What is the brand name for Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol?
The most common brand name for Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol is Yaz / Yasmin.
PTCE Top 200 · #154
Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol
Yaz / Yasmin
Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol is the generic name for the brand-name drug Yaz. It is a combined oral contraceptive used to treat birth control, acne, PMDD. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol ranks #154 and is one of the most frequently tested hormones/women's health medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Yaz / Yasmin |
| Drug class | Combined oral contraceptive |
| Class group | Hormones/Women's Health |
| Common use | birth control, acne, PMDD |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol used for?
Prevention of pregnancy (combined oral contraceptive).
What drug class is Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol?
Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol is a Combined oral contraceptive in the Hormones/Women's Health group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightBreast tenderness
- arrow_rightHeadache
- arrow_rightBreakthrough bleeding
- arrow_rightMood changes
Major interactions
- arrow_rightEnzyme inducers (rifampin, certain anticonvulsants, St. John's wort) → reduced contraceptive efficacy
- arrow_rightDrugs that increase potassium (ACEi/ARB, spironolactone, NSAIDs) → hyperkalemia risk with drospirenone (monitor)
- arrow_rightLamotrigine → decreased lamotrigine levels
Is Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol a controlled substance?
No. Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: CIGARETTE SMOKING AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS. Smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combined oral contraceptives; do not use in women >35 who smoke.
How to remember Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol (PTCE mnemonic)
YAZ = 'YASs less acne/PMS' — DROspirenone (anti-aldosterone) + EE. ↑K+ ('DROPs' K+ retention — avoid with ACE/ARB/K-supps); clot risk; NO smoking >35yo.
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PTCE exam tip
Drospirenone's twist: it's spironolactone-like, so it can RAISE potassium — plus the Yaz/Yasmin approvals for acne and PMDD. The smoking boxed warning applies.
Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol FAQ
What is Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol used for?
Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol is used to treat birth control, acne, PMDD. Prevention of pregnancy (combined oral contraceptive).
What drug class is Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol?
Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol is a Combined oral contraceptive (Hormones/Women's Health group).
Is Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol a controlled substance?
No. Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Hormones/Women's Health group
Drill Drospirenone / Ethinyl Estradiol the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).