Yasmin and hives

I'm so glad to find this forum. I've been on Yasmin for 7 months since March 2009. My gyne recommended me to take it because of my acne problem, heavy period and cramps. Ever since I started taking it, I was happy about it. My face is cleared of acne and my period only lasts for 3 days and very light without pain. I was a happy camper until the 4th month into taking Yasmin. I started to have patches of rash on my right temple, then a week later on the left temple and upper lip too. At first I thought it was due to my new face toner. So I stopped using it. I didn't think it would be the pill as any allergic reaction usually would should up 1-2 months after taking it. The rash got worst after 2 weeks, it started around my waist, more like hives this time. I can't stop itching my skin even in my sleep. It was unbearable. The hives comes and goes. And it spreads bigger and bigger to behind my neck and back. I drives my NUTS and my skin is very dry. I saw my family doc, and he thought it was eczema/fungus. He gave me some steroid cream to apply. It helped but didn't make the hives go away. I kept looking for the cause of the hives, but have no clues. After I read many people who posted in this forum also suffered the same problem, I can conclude that Yasmin is the reason. I'm stopping the pill today!!!! Hopefully, the hives will go away soon.

People on here seem to be confusing Yaz and Yasmin--they are not the same. Yaz has less estrogen than Yasmin and Yaz has 24 active days vs Yasmin that has 21. I've been on continuous Yasmin pills (no breaks) for 8 years or so and it's been a godsend. It stopped my hormonal migraines and gives me the right amount of estrogen. In fact, I work with a specialist and take two Yasmin bcps a day to get what my body needs to manage the perimenopause I developed in my 30s as well as my migraines.

Birth control pills effect everyone differently and that's why it can be a long haul to find the right one--especially if you are prone to hormonally induced migraines--and I have them worse than ever even when I'm not having a period or ovulating. It can also take several months to determine if a birth control pill will work for you and often that means putting up with side effects that are short term--possibly bloating, emotions, etc (certainly not life threatening side effects like hives). When you start a bcp, there is often a very uncomfortable period of time--could be the first two months as your body attempts to adjust to the changes. It's a matter of being your own advocate and tracking the side effects--or what might be your body adjusting--and seeing how it resolves. As I mentioned at the beginning, everyone is different. I've seen that with friends who try to use Yasmin--some it works, others, it's a nightmare.
And for those wondering about weight gain--Yasmin has qualities in the hormones that are diuretic in nature, so typically someone will not have bloating and should drink more water...and get potassium checked at least yearly.

I love Yasmin and for me, it saved my life in terms of quality of life managing my migraines!

For the record, I've tried Ocella for one week. It DOES NOT contain the same ingredients as Yasmin. I broke out in hives and the hives immediately went away upon ceasing intake of those generic pills. Dont be mislead by what the Dr.'s and pharmacists tell you, they study results. However they are not consuming these meds.

First off, I haven't taken Yasmin. However, if you're bloating with stomach pain or back pain, that's the side effect called angioedema, an allergic reaction. My advice is stop the drug. They screw with your hormones. Relief from angioedema can be found from an herb called Marshmallow (don't buy a big bag of marshmallows, not the same thing). I can't tell you this is a permanent fix, but it will ease the bodies immune reaction (the intestinal swelling, possible internal hives that is happening inside). As for those horrible mood swings and headaches, nature has an answer for that too, research GLA, available in evening primrose, borage oil and blackcurrant oil. I've taken borage oil for a month and the biggest surprise is after years and years of horrific headaches, no headache. For those of you on the pill to control acne, nature has a remedy for you too. The B-vitamin called Pantothenic Acid (500mg day) takes a month or two to work, but believe me when I say it was the only thing that did. No lotions could touch the results that brought me. One final piece of information for all women to research. The thyroid is a major player in hormones and immune health. Drugs screw it up. Don't bother with thyroid tests, they are not reliable. A simple $3.50 bottle of "tincture of iodine" purchased at Walgreens will tell you if you are deficient. Paint a 2x2 patch on your arm, if it's gone in under 24 hours you're deficient, if it's gone in under 10 hours you're severely deficient. 80% of people are iodine deficient, run a search for the "history of iodine" and you'll be surprised. I know I was. If you are deficient search for information on Prolamine Iodine and Iodoral and decide what you might want to try. This is just information to help women find out if something is deficient and will help them rather than rely on a drug that may do more harm than good. If it helps one person, it was worth posting.

