Yasmin and medication

Hi there... I came off of Yasmin just 2 weeks ago and thought I should share with you my story since yours is a skin issue. I took Yasmin for 3 years. This past year I would wake up some bumps on my lip.. then on my hands.. then (this is over a period of months) I would wake up and have a slightly swollen lip... this was over the last year or so. I would also get a feeling in my throat, like something was in it and swallowing felt funny.
WELL, 2 weeks ago, I took my bc like I always do, right before I go to bed and my lip starts to tingle and itch.. and in the morning my face was swollen 3x the normal size on on side, mostly at the lips... I couldn't really talk.. it was like those awful photos on google. It was angioedema and can kill you by swelling of the throat. I had also for about a year- an ear issue.. it would sound like I was talking under water and felt like swimmer's ear- related to the swelling I found out later. Turns out I'm allergic. I developed this allergy over the period of time I was exposed.

I just want to say to anyone out there that has FACIAL/LIP SWELLING, or swelling of the hands... GO TO THE ER. It can kill you. I got lucky.. my swelling started slow and after about a year if was full blown. It is not something to mess around with!I was prescribed an epi pen. I developed an allergy to a preservative in it and I'm not an allergen sensitive person. That was just the parms/doctor guess I might add.

The first year I took Yasmin I had numb and tingling toes. and the whole tie I've had on and off leg pain.. no sex drive, that's the truth..definite bloating issues about 6 lbs weight gain, sometimes more without change in diet. I haven't noticed any hair loss thankfully. Migraines. Lots of nausea in the morning, every morning like morning sickness. Car sick even when driving.. not normal! I used to work on an airplane and I never got motion sickness.

I'm now on day 4 of Mirena IUD and I'm having having severe diarrhea and trouble sleeping.. I really, really don't want to get pregnant. Our next step is a vasectomy for the hubby. I'm 25 and I weigh 140 5'10 if that helps. I wasn't an 'at risk' like the pamphlet said.

For the last 4 years --I have been on Yasmin. I stopped taking this pill a couple of month ago and could not be more relieved. I say this because during that time I had severe heart palpitations and anxiety attacks. They were so severe sometimes I would cry because I was so scared I was going to have a heart attack. A couple of years ago I went to a Cardiologist and told him about my heart racing, skipping a beat, and or course the constant never-ending heart palpitations. I took a stress exam, Ekg...etc all those test need to find the problem. They came up with nothing and basically said it was stress and anxiety. The Dr. gave me pills for anxiety and pill to slow my heart rate..which looking back was a joke!! Because it was really from Yasmin.I am so much better and happy to know that I was not just going crazy ..because that is how I truly felt. I was only on this medication because I too have ovarian cysts. I am too scared to go on any other birth control pill now. So if anyone out there is on this medication and has these symptoms..please stop this medication and know that you are not crazy. There are so many of us out there that have had these symptoms.Now I have to go to the Dr. and find out if there are any permanent damages to to any part of my organs.. so upset with this company and drug.

I am a few days away from my 19th birthday and i've been taking Yasmin since the age of 11. I was diagnosed with PCOS when i was 11 and Yasmin has been what's keeping my period regular and more or less pain free since then. In May of 2008 i was switched to the generic version of Yasmin called, Ocella and started to notice more and more symptoms and side effects. My stomach pain in the mornings grew greater by the day and when i was on my sugar pill i would gain an unbearable migraine. Thinking it was just part of being a woman i ignored it and went about my life. It wasn't until December of 2008 while out with a group of friends i came into some serious stomach pain. thinking it was just a typical stomach ache that i normally got i ignored it. when i came to be about 4 am and the pain hadn't stopped i started to worry. first thing in the morning i went to the doctor who referred me to get an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that i had gall stones and that i should have my gall bladder removed before more complications were to occur. Being a college student only a week away from returning to my second semester i opted to wait until spring break to have the surgery. During the 3 month wait i experience extreme diarrhea whenever something was put in my mouth, extreme stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, headaches, sore muscles, the list goes on and on i felt like i had been hit by a truck every day and i still had to go to class. in March of 2009 i had my gall bladder removed thinking that the symptoms would finally stop i returned to school only to find that nothing got better. It's been 7 months since my gall bladder has been removed and i'm still having the same symptoms as before and now i've added depression, stress, lack of energy and interest and many other things to the list. I'm still taking Ocella because i've never been advised otherwise but the symptoms are taking over my life. I am a sophomore majoring in electrical engineering at college and it's just become harder and harder to focus on my work or to enjoy the aspects of college that i should be with the frequent trips to the bathroom or having to opt out of a fun activity because of stomach pain. I was wondering if anyone can help me, maybe point me in a direction where i can get better and get back to enjoying what a 19 should be. Thanks.

I was on yaz for close to 4-5 years. I started taking antibiotics and my husband and I became pregnant while on the pill. We were well aware of chances of becoming pregnant. From the day I found out i was pregnant I started throwing up. I LOST 15 pounds during my pregnancy due to being sick all of the time. I had constant heartburn and choked all of this up to being pregnant with a little girl with a head full of black hair! The day my husband was suppose to go back to work from his leave (exactly 2 weeks after having my baby) i started throwing up at about 3am due to intense stomach pain that radiated into my chest and back and couldn't stop. He stayed home. The next day it happened again, my husband assumed i had postpartum depression and told me i would be fine and left for work. I tried to go back to bed but couldn't stop throwing up long enough to go into the next room and check on my crying newborn. I had to beg him to come home from work, we got a babysitter, went to the hospital, they did an ultrasound and admitted me. 12 hrs later I was on the operating table having my gallbladder removed. I now suffer with DAILY diarrhea immediately after I eat ANYTHING and stomach pain. I try to stick to a low fat diet but it doesn't help!!!! i have constant stomach pain, headaches, nausea and heartburn. Not to mention the FOUR scars that i have from the surgery. When i started taking Yasmin and eventually yaz NOWHERE did it say that it could cause gallbladder disease!

