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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