I'm 29 years old and just recently decided to get off the pill after about 3 years. I have taken MANY different kinds because I started having yeast infections every month and then I was given diflucan once a month for that, but I could never shake the migraines. I think I was taking it for about 8 months and my period was the same day every month and that was awesome. I was going to stop the pill last month, but decided to get the new generic version for another month. Even if Yasmin works for you be VERY CAUTIOUS about the new generic version. this came out July 1st and the generic name is Ocella. I took it for a week and had to get off of it because I broke out in hives and I've never had an allergy in my life. I wanted to stay on something thru the month so I didn't mess my cycle up, but making a trip to my family doctor because of it is not worth the hassle. I wish they could make the magic trick for no migraines with birth control pills so hopefully we can get pregnant soon and then I'll be getting my tubes tied and no more pills!! good luck ladies, but always ask your doctor for more options if something doesn't work for you.

Hi, ive been on Yasmin now for 1 month and 3 days. A few days after starting it I got a rash on my chest and upper arms which i thought was sparked by the sun/heat. It went away and then a week later my skin slowly started to get itchier and itchier until I was covered in a rash from my ankles to my neck. I looked like I had a weird disease. Even the doctors were impressed, but no one could help. We suspected the pill as it was the only thing that was new to my system, but then it disappeared and we put it down to being caused by stress. Ive just started the next month (like I say 3 days into it) and once again I find myself scratching an feeling basically itchy and very very tired (not that it is unusual the tiredness I have to say, it just seems a little more than normal). I am now pretty sure it is the pill, but am nervous just to stop taking it. I just don't want to go through all that ive just been through with the previous rash, it was HORRENDOUS! Has anyone else had such a severe rash reaction? They were red, itcy spots with a watery kind of top to them........

After 5 weeks of taking Yaz, I have developed hives, "lobster red" skin and itchiness from my ankles to my knees. The itching is was so bad, I was using a metal hair brush to scratch (I know, not good). It turns out, I'm allergic to Yasmine. Hives is one of the first side effects.

I stopped taking Yaz about 3-4 days ago and the hives went away completely last night (my doctor told me yaz stays in your system 7-10 days).

The doctor also told me, if you do develop hives on this medication, you need emergency help. Hives can spread very very quickly and they can obstruct your airway.

I personally did not go to the emergency room (I didn't know any better), I was able to control them with Benadryl.

I am sad I can no longer take this pill. It was awesome. It took away my appetite, no moodiness, no pms, no weight gain.

:-(

So I started taking YASMIN in December 07. I switched to YAZ in January 08 and just quit a week ago. So about 4 months of bc. A week ago, I broke out in hives and rashes. I would itch one spot and then others would form. The areas get hot and the welts raise up my skin. It started when I was out in the sun but it couldn't have been sun poisoning because I never got burnt. I am diagnosing myself rather than a doctor because they do NOT know everything. After reading into the YAZ and YASMIN side effects, I am not risking anymore problems. Oh and I got an upper respitory infection along with the rash. This lingering cough has a weaze and phligmy sound. My friends are concerned with it too. I have never been the type of person to suffer from any major sickness or skin problem. I am tough skinned and have never gotten any kind of food allergy. I am 24, 5'6'' and in semi-athletic shape. I am an actor and model and I cannot afford to get rashes and a bad horsey cough! YAZ was great for 2 months and now bam! Downfall happening. Temporary relief-cortozone cream and antihistamines like benadryl.
YAZ benefit-clear skin, no PMS
YAZ side effect-rash, no sex drive/libido loss, difficult/no orgasm, appetite like a hog! Food #1 thought. Packed on pounds quick.
YASMIN benefit-clear skin, lost weight quick
YASMIN side effect- a little loopy, speech impediment, no sex drive/libido loss, no orgasm, couldn't even fake an orgasm!

Hi all! I just began taking YAZ two weeks ago and things were fine up until two days ago. I started experiencing itching on several parts of my boy an last night, realized I had hives on my waist at my back, near my underarms and have serious itching all over the rest of my body including the palms of my hands. Please, please, please if anyone reads this an has had similar side effects, please let me know. Furthermore, I did not take the pill last night as I knew this could be the only thing causing these issues. Does anyone know the reprecution of stopping the pill mid month? Please let me know and thanks for your help!