I took ortho-tricycline low for 6 years with no problems whatsoever. At 18 my doctor switched me to Yasmin, by my 28th day on Yasmin I had a intense dull pain in my left hip/groin area and the of my knee and calf area. After two weeks of putting it off as a sprain, it had only gotten worse, my entire left leg was swollen to about twice the normal size and had purplish discoloration and I was could barely walk or sit. I was taken to the ER where they diagnosed me with a DVT the size of a softball in my left thigh. I spent two weeks in the hospital on narcotic painkillers and IV Coumadin before they would let me go home. I spent an additional 6 weeks at home on light duty and bed rest. I stayed on Coumadin for a year before it almost killed me as well. Today I am 23 years old and still feel the effects of the clot I had 5 years ago. My leg a calf are still swollen, though not nearly as bad and anytime I'm on my feet or have to sit in a chair all day I have to deal with moderate pain. I wasn't on Yasmin on Yasmin long enough to experience any other side effects but I would strongly advise you do your research before taking this medication.

I have been on Yasmin for around 5 months now and am absolutely fine for the three weeks of taking the pills, however as soon as i stop taking them on the pill free week i become extremely aggressive and emotional. I cry all the time and feel so depressed and angry. I feel myself become furious over the littlest things. I have also begun to have panic attacks over small things and have become scared of everything. Has anyone else experienced this?

Oh my... I thought I was the only one!!! I have been taking Yasmin for about 6 years as it was recommended to me as the new and safer birth control pill. From time to time I also stopped taking it since I was not in a relationship and didn't feel like I needed it. Every time I did I felt like my old happy self - Like I was a 16 year old again. Happy and loving life! Everyone wanted to be around me and I was afraid of NOTHING!

I knew then that birth control can cause depression, but no one ever speak about it, not then, not now. My friends didn't seem to change. I was the only one. I was the only one, I think, that became a boring person when taking it; boring and afraid of things. I met my husband during those few months I was not taking it... and I can for sure tell you all that I am not the same person he met back then.

I have been thinking about stop taking the pill for a long time now, specially since I hit depression much easier now since I had to move away from my family and friends (they are all in Sweden) to be with my husband (USA). I cry so easy! And can't face conflicts, and just want to sleep - nothing is fun. Some of the depression I have managed pretty good by stop eating grains and sugar, but it only does so much. You guys have pretty much convinced me that now is the time to quit. I will not take one single Yasmin ever again!

For those of you that are in a relationship - how did your special someone take this change as far as birth control. What are you using now instead? I have been thinking about a female sponge - anyone tested those?

There are many out there that suffers from medication and I am actually on the path to help people get off other drugs like statins because there are other things you can do than give doctors and pharmaceutical companies your money for feeling ill the rest of your life. There is a cure - they just don't want you to know about it. Who would have guessed that I needed to be saved from this craziness too!

Good blogs about unconventional medicine is: ******
Thank you for being here GIRLS!!!

I started Yaz (lower dose of estrogen than Yasmin) about three months ago. A couple of weeks ago I experienced shortness of breath and chest pain while exercising which became worse with time. It kept getting worse and I would feel short of breath just sitting or laying down. I eventually went to urgent care and was told my blood pressure was really high. I have never had a problem with high blood pressure before. ObGyn office told me to stop the Yaz immediately. The shortness of breath is still present. Now I am on blood pressure medication and an inhaler.

I have/had severe endometriosis and began using BCPs therapeutically after having my left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to a large endometrioma. I used Yasmin for over two years and loved it: It calmed my PMS mood swings, did not produce acne, no weight gain, and no between-period spotting. I switched to Yaz for three months, but my periods became irregular and I had spotting issues, so I went back on Yasmin. I never stuck with a BCP before because all others produced the aforementioned side effects.

Unfortunately, with Yasmin, my blood pressure went from the 120/70 range to the 180/90 range in two years. My OB GYN was so alarmed by the increase that she actually made me lay down for half an hour so she could retest me. The second reading (after resting) was even worse than the first.

The doctor took me off Yasmin immediately and now I'm on the blood pressure medication "Prinzide" which is causing horrible side effects.

I wish I'd never taken Yasmin.

I am so glad I got off Yasmin before anything bad happened. I started Yasmin about 2 1/2 months ago. I heard great things about it and wanted to try it. I gained weight with a lot of the other BC pills and this one I heard was great for not making you gain weight. Well, it was great on not gaining weight but I have never been so scared of myself and my kids. THE ANGER! I have never felt this way in my entire life. I am not an angry person, I am a piece maker. This drug made me to the point were I didn't know if I was going to be able to control myself. I would get so angry at my kids and throw toys across the room and then turn around and hold them and cry because I didn't know what was going on with me............ This is such a terrible drug!! They need to take this off the market before someone hurts themselves or there children from the anger the rage that this medication gives.
I am so mad at myself for even wanting to be on this. I wish I would have researched it more before I went on it.
There were several other side effect from this that I experienced. ANGER being the biggest one of them all and the worst one of them all. I had excessive bleeding with my period, migraines like you wouldn't believe, and no sex drive. DO NOT GO ON YASMIN!!!

I have been on Yasmin for three years. I was put on it after I had an out of control year long period after being given a medication during knee surgery. Since being on Yasmin I have had several UTI infections including one that led to Clostridium Difficile and hospitalization after being on so many anti-biotics. I have had severe weight gain despite all imaginable efforts to lose it and I am always tired. I had no idea other people had the same side effects as me until I started to research other birth control pills to switch to.

