Yacella Tablets

What is Yacella?

The Yacella pill is a combined oral contraceptive pill which contains synthetic versions of two naturally occurring female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. One Yacella tablet is taken every day until the blister strip is completed, followed by a 7 day pill-free break before starting the next blister strip of Yacella pills.

The primary features of the Yacella combined pill:

• Up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
• One of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception
• Contains a combination of oestrogen and progesterone
• Taken over a 21-day period, followed by a 7-day break

How does the Yacella pill work?

As a combined contraceptive pill, the progesterone in Yacella thickens the mucus in the womb and thins the womb lining, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg and less likely that a fertilised egg will be able to implant and grow, while the oestrogen prevents ovulation, stopping the release of eggs from the ovaries. This makes it very effective at preventing pregnancy.

How effective is the Yacella pill?

Yacella birth control pills are up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken properly — this involves taking one pill a day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break. Regular missed doses will reduce the effectiveness of Yacella, while you also may not be fully protected if you vomit soon after taking it or you are experiencing diarrhoea.

Is Yacella the same as Yasmin?

Effectively, yes. When taken correctly, Yacella tablets are just as effective at preventing pregnancy as Yasmin tablets. They work in exactly the same way and contain the same active ingredients (ethinylestradiol and drospirenone) in the same dosage. Yacella and Yasmin are simply two different brand names for the same product.

Alternatives to Yacella

Finding the right method of contraception is important. There are many types of birth control pills, and each type works in a slightly different way. You should have a thorough discussion with your doctor to determine the most suitable birth control method for you and your body.

Other combined contraceptive pills include monophasic pills such as Microgynon, which deliver the same level of hormone throughout the entire course, phasic pills like Logynon the hormone levels vary between pills, and everyday pills such as MicrogynonED, which provide lower levels of oestrogen and are taken consistently without a break.

If you are unable to take a combined pill (because you have high blood pressure, for example), you may be recommended a progesterone-only pill (also known as the ‘mini pill’) such as Desogestrel or Lovima.

If you are unable to use oral contraception, you may consider an alternative such as:

• A contraceptive patch
• A contraceptive injection
• A contraceptive implant
• An intrauterine device (‘coil’)
• A diaphragm or cap
• Condoms

You can learn more about different types of female contraception in our helpful guide, including information about other combined oral contraceptive pills.

Sources

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12528.pdf

How to take the Yacella pill

The Yacella pill pack contains 21 pills per pack, which are taken consecutively followed by a 7-day break. To take Yacella:

1. Take one tablet at the same time every day, for 21 days consecutively.
2. After taking your 21st tablet, take a 7-day break. During this time, your period (withdrawal bleed) should start.
3. After that, even if you are still bleeding, you should begin taking the next pack.

For more information on taking Yacella — including what to do in the event of a missed pill — refer to the patient information leaflet.

When do I start taking Yacella tablets?

You should take the first Yacella pill on the first day of your period. If you are unable to do this, you can start on days 2 through 5 of your cycle, but you should use another method of contraception in addition to the pill for the first seven days to prevent pregnancy.

When taking any medication, you should always follow your doctor's recommendations.

Yacella ingredients

The active substances are ethinylestradiol 0.03mg and drospirenone 3mg.

Other ingredients include lactose monohydrate, maize starch, pregelatinised starch (maize), crospovidone, povidone K-30 (E1201), polysorbate 80, magnesium stearate (E572). ○ Coating: Polyvinyl alcohol partially hydrolyzed, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 3350, talc (E553b), yellow iron oxide (E172).

Yacella side effects

Like all medicines, including the combined contraceptive pill, some patients may experience side effects when taking Yacella.

There is an increased risk of blood clots for those taking Yacella or any other combined oral contraceptive. Common symptoms of blood clots include:

• Swelling of the leg along with tenderness — this could be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Increased warmth in the affected leg
• Sharp chest pain which may increase with deep breathing
• Painless blurring of vision which can progress to loss of vision (retinal vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the eye)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Upper body discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat, arm and stomach

Other side effects of Yacella may include:

• Migraines
• Mood changes
• Stomach aches and bloating
• Acne
• Painful breasts
• Vaginal infections such as thrush

If you have any concerns about any of the information listed above, then you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. When serious side effects occur such as difficulty breathing, seek professional medical help immediately.

Yacella warnings

Not all contraceptive pills are safe for everyone. It’s important to discuss your medical history with your GP, who will determine the risk factors and help you find a method of contraception that’s best suited to you.

You may still be able to take Yacella tablets, but you should inform your doctor before taking Yacella if any of the following apply to you:

• A close relative has or has ever had breast cancer
• You have a disease of the liver or the gallbladder
• You have diabetes
• You have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammatory bowel disease)
• You have sickle cell anaemia (an inherited disease of the red blood cells)

• You need an operation, or you are off your feet for a long time
• You have inflammation in the veins under the skin (superficial thrombophlebitis)

Can you take Yacella while breastfeeding?

Yacella tablets are generally not recommended for women who are breastfeeding, and an alternative contraception method will usually be advised. If you want to take the pill while you are breastfeeding, you should contact your doctor to discuss your options.