I have been on this pill for 11 months now and it has almost gotten to the point of ruining my life. I've experienced weird symptoms and I thought it was just from some mild changes in my life (just graduated from college, moved away from home, got my first job). But now that I have read all of these comments, I realize that ever weird symptom was from this pill! I have a non-existent sex drive (which almost ruined my engagement to my fiance), I've experience weird hives on my legs, arms, hands and feet. I'm constantly tired. I can concentrate (which has been detrimental to my home and work life). I've gained 11 lbs in 2 months. Hair loss, which is super scary for a 22 year old! I was taking a shower one day, washing my hair, and 2 big clumps of hair just fell out. I was scared to death. I've even experienced an increased heart rate. The scariest time was when I woke up one morning, had a horrible migraine, and my heart was racing. I took a shower and collapsed shortly afterwards. I was rushed to the ER and they did a TON of tests: cat scans, xrays, blood test. All the test results came back normal. I am convinced now, after reading these posts, that it was due to Yasmin! I've never experienced these symptoms on other birth control pills that I've taken. I am stopping this pill immediately & I am looking forward to starting my life, back on track again.

The worst part is that these symptoms that thousands of womens have experienced these symptoms & it is not warned on the label or website of Yasmin! The only side effects they list are the normal ones that are experienced with other BC pills: Headaches, Nausea, Bloating, Bleeding between periods, Breast tenderness, etc.. BUT NOTHING as severe as what we have experienced!

Is there a class action suit against Yasmin? I mean, for all the doctor's visits, ER visit, vitamins, how it has hurt my relationships, work-life & home-life, extra hours of exercising, many months of weight watcher membership fees, the list goes on and on.... I should be reimbursed for this! I could not afford to live like this any longer.

So, I already put a post in earlier about my situation. I took my last pill of Yasmin last Saturday. Its been a week and a day. Already, my hives have cleared up, I'm sleeping better, not so panicky anymore. I'm just feeling better in general. I will keep everyone updated though just in case something crazy happens that we don't know about. Oh, and my heart isn't hurting so much anymore either. YaY!

When a class action lawsuit is filed, let me know....this drug should be taken of off the market immediately. We started all of this with an OB/GYN that prescribed this “miracle pill” and now have had to go not only to our primary doctor, but also a psychiatrist, gastrenologist, college campus counselors, psychologists, psychiatrist, and the campus medical doctors; All the while, accumulating enormous doctor bills. All the doctors say, "No, Yasmin won't cause those problems" (except the college campus doctors..wonder why? Hmm.. could it be that they are not in private practice?)....well, I beg to differ. Everyone needs to give this website to their doctor so the doctors can hear from the patients that have taken this drug, and not listen to the pharmaceutical companies that are pushing this drug to be the "miracle pill". Maybe if enough people complain and go to the media, we can get rid of this drug!
My daughter who is 18 was put on Yasmin because of irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, etc. We were told it was the new “miracle pill”. It will make you loose weight, regulate your periods, clear up acne, you name it, it will fix it. Yeah, right.
She started taking this pill in March 2007. She was off at college but called to tell me she was experiencing horrible headaches, behind the eyes. She complained about her stomach hurting, but we just figured it was the stress of freshman year at college. Then she said she got where she couldn’t eat when she went to a restaurant. When she came home in May for the summer, I noticed a total personality change. For example, she was always a neat freak, and now she wouldn’t clean her room. The first day when she drove home, she started crying she was so mad about the traffic. Yes, she has always had a little road rage, but this was ridiculous.
By June, not only could she not be in crowds, like at a restaurant, but now she is having full blown panic attacks and IBS. We called the OBGYN and they said, “Yasmin won’t cause this, go see your primary doctor”. I knew that the only thing that had changed with her was taking the YASMINE. I knew it had something to do with all of this so I “Googled Yasmin” and this website (http://www.medications.com/se/yasmin) was the first one I looked at. All of her symptoms matched everyone else’s! I am so glad we found this website, it explained everything and I had her to stop Yasmin immediately.
So we went to the primary doctor, explained about the Yasmin and how we thought it was the culprit of everything. Of course this doctor also says, “Yasmin won’t cause that”. We told him to look it up on the internet and see how there are over 3000 complaints on this drug, more than any of the other drugs on the market.
Besides the emotional problems she starting having, her pulse and blood pressure was sky high, so he puts her on medicine for that, and puts her on an anxiety medicine and sends her to a psychiatrist. She is very thirsty all the time, and develops IBS. She can’t eat without having pains in her stomach. So, now we’ve have gone from having just irregular periods, to all of the above, plus a psychiatrist.
The psychiatrist doubles her medicine (and puts her Pamine for the IBS) because the panic attacks are gone, but she still is having a lot of nervousness, anxiety, can’t sleep at night, crazy thoughts, worrying all the time, etc. A month later he changes her medicine again, to Effexor. The first 2 weeks, she does okay, but the packet doubles the strength after 2 weeks. It takes 4 weeks for it to take full effect. Right after she doubles this medicine, it is like her senses are on hyper-mode. She can taste everything that is in her food (chili powder, seasonings, etc…), taste the metal in water, and she can hear someone’s phone vibrating, in another room.
Then she goes back to college at the end of August 2007, and it’s horrible. The Effexor is having bad, bad side effects. We called the psychiatrist that she was using at home and he doubled the dose. That was the worse thing they could’ve done. The side effects were worse than ever. I had her to immediately go to a psychiatrist on campus. She told him the whole story and he believed her! Needless to say we switched doctors. He then lowered her dose back down to ½ a dose and hopefully can slowly get her off of all this medicine.
The newest thing she has developed is being hypoglycemic. The campus psychiatrist sent her to a campus medical doctor and he told her that they would get to the bottom of this. He tested her for everything under the sun. Low blood sugar is the only thing they found. But, she hasn’t taken the Yasmin since May. No telling what the results would have came back like if it was done at the time she was taking Yasmin.
Thank goodness she has counselors and doctors there at the campus that believes that Yasmin can cause all of these problems, and are working with her. From what I have read from the people that have used this medicine, although most doctors do not agree, Yasmin takes like 6 months to get out of your system. I think I am going to believe the testimonials of the people who take this medicine, over a doctor who prescribes it.
If everyone goes to the media, their doctors, the FDA, congressmen, and make them aware of these horrible effects, surely we can get this drug off of the market! Does anyone know a class action lawyer that would pursue this? For my child to have to go through all of this is ridiculous, not to mention costly. What do we know of the long term effects this drug will have if it is doing all of this when you first start taking it?
If you have the same concerns as me about this drug, and would be interested in looking into a class action lawsuit, please email: ****** I would be interested to see how many would want to pursue this.