My 17 year old daughter is on Yasmin and has been for over a year. She is taking it to regulate her periods and heavy bleeding. We have not noticed any side effects at all. She has a learning disability and a low IQ. She is also on Buspar for anxiety which she has had long before Yasmin. She is also on Strattera for her ADD. Now, after reading and hearing about all these terrible side effects such as stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blood clots, etc. I am going to ask our doctor about this. I read one post that said if you were on Yasmin and you had to take Motrin you should have blood tests...what kind if this is true? She just had her wisdom teeth out and has taken plenty of Motrin along with other pain medication. This is just way too scary....scared Mom in SC

I've been using Yasmin for 2.5yrs now with no problems at all. I used Ortho-tri-cycline for 5 years before that with no problems either. I've noticed that my mood swings are very subdued, my periods are light and regular, my cramping is drastically decreased and I haven't suffered a single bad side effect. My breasts got a little bigger, but not sore or tender (I'm only a 32A so the boost was a pretty nice surprise). I had very bad subcutaneous acne that is gone now. Most of what I've been reading about are known side effects that is anyone is experiencing should definitely get off the medication immediately. Granted these side effects are severely downplayed and should be more obvious or at least brought to your attention by your doctor. But for those that are scared by these side effects, they are rare compared to the population that uses Yasmin. Just make sure you listen to your body and be open with your doctor. If something isn't right make sure you do something about it. There are other alternatives if Yasmin doesn't agree with you.

I have taken Yasmin for a year and a half. Since then I have gained 25 pounds, developed thyroid disease, and am very moody! I have taken several different types of BC because I have periods that last for two weeks and are very painful. I have to get off of this pill to see what happens. I can lose the weight, but I will be on medicine the rest of my life for thyroid disease. I also have headaches almost everyday and I have cramps for two weeks out of every month!

There is a class action lawsuit for anyone that took Yaz/Yasmin birth control. I just saw the commercial the other day from an attorney in Denver and it's nationwide. Please call Nolan Law Group - Valerie Romo at 888-630-9340. They are handling it nationwide.

I took Yasmin for years and was perfectly normal and totally functional. The pharmacy automatically switched me to Ocella last fall. I was ok up until around this past March. I have experienced extreme heart palpitations, horrible panic attacks and my very favorite has been the excruciating back and abdominal muscle pain (I'm on a heating pad every night for 4 hours). I feel like death. Have been to every doctor and have had every test done (cardiologist, family, obgyn, etc.) - I'm just plain crazy according to them!!! I'm 39, have 2 kids and a husband, teach school full time and I'm convinced I won't live to see 45. I have been starting to see commercials about lawsuits against Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella. I think the pill I took this morning is the last Ocella I'm ever going to swallow. Has anyone else experienced any of these symptoms?

I've been on Yasmin for years now, but recently switched to the generic Ocella. I'm trying to figure out if Yasmin or Ocella is causing my depression. I'm 25 and just recently my depression has been horrible. I've been on Lexapro for years to help with Anxiety/Depression, but never had problems like this before. My psychiatrist just switched me to Prozac. I've been on it 4 weeks and it's not doing anything. The reason I think my depression might be linked to the Yasmin is because the 2 weeks before I get my period I'm insanely depressed, borderline suicidal. Then, the day I get my period, I'm ok. Anyone else have this weird problem?

I have been taking Yasmin for 1 week. Before taking Yasmin, my stress levels were normal, no anxiety, energy was normal, etc. Within days I began noticing a change in my breathing patterns. I felt as if I could not get enough air. I would continue to yawn in order to get a 'good breath'. I felt like I was taking more short breaths. There seemed to be a constant pressure on my chest. Let me stress, A PRESSURE, not pain. This seemed to occur at all times of the day regardless of whether I was moving, resting, etc. I went back to my OB/GYN only to be told that 'It was anxiety, and I worked myself up. It must be my school, etc." This was so frustrating. I was a little apprehensive about the pill but I know I did not create such extreme anxiety symptoms overnight. In my experience hyperventilation from anxiety builds over time. That is not the cause for me. Please remember your doctor doesn't know your body like you do. Most often they dismiss 'side effects' and say 'It couldn't possibly be the medicine'. I've read more stories of girls complaining of a similar symptom and the doctor telling them... you're having anxiety and they end up on more medication. That's awful. I have found numerous articles on SYNTHETIC PROGESTINS which is what is in Yasmin causing increased breathing of Hyperventilation. I know Yasmin is the cause of this. My doctor was wrong. Now the question is, continue it... or not? It's extremely uncomfortable..so I'm unsure. I wanted to post this so other girls experiencing this side effect would know that it IS the YASMIN!!

I was on Yasmin for two years. I loved it because there was no more acne, no more heavy periods, or cramps. Back in February I had an episode of dizziness and my heart racing. I was taken to the ER and nothing was wrong except low potassium. About a month ago I started having the same symptoms again. My doctor took me off of Yasmin two weeks ago and I am still having symptoms. I am currently being evaluated by a cardiologist due to chest pain, heart palpitations, and fast heart rate. I feel so bad and I have no energy. I am usually bubbly and full of life. Does anyone know how long it takes for this medication to get out of your system and feeling back to normal again?

I just began using Yaz about 4 months ago and I have had the weirdest thing happen. I have massive headaches (never had them before) and this weird pain in me face (right about my right cheekbone) At first I thought it was a sinus infection.. Major pressure and headaches are easy to diagnose. Then when it didn't go away I got scared. An emergency room visit and a neurology appointment later (everything is "normal") I have decided it HAS to be the Yaz. I have also been having weird ear "fullness" Out of nowhere my ears will just pop like i'm going up a mountain...The took me off that and put me on Yasmin. Isn't it the Same pill? Anyway.. has anyone experienced similar symptoms? If so, how long did it take to go away? Thanks!!

