Comparison
Yaz vs Yasmin
Quick answer
Same progestin (drospirenone 3 mg), different estrogen dose and pack. Yaz has 20 mcg ethinylestradiol in 24 + 4 tablets; Yasmin has 30 mcg in 21 tablets with a 7-day break.
Yaz vs Yasmin at a glance
| Yaz | Yasmin | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | drospirenone 3 mg + ethinylestradiol 20 mcg | drospirenone 3 mg + ethinylestradiol 30 mcg |
| Type | Combined pill | Combined pill |
| Estrogen | 20 mcg ethinylestradiol | 30 mcg ethinylestradiol |
| Pack | 28 tablets (24 hormone + 4 other) | 21 tablets (21 hormone), then 7-day break |
| Price from | ₱889 a pack | ₱905.75 a pack |
| Per year | ₱11,557 | ₱11,775 |
| Breastfeeding | Not in the early months | Not in the early months |
The difference, explained
Yaz and Yasmin are both Bayer drospirenone pills. The only active difference is the estrogen dose: Yaz has 20 mcg, Yasmin 30 mcg. Yaz is taken for 24 days with 4 inactive tablets; Yasmin for 21 days, then a 7-day break with no tablets.
The lower dose in Yaz can mean lighter or absent withdrawal bleeds, which surprises some people on the placebo week.[src] It also means the stricter missed-pill rule: 2 or more missed pills means condoms for 7 days, versus 3 or more for Yasmin.[src] If you often forget pills, that matters.
Both have lower-priced twins: Lizelle and Ermina for Yaz, Liza and Erin for Yasmin. We could not find a current retail listing for Yasmin itself, so check availability before you rely on it.
Which may suit you
- Yaz may suit you if: You and your doctor prefer the lower estrogen dose and a shorter break.
- Yasmin may suit you if: You want the more forgiving 30 mcg missed-pill rule or a predictable monthly bleed.
Your doctor decides with your full health history. Not sure where to start? Try Find my method.
Three legal routes
Get a prescription
All birth control pills need a prescription in the Philippines. Pick the route that suits you. For adults 18 and over.
Free at a health center
Barangay health centers, RHUs, DOH hospitals and Likhaan. Subject to supply.
See an OB-GYN in person
Clinic visit, prescription in hand. Bring it to any licensed pharmacy.
Online consult
A licensed doctor by video or chat. From ₱700 on some platforms.
Online consult options
For adults 18 and over. Fees are set by each provider and can change.
Frequently asked questions
Is Yaz stronger than Yasmin?
No. Yaz has less estrogen (20 mcg vs 30 mcg); the progestin is the same.
Can I switch from Yasmin to Yaz?
Usually yes, with your doctor's advice. Start the new pack without a gap.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or switching birth control.
Sources
- Managing missed pills (Family Planning Handbook), WHO and Johns Hopkins CCP
- Placebo week, r/PCOSPhilippines
- Oral contraceptives category, Watsons PH
- Prescription Pharmacy: Contraceptive Agents, Rose Pharmacy