What are the possible side effects of Yasmin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Yasmin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;

nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

a breast lump; or

symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).

Continue using the medication and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;

breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;

freckles or darkening of facial skin, increased hair growth, or loss of scalp hair;

changes in weight or appetite, swelling of your hands or feet;

problems with contact lenses;

vaginal itching or discharge;

changes in your menstrual periods; or

headache, nervousness, dizziness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Just thought I would throw this out there for everyone..just found it on a Yasmin website.

I've been taking Yasmin for almost 2 years now. I was first put on it after being diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). In the passed few months, I have found myself so tired, restless, having insomnia, anxiety, acute panick attacks, hives all over from the anxiety. I thought I was losing it. My only dilemma now is that if I do go off the BCP, I am at risk again for no periods, high blood pressure, weight gain, diabetes, cancer...alot of stuff. So, anyone else out there with PCOS who has had these symptoms, and gone of the BCP..what did you have to do in order to keep your horomones in balance?

Where do I begin??? I have been taking Yaz for six months. Migraines! The worst migraines ever, I cannot function for one full day and sometimes more, the pain was so intolerable.

Hives! For the past two months, I keep thinking that I had a food allergy; even my doctor diagnosed it as that. After going to the allergist, I was told that I have developed an allergy to the Yasmin pill. No part of my body has been discriminated with this medication. Hives from the top of my head, in my eyes, right down to the bottom of my feet! This has been the worst experience of my life with this pill.

Fatigue to the extreme! I fall asleep sitting up and never feel rested. Yaz has caused me to go up two cup sizes so far, I went from being a 38C to a 40DD and I can't fit into anything. My boobs are sore a lot.

Weight gain, at least 20 pounds heavier. Nausea; Indigestion; Diarrhea & Constipation; Decreased Sex Drive; and Mood swings; Uncontrollable Rages; Severe body aches; Hot Flashes/Chills; Crying Spells; Blurred Vision; Lack of Concentration; Trouble sleeping; Dizziness; Shaking; Restlessness mainly after 9pm when I should be winding down to go to bed; Terrible night sweats; Never ending cravings for junk food; Inability to cope with stressful situations; Feeling of being inadequate; Can’t concentrate; Gassy; Hate family & partners; Irrational.