I've been taking Yaz for about a year and a half. I also take lexapro to help even out extreme mood swings I would get (2 weeks before my period). For a while, probably the first year, I just felt more tired, which I thought was because of the lexapro. In the past 6 months though, I have been getting a stomach flu type illness every month, 3 days after I start my new pack of pills. I also have a very sensitive stomach and get sick easily. I recently lost 5 pounds (from 125 to 120) without making any lifestyle changes. Also, this year I've had low iron levels, and noticed my stools are black from time to time. I went to the doctor today to have my blood checked and also submitted stool samples. Could this all be from Yaz? I have been getting the flu (or flu like illness) way too much this year, and my boyfriend never catches it from me. I am worried about going off the medication because the yaz and lexapro have really controlled my mood swings, and my skin gets much worse without birth control. I'm just worried something more serious is going on here. I am 26 and a healthy eater, so I don't understand all the stomach problems! Does anyone else have these issues? Especially after starting a pack of pills (I feel fine the week of my period)...

I don't want to scare all of you, but I thought I should share my recent experience. I am 40 years old and have never tolerated birth control pills very well. I experience major headaches that make the effects not worth the pain. As I was approaching menopause, I developed an ovarian cyst and dysfunctional bleeding and anemia. My periods could last up to 8 weeks at a time. I was desperate. I was put on Yasmin and was told to give it 3 months for my body to acclimate to this drug. I had a headache EVERY day that I was on this pill. 2-3 times a month it would flair up into migraine status. After 2 months and 1 week, I had one of those headaches that didn't go away. I went to the doctor 3 times to figure out what the problem was. I had a stroke and it was not diagnosed for 9 days due to the fact that I didn't have many outward stroke symptoms. I had a blood clot in my brain that blocked my sinus, sigmoid, and jugular veins. My neurologist said that most people would not have lived through this and that I was lucky to be alive. Please warn your friends and family. This is so dangerous. The only risk factors that I have are my age (40) and my weight (200 lbs) at 5' 7. I did not smoke, rarely drink, I'm not on medication for any other thing.

Ladies, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your posts! I'm so glad I found this site as it confirms some things for me....several years ago I was on Yasmin. For years I had taken other BC's until my dr switched me to Yasmin. I gradually started having anxiety issues, skin issues, & leg cramps (mainly left calf) so severe & violent that at one point they even sprained my ankle. After about 3 months into the medication, my anxiety became more severe, I would cry for hours about absolutely nothing, & I began noticing my thoughts racing about 2 - 3 hours after taking Yasmin. I had been taking BC since my early 20's and had never noticed this before, so I didn't think it was the Yasmin until I forgot to take my pills several days in a row--& I realized I was no longer anxious. I also realized then that for once being on my period was a RELIEF from my symptoms--not the typical hell as before Yasmin. When I started them again I kept a symptom log until I could no longer take it. This really helped my doctor in determining (& proving) that the pills had an adverse effect on my body. The point here is not to trash Yasmin as some people greatly benefit from it, but there are others who can't take it because the hormones clash with their systems. LADIES, LISTEN TO YOUR BODIES & TALK TO YOUR DOCTORS if you're experiencing negative symptoms after changing to this (or any) birth control! My doctor was about to put me on anti-depressants until we discovered that the cause was Yasmin. Once we switched, the symptoms went away. The best thing I did was to keep a daily log--it's not terribly time consuming, you just have to remember to keep up with it, but your health is worth it!!!!!

Although this isn't a side effect I wasn't quite sure where to post it... But my question is: Do you know anyone or did you get pregnant while using the Yasmin birth control pill? I know that these pills make your body think it's pregnant but I think I may actually be pregnant. Although I don't "feel" pregnant my body sure is acting like it is, I.E. sore breasts, weird cravings and aversions to food, headaches, very tired, very hungry etc. Has anyone had these side effects too and you weren't pregnant? Thanks!

First of all, I want to say that I'm sorry for all of you having physical discomfort in your lives right now. I feel for anyone who is experiencing such problems.
With that said, I have been on YASMIN (not YAZ - those are two different things people!!!!) for 8 years and have NEVER experienced any problems despite experiencing problems on other pills. Pardon me being frank... If you are one of the women who BARELY started this pill in the last 3-6 months, you may have not given it enough time. You must remember that by taking any medication you are changing the chemical balance of your body and it will take time and adjustments. Bottom line, you need to carefully monitor your problems and discuss them with your ob/gyn and possibly general physician. You may just need to try other pills. This is TRIAL and ERROR, there is NO way for a doctor to be able to know how each person's body will react to any particular drug. Be open and pay attention. If you search about any birth control pills, you can find there are side effects for all of them. Second of all, some of you may have these existing problems, but never noted them until you started taking the pill, or as I said before, you have not allowed time for your body to adjust. For example, when you have a headache or indigestion, you take medication and it takes time for your body to adjust to the meds. Please ladies - don't bad mouth or assume, without first allowing for the already published side effects to come - and most likely, pass. And if they don't - talk to your doctor!!! Seriously!!! The makers even say to talk to you doctors if any of the published side effects happen. I do apologize for being harsh, but I must insist on being practical and reading the material provided. I do hope that each of you stay in good health and have no lasting problems.

I started taking Yasmin 7 months ago, and although many of the side-effects I experienced in the first months are gone, some have been chronic and are making me question whether or not I want to continue taking this medication. I am currently uninsured, so each month when I go to the pharmacy, I feel a pang of guilt when I hand the pharmacist my $50, because I'm starting to realize that the negatives of Yasmin FAR outweigh the positives.

