Yaz

Yaz, like all combination birth control pills, is highly effective when used properly. Studies conducted by the FDA have found that only 1 in 1000 women will get pregnant while using the pill exactly as prescribed.

With that said, ideal use is a high bar. Yaz needs to be taken at the same time every single day. Yaz works by elevating levels of estrogen and progestin in the body, so missing one or more doses can cause fluctuations in hormone levels that make unintended pregnancy more likely.

Yaz’s side effects are similar to those associated with all forms of hormonal birth control, including:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Changes in mood
• Tender breasts
• Mild weight gain
• Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods

Most women experience few or no side effects while taking Yaz. For those who do, symptoms tend to be mild and temporary. Women who experience severe or unlisted side effects while taking Yaz should speak to their medical provider as soon as possible.

In 2009, a soft recall was issued for Yaz after it was revealed that Bayer, Yaz’s manufacturer, had included improper levels of hormones in some batches of pills. There have been no similar incidents with Yaz since then.

The FDA has concluded, however, that Yaz might be 1.5-3 times as likely to cause blood clots than other forms of birth control. This increased risk is negligible for most women, but women who smoke — especially those over the age of 35 — should consider other birth control options.

Yaz, like all forms of birth control, carries some minor medical risks. Despite this, Yaz is safe for the vast majority of women who use it.

Many insurance plans cover Yaz. But even if Yaz itself isn’t covered by your insurance, a generic version is likely to be.

The generic equivalent, Nikki, is very affordable for women without health insurance. Our team here at Nurx can prescribe Yaz at special request, but we can also offer Nikki for as low as $0 with insurance or $20 without insurance.

Ready to get Yaz? We’re here to help.