What is Yacella?
Yacella is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing drospirenone and ethinylestradiol. It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and altering the uterine lining.
How to Take Yacella for the First Time
For effective contraception, take Yacella at the same time daily, following the blister pack's order. You can start on the first day of your period for immediate protection, or on days 2-5 with additional contraception for the first 7 days. When switching from another combined contraceptive, ring, or patch, start Yacella the day after the last active dose of your previous method.
The Standard 21/7 Dosing Schedule
A Yacella pack typically contains 21 active tablets.
- Take one tablet daily for 21 days.
- Follow the arrows on the pack.
- Have a 7-day tablet-free interval.
- A withdrawal bleed, similar to a period, usually occurs during this break.
- Start a new pack on the 8th day, maintaining the same start day each week.
Managing Missed Pills
Missing a pill can reduce protection. Actions depend on the delay and week in the cycle.
If You Miss One Pill (or are less than 12 hours late)
If less than 12 hours late, take the missed pill when remembered and the next at the usual time. Protection is not reduced.
If You Are More Than 12 Hours Late (or miss more than one pill)
If more than 12 hours late, protection may be reduced.
- Week 1: Take the missed pill immediately, continue the pack, and use a barrier method for 7 days. Consider pregnancy risk if unprotected sex occurred in the prior 7 days.
- Week 2: Take the missed pill immediately and continue the pack. No extra precautions are needed if pills were taken correctly for the 7 days before the miss. If more than one pill was missed, use a barrier method for 7 days.
- Week 3: Risk of pregnancy is high due to the upcoming break. Options are to finish the current pack and start the next without a break, or stop the current pack and take a 7-day break (including the missed day) before starting a new pack.
| Missed Pill Scenario | Immediate Action | Additional Protection Needed? | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 12 hours late | Take the pill as soon as you remember. | No. | Continue the pack as normal. |
| > 12 hours late (Week 1) | Take the missed pill immediately, continue the pack. | Yes, use condoms for 7 days. | Consider emergency contraception if you had sex in the previous 7 days. |
| > 12 hours late (Week 2) | Take the missed pill immediately, continue the pack. | Only if you missed more than 1 pill; use condoms for 7 days. | Continue the pack as normal. |
| > 12 hours late (Week 3) | Option 1: Finish pack and start next pack immediately (no break). | No, if pills were taken correctly before the miss. | You will skip your withdrawal bleed for that cycle. |
| Option 2: Stop pack, take 7-day break (including missed days), then start new pack. | Yes, if you choose this option and did not take pills correctly before the miss. | Your cycle schedule will shift. |
Special Situations
- Vomiting or Severe Diarrhea: Vomiting within a few hours or severe diarrhea may prevent full absorption. Take another pill from a reserve pack within a certain timeframe of the usual time.
- Postponing a Period: Skip the 7-day break and start a new pack immediately after the current one.
Conclusion
Consistent daily use of Yacella is key to its effectiveness. Familiarize yourself with the missed pill guidelines. For any uncertainties, consult the patient leaflet or a healthcare professional. Yacella prevents pregnancy but not STIs.