Positives--Considerably better skin, larger/firmer breasts, and effective in preventing pregnancy.

Negatives--I had irregular bleeding which continued throughout the first 3 months. Once that stopped, I developed chronic vaginal moniliasis which combined with a decreased libido has virtually ruined my sex life. On top of this, I often get feelings of hopelessness which interfere with my performance in school and work. Although it may be unrelated, I have noticed accelerated tooth decay in my front row of teeth--which may or may not be related. All in all, I'm very dissatisfied. I was originally drawn to Yasmin because of its "fewer side effects" claim. Now I wonder why I am even prescribed to birth-control when I'm not even having sexual intercourse anymore.

Hi, I googled Yasmin as, like GM/Gabrielle, I have problems with hyperpigmentation on my upper lip and my chin (making me look like I have the beginnings of a beard and a mustache, highly attractive!!) I took Yasmin for about a year from 2002-3. I have surfed the net before at various points curious about Yasmin, but decided that I was just unlucky in taking Yasmin and it was one of those things. Having read all the posts here I am disgusted that this drug is available at all. Yes, we are all guinea pigs and yes, the doctors who prescribe this medication and others like it have no idea of the long term effects or maybe they are not really that bothered? How the hell are they made available anyway? Pharmaceutical companies literally get away with murder, to say nothing of their moral responsibility with regard to vivisection. As soon as I started to notice the pigmentation and connected it with the Yasmin I saw my doctor who immediately took me off it,warning me that it shouldn't get any worse but it may not go away. It does get worse if exposed to any sun, so I use a strong sublock and skin lightening cream all year round which thus far has only lightened the skin slightly (I live in the UK). I'm getting married this year and it will be a shame to feel self conscious about my skin, but having read these posts I feel so lucky to only have this to "worry" about - this is minor in comparison to life threatening blood clots. My grandmother died from thrombosis - maybe my vanity on this occasion has saved my life.

My daughter died on January 28, 2009 due to pulmonary embolism and dvt. She was only 20, just missed her 21st birthday on feb. 3rd. She had been taking YAZ less than one year. We had no idea of how dangerous the medication is. She had seen the commercials on tv promoting the decreased periods, acne, mood swings etc. I wish no one the tradegy that has stricken our family. Please tell everyone you know to STOP taking YAZ.

To make matter worse she was miss diagnosed. She was told she had bronchitis. My daughter did not have to die. Your daughters, sisters do not have to die.

Hello ladies! I am happy to say that after about 6 years on Yasmin, last night was the last Yasmin pill I will EVER take. I can't believe I have been on it this long... very scary. I was put on birth control at the young age of 16 because I had cysts on my ovaries. At 17, I found out I had endometreosis. I don't have it bad, but to control it, my Dr. put me on Yasmin and had me taking it constantly for 3 months, then off 1 week. I do have to say, it helped me a lot at first... I guess I didn't really notice side affects at the time except for waking up in the middle of the night feeling very sick to my stomach and I had headaches a lot. It made my periods shorter, less painful and it was amazing only having a period every 2 to 3 months....

I actually didn't notice any side affects until recently. I will also say, I am not 100% that it is the Yasmin to blame, but either way after reading all the side affects people are having and not every reading them before.... I wish I would've stopped taking this horrible medication sooner.

I have felt just fine over the years until recently. I was leaving work one day and had a sudden feeling come over me. It was panic and anxiety and I freaked out to say the least. I felt like things looked weird and like I was going to faint. That was followed by more panic attacks, and feeling "detached". I saw a Dr. and he wanted to give me prozac, I didn't like that idea so I went to acupuncture. After being miserable everyday, I decided to go to another Dr. she prescribed me Celexa. I have been taking it for a couple weeks, but decided I am going to stop the Yasmin and see if I feel any better.

I definitely have mood swings, I get really mad sometimes, I cry more than normal, and now the anxiety. I HATE IT!! I want my life back!! I am taking a new BCP starting next week, but I'm also considering stopping BC all together. Unfortunately, if my endometreosis get worse, I will hurt my chance of having a family.... so I kind of feel like BC controls my life. :(

Thank you all for sharing your stories. They have truly helped me!

Hi,

I started Yasmin generic (ocella) 3 weeks ago. After a few days I developed a headache that feels like constant pressure around my temples, eyebrows and in between nose. It does not go away with pain killers. I have no history of reoccurring headaches and when I have gotten one advil usually takes care of it.

After 2 weeks I decided to stop Ocella to see if that was the reason. I still have the headache a week later. I went to the dr. yesterday and he said it wasn't a sinus headache which I thought it might be. He said it might be a migraine even though it doesn't sound like a typical one. If it doesn't go away this weekend I'll have to get a Cat scan and maybe MRI. Does this sound familiar to anyone who got headaches from Yasmin? My dr. said BCP wouldn't cause a headache but several people on this site described it as a side effect. Input much appreciated.

Thanks!
C.

I have been on Yasmin now since November. I have not experienced any of the scary side effects that most of the women here have suffered. In fact Yasmin was a lifesaver for me. I suffered from terrible cramps before and was not on any type of birth control. After trying Yasmin my first period was cramp free. My breasts have grown in size and my sex drive has actually increased, not decreased. I guess different people have different reactions to any type of medication but I am enjoying Yasmin. It's the perfect type of birth control for me definitely.

