Yaz is a low-dose birth control pill that is still highly effective when taken consistently. It contains drospirenone, which also helps manage acne and PMDD. If you’re unsure whether a lower or higher-dose pill suits your health goals, Your Doctors Online can help you compare Yaz with alternatives like Estarylla or Yasmin during your virtual consultation.

Breast tenderness or slight swelling is a common hormonal side effect during the first few months of taking Yaz. These effects are usually temporary and subside as the body adjusts to the hormones. If symptoms persist or cause discomfort, our online doctors can assess whether a different birth control or hormonal medication like Mili is better for you.

Yaz and Yasmin contain the same progestin (drospirenone), but Yaz has a lower estrogen dose (20 mcg vs. 30 mcg in Yasmin). Both have a slightly increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared to older birth control pills. The safer option depends on the individual’s age, smoking status, BMI, and medical history.

Clinical studies have not shown significant long-term weight gain with Yaz. Some women may experience mild water retention or appetite changes, but these effects are not usually substantial.  If you’re noticing significant changes or are also taking medications like Spironolactone or Lexapro that may influence weight, a doctor from Your Doctors Online can review your complete medication profile.

Combination pills that contain drospirenone, like Yaz, have a slightly higher risk of blood clots compared to those with older forms of progestin. However, all hormonal birth control carries some risk, especially in smokers over 35, people with clotting disorders, or those with certain cardiovascular conditions. Women with migraines, hypertension, or clotting disorders should consult a professional.

Yaz may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, mood changes, breakthrough bleeding, and breast tenderness. It may not be suitable for women with liver disease, a history of blood clots, or certain types of migraines. Additionally, it may slightly increase potassium levels, requiring monitoring in patients with kidney or adrenal disorders.

Although Ozempic is safe when taken according to the doctor’s prescription, during the first few weeks, you can expect to experience the following symptoms: 

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain 
• Diarrhea/Constipation
• Loss of appetite

These side effects will subside as your body adjusts to the medication. To minimize discomfort, your doctor will usually start you on a low dose of 0.25 mg and gradually increase it only if needed.

Smoking is the first and most important thing to avoid while taking Yaz. It’s also important to avoid certain medications and herbal supplements as per the healthcare provider’s direction.

Ozempic comes as a pre-filled injectable pen. You’ll have to administer the injection under your skin once a week. Common injection sites are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your online Ozempic doctor will instruct you on how to use the pen correctly. The typical starting dose is 0.25 mg once weekly for the first month, which is then increased to 0.5 mg once weekly. Over time, the dose can be further adjusted if needed. 

Ozempic is generally a long-term treatment for type 2 diabetes. There is no fixed duration. Many patients stay on it for years as long as it’s controlling their blood sugar well and not causing significant side effects. Stopping Ozempic abruptly can cause your blood sugars to rise again. If you ever wish to discontinue or take a break consult your doctor to plan a safe transition. 

If you forget to take your weekly Ozempic dose, the action to take depends on how long it’s been since the missed dose:

• If you’re within 5 days of the missed dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. For example, if your usual injection day is Tuesday and you remember on Thursday, go ahead and inject it. Then continue with your next dose on your regular scheduled day the following week.
• If it’s been more than 5 days: Skip the missed dose entirely. Wait and take your next dose on your normal day. Do not double up doses or inject more to make up for the missed one.

In case of any confusion, you can always visit our virtual clinic to take follow-ups. 

Ozempic is not the first line of treatment for type 2 diabetes. The first line of treatment usually involves:

• Lifestyle modification
• Metformin – a widely used oral tablet that helps lower glucose production in the liver
• SGLT2 inhibitors – such as Jardiance, Farxiga, or Invokana, which help the body get rid of extra sugar through urine
• Other GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Trulicity or Rybelsus, which work similarly to Ozempic but may be taken orally or as once-weekly injections

Ozempic is usually prescribed later if:

• Your blood sugar (A1C) stays high despite trying other medications
• You need additional support with weight management as part of your diabetes care
• You have certain heart or kidney conditions, for which Ozempic has shown added benefits