Pamela asked
Is Yaz and Nikki the same?
Answer
Yaz and Nikki contain the same active ingredients, in the same amounts (ethinyl estradiol 0.02mg and drospirenone 3mg). They are both indicted to prevent pregnancy as well as treat acne vulgaris and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Yaz and Nikki can be switched between one another and other brand names containing the same active ingredients (e.g. Gianvi, Vestura and Loryna).
Some pharmacies will switch to carrying different brand names of birth control pills and will switch between them depending on what they have in stock. This is fine as long as they have the same amount of active ingredients, are considered bioequivalent, and the doctor does not specify they cannot be switched.
It is important to note that while the active ingredients are the same for both Yaz and Nikki, they do have different inactive ingredients, which is why the tablets look different.
Below are the ingredients for both Yaz and Nikki.
Yaz Ingredients
The 24 active, hormone pills contain:
- Drospirenone 3 mg
- Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02 mg
- Corn Starch
- Ferric Oxide
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Talc
- Titanium Dioxide
The 4 inactive, placebo pills contain:
- Corn Starch
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Povidone
- Talc
- Titanium Dioxide
Nikki Ingredients
The 24 active, hormone pills contain:
- Drospirenone 3mg
- Ethinyl Estradiol 0.02mg
- Corn Starch
- Ferric Oxide
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Pregelatinized Corn Starch
- Talc
- Titanium Dioxide
The 4 inactive, placebo pills contain:
- Corn Starch
- Hypromellose
- Lactose
- Magnesium Stearate
- Polyethylene Glycol
- Pregelatinized Starch
- Titanium Dioxide
Information About Ethinyl Estradiol / Drospirenone
The two hormones ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone are contained in these combination pills and are used to prevent pregnancy. They are also indicted for the treatment of acne and PMDD. These pills do not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
How It Works
Birth control pills mostly work by preventing ovulation by maintaining steady hormone levels in the body. However, other changes to the cervical mucus a lining of the uterus can also help. Changes in cervical mucus can make it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and a change in the lining of the uterus would reduce the change of implantation.
Drospirenone is a unique progestin and is considered a "fourth-generation" progestin. It is similar to spironolactone and has both antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic properties. In addition to contraceptive use, drospirenone can reduce acne as well as alleviate premenstrual complaints, such as:
- Negative mood
- Water retention
- Increased appetite
Both Yaz and Nikki also contain 24 active pills, as opposed to the more commonly seen 21 active pill regimens. The extra 3 days of active pills are thought to help reduce premenstrual symptoms.
Contraindications
Birth control should not be used in women who have:
- Blood clotting disorders or history of blood clots
- Coronary artery disease
- Cerebral vascular disease
- Known or suspected breast or uterine cancer
- Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding Liver disease, liver cancer, jaundice, or previous jaundice with pill use Known or suspected pregnancy
Warnings
Smoking while taking birth control pills can increase the risk of having cardiovascular side effects (heart attack, stroke, blood clot). Smoking should be avoided. This risk increases with heavy smoking and with age. The risk is significantly higher in women over the age of 35 years.
Potential Side Effects
- Nausea
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Weight gain
- Breast tenderness
- Headache
- Spotting and/or breakthrough bleeding or other changes in menstrual cycle
Other Information
- Consult your doctor when starting any new medications, over-the-counter medications, or supplements.
- Birth control pills may interact with: rifampin, anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine), and some antibiotics (penicillins, tetracycline, griseofulvin).
- If you suspect you might be pregnant, consult a doctor immediately, as this medication may be harmful to a fetus.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction, breast discharge or lumps, pain or swelling or unusual redness in your lower legs, chest pain or tightness, numbness or weakness in arms or legs or on one side of the body, dark urine or pale stool, or yellowing of the skin or eye.