Wait a minute!!!!! Let me say that I have really been spooked by everyone testimonials regarding Yasmin. Although I AM sympathetic and very sorry to hear of all you r health problems, I think that before we all get into a panic over this, we need to take other things into serious consideration. We have no clue what one anothers lifestyle is. Their diet, weight, allergies, stress issues , medical issues, other medications, exercise, genes, and sometimes age. I myself have suffered from hair loss, digestive issues, constipation, eyesight changes, fibroid/fatty lump in my breast, migraines, moodiness & poor circulation. And that was BEFORE I went on the pill. Sorry to say….but I’ve learned that these issues all come with age. I’m 39. And at age 35 I started seeing all these changes in my body. I was on NO medication and in pretty good health and would see a doctor regularly just to make sure. Some of these symptoms that were experiencing just might be due to the fact that were getting OLDER!! I even became somewhat lactose intolerant literally overnight. And one lady said in here that there is lactose in the pills. So maybe some of you are more susceptible to it.
And remember, the chemicals and hormones they’re putting in the pill…isn’t All Natural. They’re chemicals!!! Which can be hard on the body. (God did not design us for them). And a lot different from what I remember 20 years ago. When I used to take the pill you had to wait at LEAST a month before you can be safe from pregnancy. Now it’s only a WEEK! Hmmm…..that’s an obvious difference/change/warning….whatever you want to call it. Maybe the pill isn’t such a necessity for some of us. Maybe just a change in diet and vitamins might help us. For just pregnancy protection…maybe try another method like condoms, shots, diaphragm, etc….. I admit that I was having headaches ever since I started the pill 4 days ago. But then I realized that I only got them when I would sneek a cigarette 4 times a day. Shame on me!! That’s the ONE THING they tell you NOT to do. But now I know it’s not worth the pain and risk to my health. I didn’t smoke yet today and….no headache!! But I have not had any other side effects……YET. But when I do, I will look at other issues in my life that are going on….Diet, water intake, stress, genetics, normal woman changes, etc. I’m not saying that all your symptoms are nothing or not related toYasmin, but maybe look at the big picture before you overreact.

I stumbled on this site while doing research on DVT's. I am a nurse and was on YAZ continuously (skipping the inactive pills and going straight to a new pack) to control my migraines for about a year. I developed 3 DVT's in my left calf and behind my left knee. I have been having charlie horse cramps as well. I am now on lovenox injections 2 times a day and 7.5 mg. of coumadin to deal with the clots.I have also had the issues with heart palpitations, chest tightness, and feeling like i can't catch my breath. I read in one of the posts where it was described as she "had to think to catch her breath". I totally agree! I thought this drug was great, until now. I stopped it last wed 1/7/09 when they found the clots in my calf/knee. Can anyone with experience tell me how long it took them to recover from the palpitations and breathing issues. I am a very health person, non smoker, with no prior or family history of any clotting issues. Thanks for all the info on here and God Bless everyone who has suffered!

Tony Sapore
Too Everyone on this devil drug get the hell off it..My wife is Dead because if it.. Its happened so quick.We are from arizona(mesa) It pretty much happend in one day.I was at work My mother in law took sandra too go see a (her doctor) she was really white out of breath weak and coudnt breath ..Rite away they told her to go straight to the emergency room.They thought she was bleeding inside.They took care of her rite away. They started to take alot of test cool everything came back awesome. Then they said we are going to run a Kat scan.Bam that was it.Came back to us said she had Pulmonary Embolism .They said they can treat it.Never said you can past from it.So they took her to her own room in the hospital ..Started treating her for the blood clots in her lungs ..Everything was looking good getting color back and thinking positive.You know were like cool 3 4 days in the hospital eat good food alittle vacation dont have to take care of our son Nick 12 years old .Her mother was with us up until 1120 pm she was tired and told sandra that she was tired no problem go get some sleep and I will take care of her.She was resting pretty good then around 1220 pm about a hour later BAM stood up Cant breath and she was at white as ghost.She was suffering I could tell I called a nurse.THat when it happend so quickly They gave her oxygen nothing couldnt breath its was like she was having A CARDIAC ARREST her body couldnt function she was really tiny(her Nickname was peanut) 130 pounds then one doctor came then another like it was ER the show.I couldnt do a dam thing .Then the took me out of the room I knew something was up that was the last time I saw her alive suffering.I was sitting in a chair about 4 rooms over.Lights going off over the door.There was about 10 people in her room.Lights going off red white red.THen I heard them say Go GET A SOCIAL WORKER.I knew in my heart she was gone.They tried to give her CPR for about 20 min nothing.Then they said they want to call any family .They called her mom and Dad.and said they are going to try 10 min of cpr nothing they came out of the room and told me she died.Wow 35 years old both of us .Then her parents showed up and I had too tell them their daughter died all in one day..So know we know it was from yaz..All the signs losing hair cant breath always nervous lots of head aches .Every thing was their signs .Just because of that stupid pill.. Thank you so much and sorry it was so long have a good holiday.. always TONY

I have been on Yasmin since April of this year, 2008. My doctor put me on Yasmin because of a hormonal imbalance caused by PCOS. At first, all I noticed was my periods had become regular and my skin had cleared up. About 4-6 weeks later, I started experiencing EXTREME pain in my right breast. After the onset of the pain, just my right breast became enlarged. A few weeks later I started having chest/heart pains at random times. It started occurring when I would run and that made me really scared. I had the feeling of having a heavy rock on my chest and wasn't able to get a real breath. After an EKG my doctor confirmed that my heart was healthy. Here is a list of some of the other side effects that I noticed: no sex drive, weight gain, TIREDNESS, forgetfulness, cramps in my legs, but only while sleeping, extreme thirst.

I am so grateful that I found this website. It's just awful to hear some many other women complaining of the same symptoms.