I was put on Yasmin combined with Wellbutrin for PMDD ( pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder AKA really severe mood swings , depression and anxiety before my period) and for about a month it was great, no more moodiness and I was feeling much better...NOW after that first month I started breaking out in hives here and there with most of the issue being on or around my hands and feet, sometimes not just the hives but the palms of my hands and bottoms of my feet will become hot, red and swollen, not to mention INCREDIBLY itchy....I have been exhausted constantly, no appetite and blurry vision with some lightheadedness.....I have an appointment with a surgeon because my gallbladder needs to come out ( I have had gallstones for years but diet has controlled any issues with it) and has only been really bad since going on this....before I started taking it ( started taking it in May 2006)I was aware that the gallbladder problems were mentioned in the leaflet given and the doctor told me not to worry....also constantly having sinus issues and headaches, oh and forget about a sex drive too........I never considered that it could possibly be this until I started reading more about it, but I am getting tired feeling like yuk all the time, I have 5 children and I am 33 years old but I feel like I am 90.....anyone else experience the itchy hives thing?? Thanks in advance for any input ...

This is my first month on Yasmin - I just started taking my inactive pills so expecting my period any day now. Anyway, last week I spent one day vomiting and couldnt even hold my head up (figured it was a 24-hour stomach bug), but now I have unexplainable hives/rash on my arms, back and stomach. I too have low sex-drive and hot flashes now and often feel like there are bricks being piled on top of my chest. Calling my gyno tomorrow to see what she says about it.

I am 31, and normally healthy.About a month ago, I started feeling dizzy and naueated. I went to my doctor and after numerous blood tests and an MRI, they could not find anything wrong with me. Two weeks later I started having extreme anxiety which lasted for about a week straight, I was also very emotional and weepy which is not normally like me. I had my doctor check for a hormone imbalance and just as he thought my hormones were all off. He precribed Yamin, which I have been taking for 3 weeks now. The anxiety is gone but I am still dizzy and very nauseated. I have also started getting rashes /hives on my arms and legs which usually go away within 1-2 hours. My breasts are also very tender. Does anyone know how long I should expect for my body to get used to this? This is the first time I have ever taken the pill

I've been taking Yasmin for 1 yr and 4 months. 4 months after I began taking Yasmin, I started breaking out in hives every day, sometime so bad that I required steroid shots to relieve the hives (diagnosed as cholinergic urticaria). I also began gaining weight at an alarming rate. My doctors found that I was severely hypothyroid, and linked this to both the weight gain and the hives and began treating me with thyroid hormone. There has been little relief from the hives, and now my gyneocologist has finally admitted that Yasmin could be the cause. She says that I could either be allergic to the special type of progestin that is in Yasmin, or just sensitive to the hormone balance (some pregnant women experience hives like mine).

I actually really liked being on Yasmin before I began to think that it could be the cause of this major problem. My emotions have been better and more stable than ever before, and my periods have been very predictable and light. Lately though, my period has been getting shorter and shorter. My doctor says that this is because the Yasmin does not have enough estrogen for my body. I've felt really good also because of the diuretic that is included in Yasmin, and I'm expecting some water weight gain when I change to OvCon.

I have used many different birth controls (Ortho Cyclen, Ortho Tricyclen, DepoProvera). Every person's body is different, and that's why you can search for any birth control on this website and find similar amounts of postings with similar complaints. I think that after a couple of years on any birth control a woman's body begins to change and adapt and requires a different type of hormone balance to stay healthy. If switching to OvCon really solves the problem of my hives, I will never recommend this pill to anyone. I will post again to let you know if my hives have been alleviated.

i forgot to say that i didn't have a skin problem before using yasmin, so i can't say if it's helping in that department as i am still pimple-free. my skin is the first thing to react to medication, but i look fine. no spots, allergic reactions (unlike with nordette; i had hives every night for 2.5 months), etc.

i feel that i'm short of breath faster than before, but again, wasn't sure if it was from the pill or my inactivity (or both, again).

i imagine my mood would be as dismal as everyone else's if it wasn't for the constant sunshine and warm weather here. after the termination of pregnancy 4 months ago, i haven't been so happy. but again, i don't know if it's because of the pill or circumstances.

and no increase in breast size, either... that's the only side effect that i welcome!! can't i get a break?!

I have been on Yasmin for 6 mos, and have had 2 yeast infections (never had one before in my life), randomly broken out in hives, and had tingling in my fingers. I am very worried, I am also extremely emotional. Is this abnormal? Would love to see if other women have the same "side effects" as I am experiencing.