What is the closest pill to Yasmin? A Look at Generic and Alternative Contraceptives

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Yasmin, a popular oral contraceptive, contains a specific combination of hormones that makes it unique among birth control pills. For those seeking alternatives, understanding what is the closest pill to Yasmin? involves looking at both direct generic copies and similar hormonal formulations.

Quick Summary

The closest pills to Yasmin are its direct generics, containing the same drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol dose. Yaz is a closely related alternative but differs in estrogen dose, cycle length, and FDA-approved uses.

Key Points

Generic Equivalents: The most direct substitutes for Yasmin are its generic equivalents, such as Ocella, Syeda, and Zumandimine, which contain the exact same active ingredients (drospirenone 3mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.03mg).
Yaz's Differences: Yaz is a closely related alternative with the same hormones, but it uses a lower estrogen dose (20 mcg instead of 30 mcg) and a different cycle (24 active pills instead of 21).
Unique Progestin: The progestin drospirenone in Yasmin and its relatives has anti-androgenic and anti-mineralocorticoid properties, which can help with acne and bloating, respectively.
Risk Considerations: Birth control pills containing drospirenone have a slightly higher risk of blood clots compared to older formulations, a factor that must be discussed with a doctor.
Different Indications: While Yasmin is FDA-approved for contraception, Yaz holds additional approvals for treating moderate acne and PMDD.
Professional Guidance: Selecting the right birth control requires a consultation with a healthcare provider to evaluate your personal health history, risks, and treatment goals.

When considering alternatives to Yasmin, understanding its composition is key. Yasmin is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) that uses 3 mg of the progestin drospirenone and 0.03 mg (30 mcg) of the estrogen ethinyl estradiol in a monophasic formulation. Drospirenone is notable for its anti-androgenic and anti-mineralocorticoid effects, potentially helping with symptoms like acne and bloating. Therefore, alternatives are sought based on identical or similar hormonal profiles.

The Closest Generic Pills to Yasmin

The most direct replacements for Yasmin are its generic versions. These contain the exact same active ingredients at the same dosages as the brand-name drug. Generics offer a cost-effective option while providing the same efficacy.

Examples of common generic Yasmin pills include:

Ocella
Syeda
Yaela
Zumandimine
Lucette (primarily in the UK)

These generics provide the same hormonal balance and function as Yasmin, with variations mainly in inactive ingredients and manufacturers.

Yaz: A Closely Related Alternative

Yaz, also from Bayer, is another COC containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. However, Yaz uses a lower dose of ethinyl estradiol (20 mcg) compared to Yasmin's 30 mcg. This dosage difference can affect the side effect profile. Yaz also has a 24-day active pill cycle followed by 4 placebo pills, unlike Yasmin's 21 active and 7 placebo pills, which can lead to a shorter or lighter withdrawal bleed. Yaz is also FDA-approved for treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne, in addition to contraception, while Yasmin is only FDA-approved for contraception. The choice between Yaz and Yasmin often depends on the required estrogen dose and specific medical needs.

Other Oral Contraceptives with Similar Effects

Beyond direct generics and Yaz, other COCs might offer comparable benefits, particularly for managing acne or fluid retention, though they use different progestins. These alternative progestins may include levonorgestrel, desogestrel, or norgestimate. While not as chemically similar as Yasmin's generics, these can be viable options depending on individual health factors. Switching requires consultation with a healthcare provider to assess potential side effects and therapeutic goals.

Comparison: Yasmin, Generics, and Yaz

Below is a comparison highlighting the key aspects of Yasmin, its generics, and Yaz.


Feature	Yasmin	Generic Yasmin (e.g., Ocella, Syeda)	Yaz
Active Ingredients	Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol	Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol	Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol
Estrogen Dose	0.03 mg (30 mcg)	0.03 mg (30 mcg)	0.02 mg (20 mcg)
Progestin Dose	3 mg	3 mg	3 mg
Pill Cycle	21 active / 7 placebo	21 active / 7 placebo	24 active / 4 placebo
FDA Indications	Contraception	Contraception	Contraception, PMDD, Acne
Approximate Cost	Higher	Lower	Variable, often higher than generics

The Role of Drospirenone in Yasmin

The progestin drospirenone is a key component in Yasmin and its close relatives. It has effects similar to spironolactone, functioning as a diuretic and possessing anti-androgenic properties. This can help mitigate fluid retention, bloating, and acne. It's important to note that drospirenone has been linked to a slightly increased risk of blood clots compared to older progestins, particularly within the first year of use. Therefore, a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider about individual risk factors is crucial before starting a drospirenone-containing pill.

Conclusion

For those asking what is the closest pill to Yasmin?, the most identical options are its generic versions like Ocella and Syeda, which share the same hormonal makeup. Yaz is a close alternative with the same active ingredients but a lower estrogen dose and a different pill schedule. Yaz also has additional FDA approvals for PMDD and moderate acne. The most suitable choice is ultimately determined by a discussion with a healthcare provider, taking into account medical history, potential risks, and individual health goals.

Visit Drugs.com for detailed comparison of oral contraceptives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The generic versions of Yasmin contain the identical combination of 3 mg of drospirenone and 0.03 mg (30 mcg) of ethinyl estradiol. Common generic brand names include Ocella, Syeda, Yaela, and Zumandimine.

Yaz is different from Yasmin in three key ways: it contains a lower dose of estrogen (0.02 mg vs. 0.03 mg), it has a 24-day active pill cycle instead of 21, and it is also FDA-approved to treat moderate acne and PMDD.

Yes, Ocella is a direct generic equivalent of Yasmin and contains the exact same active ingredients and dosages. By FDA standards, generics must have the same safety and effectiveness as the brand-name version, so Ocella works the same way to prevent pregnancy.

Yes, the side effect profile for a generic version of Yasmin, such as Ocella, should be the same as the brand-name pill because they contain the same active ingredients. Any differences are likely due to individual reactions to the medication or inactive ingredients.

A doctor might prescribe Yaz over Yasmin if a patient is sensitive to estrogen and requires a lower dose (20 mcg). Yaz is also specifically FDA-approved for managing the symptoms of PMDD and treating moderate acne in women who also need contraception.

Yes, there are many other oral contraceptives with different formulations. Some contain different types of progestins (e.g., levonorgestrel or desogestrel) but provide similar contraceptive effects. These are not as pharmacologically similar to Yasmin as its generics or Yaz.

Yes, the progestin drospirenone can increase potassium levels in the body, a condition known as hyperkalemia. This is why a doctor may monitor potassium levels, especially if you have kidney or adrenal issues, or take other medications that increase potassium.

While both Yasmin and Yaz can help with acne due to their drospirenone content, Yaz is specifically FDA-approved for treating moderate acne in eligible women. A doctor will help determine which dosage and formulation is best for your specific skin concerns.

A standard Yasmin pack contains 21 active pills and 7 inactive (placebo) pills, leading to a typical 7-day pill-free interval. Yaz has 24 active pills and only 4 inactive pills, which results in a shorter hormone-free interval and can lead to a shorter and lighter period.