I am so glad that I found this site. I was beginning to feel like I was losing my mind. I have been on Yasmin for only 2 months but have been experiencing many of the side effects mentioned- fatigue, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, dizziness, and flu-like symptoms. I had these same symptoms when I was on Yaz last year. I wound up going to the hospital for shortness of breath and chest pain. The doctor thought it may be blood clots, but after testing he diagnosed me with bronchitis and asthma (I am 26- never had either in my life). There is definitely something wrong with these pills. I do have anxiety and currently take Xanax. But I have not had panic attacks like this since I was on the pill last year. Sometimes I need to think about breathing to catch my breath and lately it had been hard for me to sleep because my heart is racing. My periods have been lighter and my migraines less severe, but it is not worth it to continue on Yasmin.

I didn't even think to attribute my loss of sex drive, depression/feeling of helplessness & mood swings to Yasmin but everything I've been reading here are issues I have been dealing with the past 7 months that I did not have before taking Yasmin. I am & was not ever on any other kind of medication.

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a class action lawsuit against Yasmin.

I started taking Yasmin last October and the first three months I was on it, I was bleeding every day. It was the first time I ever got on a birth control pill. I stayed on the pill for a total of 6 months until one night I suddenly had severe abdominal pain along with nausea. It went bad from worse and I was rushed into emergency room later that day.

My diagnosis was acute pancreatitis due to high level of triglycerides. The doctors ran a series of tests, blood, ultrasound, CAT scan, and X-ray, etc. Their conclusion was Yasmin caused the dramatic increase of my triglycerides, and ultimately caused my acute pancreatitis.

My triglycerides level was below 200 before I started taking Yasmin and by May this year when I was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, my triglycerides was over 4,300!

After spending 3 weeks in hospital for pain control and being off food and water for a total of 2 weeks, I was able to go home and get on with my life. My doctor told me I should never take any form of birth control pills nor any kind of hormone. I stopped taking Yasmin since the day I was admitted.

If anyone knows of a lawsuit or a lawyer that is working on a case against Yasmin, please let me know.

I am now 21 and it's been almost a year since I stopped taking Yasmin.I was on it for about 6 months, and I put on some amount of weight at the beginning (about 5 pounds). It was only months later, that I finally suspected I might not be going crazy after all, and that my bouts of anxiety and depression might have something to do with the medication. It was an absolutely horrifying experience. Some research online confirmed that it could be the case and I stopped. The immediate flux in emotion disappeared but it was like a pandora's box of insecurity and self doubt had been opened, and I've only just learned to feel really comfortable with myself again.

I was put on Yasmin as a healthy 31 year old. I noticed severe foot and leg cramps shortly after taking Yasmin but didn't connect the two. At one point, after a severe leg cramp that left me with a sore leg that lasted more than a couple of days, I contacted my OBGYN to inquire about blood clots. The nurse asked me if I noticed any discoloration, swelling or 'hot spots'. When I told her no she said that I would know if I had a blood clot and there was nothing to worry about. The pain subsided after a couple of days and I attributed it to a pulled muscle. Almost a year later I developed severe chest pains and shortness of breath. A trip to the emergency room uncovered a massive pulmonary embolism. I was admitted to the hospital for 5 days and endured months of recovery to get back to good health. I was on a blood thinner for almost 9 months and still take a daily aspirin in combination with fish oil as a precaution. I can't tell you how I wish I had know just how serious the side effects might really be. I would urge all women to seriously consider all options before committing to a daily medication with these possible side effects. Best of luck to you all.

I've been on Yasmin for three years and the only real side effect I had was a worsening of my IBS and wheat intolerance. I was really happy with it until recently when I've started becoming moody and getting the monthly pains back. My IBS also got a lot worse lately too and I've put on weight without a change in diet. I think that it could possibly be that my natural hormones have changed so it doesn't interact that well anymore. Two of my friends have pretty much the same issue.
I don't think that Yasmin should be taken off the market as I'm sure it's still helping a lot of people. I have friends who are still very happy on Yasmin. I think these side effects are just like any medication, it works for some but not for others.
I'm now off the pill and I'm just gonna wait and see what happens. If my symptoms get better then at least I know its nothing more serious, if not then Yasmin was not to blame

I am so relieved to read all of this.
I have been on Yasmin for about 2 months, and it has been a nightmare.
I have suffered from heart palpitation, leg cramps, nausea, & severe depression.
I'm only 16, and I don't want this medication to ruin my life.
I was told that this will give me shorter and lighter periods.
I am currently on my 8th day of my cycle.
So much for "shorter."
I will never take this horrible pill again.
Thank you all for opening my eyes.
I thought I was going crazy.

WOW! I was prescribed Yasmin after seeing a new doctor, believe it or not, it was prescribed to try to treat my iron deficiency anemia. He believes that having extremely heavy menstrual cycles is the cause of my anemia and said that the Yasmin will help that. Now mind you, i don't have ANY gyn type problems, no fibroids, no cramping, endometriosis, etc. So now, after reading all of your posts, it really seems wrong to have prescribed me this medication. I don't like taking medicines, usually treat things with herbs and such so I have been very apprehensive.

Today was the day I was supposed to start taking it, and I just didn't feel right about it, so I decided to research it on the internet. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to those of you who have taken the time to care enough about other women you don't even know to post your side effects. I AM NOT TAKING THIS CRAZY PILL!!!

I have four young sons, a wonderful husband and my life's purpose is to help other women as a inspirational speaker. I have way too much to loose by taking a chance on this pill. Ridiculous!!!!

I am sooo glad I prayed about this before just following the doctors instructions. Because I did, I didn't feel comfortable and I researched it online. GOD IS SO GOOD! TRY CHRIST!!

I just spent the last 4 days in the hospital due to "status migrainosus" (a severe migraine that can only be treated by hospitalization/IV. I never had a migraine until 2 years ago when I was put on Yasmin to treat endometriosis. Since then I have been anxious, extremely emotional, experienced insomnia and had bad migraines. After reading all the comments on this site, I am convinced this is not a safe drug (at least for me) and have stopped taking it.

