Download If you are taking Yasmin or Yaz…

University of Virginia
Department of Student Health
Gynecology Clinic
If you are taking Yasmin or Yaz…
Your oral contraceptive pill is different from other brands. Like most combined oral
contraceptives, Yasmin and Yaz contain ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen). But
instead of a progestin (synthetic progesterone) like all other hormonal contraceptives,
Yasmin and Yaz contain drospirenone, which is closely related to spironolactone, a
medication that can be used in higher doses to treat high blood pressure.
Drospirenone interferes with the normal functioning of your kidneys in such a way as
to prevent the excretion of potassium. When potassium is not excreted by the
kidneys, it can build up in the bloodstream. If the levels become too high, you are at
risk for an irregular heart rhythm. Although rarely fatal in young people, an irregular
heart beat can be dangerous by causing lightheadedness or fainting.
To reduce your chance of this potentially serious complication, you should avoid
taking other medications that can also raise your potassium levels.
If you are taking Yasmim or Yaz, do not take any of the following without checking
with your health care provider first:
• More than 200 mg per day of pain or arthritis medicine such as aspirin,
ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium (also known as NSAIDs), whether generic or
brand names such as Advil®, Motrin®, Naprosyn® ,Nuprin®, Aleve®, Bextra®,
Celebrex®, Ecotrin®.
• A potassium supplement, or a diuretic ("water pill") such as spironolactone,
triamterene, or Aldactone®.
• A salt substitute such as Nu-Salt®, AlsoSalt®, LoSalt® or others.
• An ACE inhibitor such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Capoten®,
Lotrel®, Mavik®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Vasotec®, Zestoretic®, or Zestril®.
• Angiotensin II receptor inhibitors such as Cozaar®, Diovan®, Avapro®, and others
• Heparin.
• Sports drinks with electrolytes.
You should also avoid eating large amounts (more than three servings per day) of
high-potassium foods. See the reverse of this page for a list of common foods that
are high in potassium (from: http://www.kidney.org/ATOZ/atozItem.cfm?id=103).
C.M. Peterson, M.D. July 2008
What foods are high in potassium (greater than 200 milligrams per
portion)?
The following table lists foods that are high in potassium. The portion size is ½
cup unless otherwise stated. Please be sure to check portion sizes. While all the
foods on this list are high in potassium, some are higher than others.
High-Potassium Foods
Fruits
Vegetables
Other Foods
Apricot , raw (2 medium)
dried (5 halves)
Acorn Squash
Artichoke
Bran/Bran products
Avocado (¼ whole)
Bamboo Shoots
Chocolate (1.5-2 ounces)
Banana (½ whole)
Baked Beans
Granola
Cantaloupe
Butternut Squash
Milk, all types (1 cup)
Dates (5 whole)
Refried Beans
Molasses (1 Tablespoon)
Dried fruits
Beets, fresh then boiled
Figs, dried
Black Beans
Grapefruit Juice
Broccoli, cooked
Nutritional Supplements:
Use only under the
direction of your doctor
or dietitian. Nuts/seeds
Honeydew
Brussels Sprouts
Nuts and Seeds (1 ounce)
Kiwi (1 medium)
Chinese Cabbage
Peanut Butter (2 tbs.)
Mango(1 medium)
Carrots, raw
Salt Substitutes/Lite Salt
Nectarine(1 medium)
Dried Beans and Peas
Salt Free Broth
Orange(1 medium)
Greens, except Kale
Snuff/Chewing Tobacco
Orange Juice
Hubbard Squash
Yogurt
Papaya (½ whole)
Kohlrabi
Pomegranate (1 whole)
Lentils
Pomegranate Juice
Legumes
Prunes
Mushrooms, canned
Prune Juice
Parsnips
Raisins
Potatoes, white and sweet
Pumpkin
Rutabagas
Spinach, cooked
Tomatoes/Tomato products
Vegetable Juices
C.M. Peterson, M.D. July 2008