For many women, the contraceptive pill offers benefits beyond birth control, such as making periods lighter and shorter. But now there’s a pill that goes even further, helping even out the hormonal fluctuations you may experience each month.

As most of us know, the monthly cycle brings its challenges. Problems such as headaches, water retention, acne and oily skin are common at ‘that time of
the month’, even for some women on ‘the pill’.

But with so many advances in the type and dose of contraceptive pills now available, many of these problems can now be avoided. As well as helping alleviate heavy, painful periods, some contraceptive pills can help combat associated bloating and oily skin too.

WHAT ABOUT EMOTIONAL UPS AND DOWNS?
Though the pill has come a long way, it has up until now been difficult to avoid the emotional ups and downs that may occur month on month.

These symptoms may be the result of hormonal withdrawal when switching from your ‘active’ pills to your hormone-free ‘sugar’ pills, or in some cases a ‘pill-free’ period.

But now, thanks to an innovative new pill, even this problem can
be addressed.

INTRODUCING YAZ
Yaz is a new and unique oral contraceptive that may help even out your monthly hormonal fluctuations. It can even help treat severe emotional and physical symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. Like other combined pills, Yaz contains two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen. What’s different about Yaz, is that it provides a low dose of hormones over more days each month.

THE 24/4 PILL
Traditional pills work on a 21/7 regimen, made up of 21 active pills followed by seven inactive pills each month (or no pills at all). It’s in this latter stage where the hormonal drop-off occurs.

Yaz, on the other hand, is made up of 24 active pills and only four inactive sugar pills, resulting in a shorter hormonal withdrawal period and fewer hormonal fluctuations during ‘that time of the month’.

It’s the first 24/4 pill available in New Zealand, offering a new level of freedom from those ups and downs.



YAZ FACTS

• Three additional active pills to help even out monthly hormonal fluctuations
• May improve acne
• May make periods lighter, shorter and less painful
• Similar side-effects to other contraceptive pills
• Costs around $25 a month.

---

YAZ is an unfunded Prescription Medicine and a charge will apply. The active tablets of YAZ contain 20mcg ethinyloestradiol and 3mg drospirenone. YAZ is an oral contraceptive. YAZ is also used for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and for women with moderate acne who also require oral contraception. YAZ is not to be used where there is a presence or history of blood clots in the legs or lungs, severe cardiovascular events such as stroke, severe liver disease, cancer of the breast or reproductive organs, migraine, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, unexplained vaginal bleeding, severe renal insufficiency, during pregnancy or where there is an allergy to any of the ingredients of the preparation. Precaution is required for medical conditions known to deteriorate during pregnancy or lactation, decreased glucose tolerance or increased potassium levels. It is important to discuss the rare but serious risks of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events with your doctor. These risks may increase with age, cigarette smoking, obesity and a family history of blood clotting disorders. Common side effects include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, weight changes, altered mood, breast pain or tenderness. See your doctor or other health professional in case of side effects. Use strictly as directed. For starting instructions and advice on missed tablets refer to the pack or Consumer Medicine Information at www.medsafe.govt.nz or phone Bayer Schering Pharma 0800 80 45 45, Bayer New Zealand Limited PO Box 2825 Auckland 1140. L.NZ.02.2010.0002. TAPS NA3952

Top of page Print this page