I was on Yasmin from November 2005 to February 2007. I didn't have a period until June 2007, and have only had 4 periods since then (and one was medically induced). I have been to a gynecologist and an endocrinologist. I have had a battery of blood tests done and all have come back normal. I have some more coming up.
Before going on Yasmin, my periods were relatively normal. I didn't have a "set your watch by it" kind of period, but I did have a period every single month (just different times during the month). While on Yasmin, I can't name specific side effects that I noticed. Looking back, breast tenderness increased (and continues), increased propensity to headaches and fatigue, and weight gain were all present. It is going off of it that has really messed up my system. My doctor originally thought I had PCOS, but blood tests have come back normal. I was even convinced, because since going off Yasmin, I have developed some of the classic symptoms. I am at a loss as to why my cycle has not returned to normal.
I am so frustrated, and while it is nice not to have periods, I want to know that I am okay. I am wondering if my being on Yasmin is still haunting me.
Has anyone else had difficulties for such an extended period after coming off of Yasmin?

I suffered a stroke 2 months ago thanks to taking the Yasmin birth control!!! I also discovered I had a pulmonary embolism a week following the stroke! I am outraged! This must be taken off the market! please let me know , i'd love to take part in any class action lawsuit!! Im a 30 year old, healthy woman,i was not smoking, drinking, etc, and exercised frequently...

Girls, I thought I was going crazy until I started reading all of these posts on the side effects of Yasmin. I have been off and on different types of pills for 15 years and have NEVER experienced anything like this. My breasts hurt so badly I can't even touch them, I have gained weight, am bloated, EXHAUSTED and so moody and off sex that my husband doesn't know what to think anymore. All of this after only 12 days of this nightmare pill. My doctor and another gyno friend told me to "ride it out" until I finish the pack and go back on Yasminelle (I live in Europe, don't know if it exists in the States), which I was on until last month. I cannot fathom taking this for another 10 days but am also worried about stopping a pill mid-cycle.

I have found all of this so surprising since I am quite healthy and have never experienced side effects from anything before (though it should be said that I have never taken tons of medication since I am rarely sick). I am also really active, always out and about, doing a million things at once and while I get tired like everyone else I am used to long, active days. Since I started this pill I have been going to sleep at 9.30pm and getting up at 7am!!!! And I'm still tired when I wake up!!!!

I have several girlfriends who have been taking Yasmin for years and absolutely love it, so I thought something was really wrong with me. I actually considered taking a pregnancy test though I think it's highly unlikely since I was on another pill last month and had a regular period two weeks ago.

I just can't wait for this all to be OVER. Something is wrong with this pill and my body.

I have a 16 year old daughter that has always been extremely healthy, very out going, very happy and energetic...until YAZ! My daughter was put on Yaz for irregular periods, it was nice that it helped her (very) mild acne. The first couple of months were fine, but then she started having a lot of symptoms...hair falling out, heart palpitations, bloating, depression, anger, crying, down mood all the time, I have rarely seen her smile in months, leg/joint pain, anxiety/nervousness, I can see her shake a lot, wanting to be by herself (which is totally not like her at all.) This medicine has helped her acne and period cramps, but totally destroyed her personality and her happiness! Is it worth the price...absolute NOT! I AM TAKING MY DAUGHTER OFF YAZ TODAY!!! Honestly, I do fear what this medicine could do to her life if she is not taken off of it ASAP. How sad this medication is even available, much less being prescribed to 16 year old! I only wish I would have known about this before my daughter took this evil pill! I am so sorry for those of you that have gone through all of this as well.

Hi Guys

I am taking Yasmin since May 2006. I have been suffering from chronic daily headaches since March 2006 and wondered if Yasmin could be a factor in this? For my headaches I have tried so many different things and not been successful and hadn't looked at the possibility that Yasmin could be a problem until I started to google it. What do you guys think? Could Yasmin be adding to my problem of chronic daily headaches? Cos I have the headaches all the time.

Any responses would be greatly appreciated!

Regards
Warda

I am 20 and have been on Yasmin a year and a half now and to be honest I am still not 100% completely convinced that Yasmin is the root of all my evils. To all of you who are having horrible side effects after a few days, give it time. Your body is trying to adjust to all the hormones you are putting into it and it’s doing its best to get back to normal. My first month was semi-bad, some nausea here and there and a little tenderness, but not enough to stop my life over. My doctor recommended taking the pill right before I went to bed so I could hopefully sleep though the nausea, which I usually did. After the first month I was perfectly fine and back to my normal life. I then switched to taking my pill in the morning so it was easier for me to remember. After reading countless “horror stories” on this website even I started saying, “oh my gosh, I have that….i have that too….and that!...its all because of that horrible Yasmin!” But then I had to take a step back and realize Yasmin is not to blame. Sure, I have panic attacks sometimes, but I have had those way before I started taking birth control and sure I get depressed sometimes, but what woman hasn’t at least once in their life? I didn’t lose or gain weight, my acne perhaps got a little better, and my breasts didn’t change an inch. My only questioning factor is that I don’t really have that big of a sex drive, but then I realized I never have. Now, before you all start yelling at me, I am not calling you liars in the least, I believe you and I feel sorry for all of you who have experienced bad things because of this or other birth control pills. For those of you who are thinking of taking Yasmin and are scared after reading all of these articles, remember, every body reacts to pills and medication differently. Thousands of people die every year from taking Tylenol and aspirin, but does that mean we should take these medicines completely off the shelves? Of course not. All I am saying is for every one Yasmin horror story there are thousands of very satisfied customers. Give it a try, you only have three months of your life to lose and so much to gain.