Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. This is Yaz, and it's a birth control pill. It has other uses, too. 

First, you and your doctor will decide what day to start Yaz. You can start it on the first day of your period. Or, you can start it on the first Sunday after your period starts. You should read the instructions in the package for full information, and to know when it will start working. 

You should take Yaz once a day, at the same time each day. Take the tablets in the order that is directed on the package. It is very important to not miss doses. Be sure to refer to the instructions if you do miss a dose, or if you miss a period.

Side effects include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, and light bleeding between periods. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With birth control pills, this includes blood clots, heart attack or stroke. Because of these, you should not use Yaz if you are over 35 and you smoke cigarettes. 

Some medicines interact with Yaz and can make it less effective. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, like antibiotics.

Birth control pills should not be taken during pregnancy. But, they are not known to cause harm if they are taken by accident. 

It is important to know that birth control pills do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

For best results with Yaz, take it exactly as directed, and plan ahead for refills.