What Is Yaz 28? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Yaz 28 is a combination oral contraceptive pill (birth control pill) containing two hormones: drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. It's manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and has been FDA-approved since 2006. It's one of the most widely prescribed birth control pills in the United States, used not only to prevent pregnancy but also to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne.

What Are the FDA-Approved Uses of Yaz 28?

Yaz 28 is FDA-approved for three distinct indications in females who can become pregnant:

Contraception — preventing pregnancy. When taken correctly, combination oral contraceptives are about 91% effective with typical use and up to 99% effective with perfect use.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) — a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) causing significant emotional and physical symptoms in the 10–14 days before menstruation. Yaz 28 is FDA-approved to treat PMDD symptoms in patients who also choose oral contraception.

Moderate acne — for females 14 years of age or older who have started having menstrual periods and who also want to use an oral contraceptive. The anti-androgenic properties of drospirenone help reduce hormonal breakouts.

Yaz 28 is also sometimes used off-label for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though it is not FDA-approved for this indication.

What Are the Active Ingredients in Yaz 28?

Each active (light pink) tablet in Yaz 28 contains:

Drospirenone 3 mg — a synthetic progestin (progesterone analogue) that is a spironolactone analogue, meaning it has anti-mineralocorticoid and anti-androgenic properties

Ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg (20 mcg) — a synthetic estrogen; the 0.02 mg dose is considered a low-dose formulation

Each pack also contains 4 white inert (placebo) tablets that contain no active medication. These are taken during the last 4 days of the cycle to help maintain the daily pill-taking habit and allow for a withdrawal bleed.

How Do You Take Yaz 28?

The dosing regimen for Yaz 28 is a 24/4 format — 24 active pink pills followed by 4 white placebo pills. This is slightly different from the more traditional 21/7 pill (21 active + 7 placebo) used by many other birth control pills.

Take 1 tablet daily, at the same time each day, preferably after the evening meal or at bedtime

Take the tablets in the order shown on the blister pack — do not skip or rearrange

Start on Day 1 of your menstrual period or on the first Sunday after your period begins

For the first 7 days of the first pack, use backup contraception (condoms) unless you started on Day 1 of your period

Begin each new pack the day after the last placebo tablet — do not take a pill-free break between packs

What Happens If You Miss a Dose?

Missed 1 active pill: Take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking 2 at once the next day. Backup contraception is not needed.

Missed 2 active pills in a row in Week 1 or 2: Take 2 pills per day for 2 days in a row, then resume normal schedule. Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Missed 2 or more pills in Week 3 or 4: Discard the remaining pack and start a new pack the same day. Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Missed placebo pills: Discard missed placebo pills and continue taking placebo pills until the pack is empty. Backup contraception is not needed.

Who Should Not Take Yaz 28?

Yaz 28 is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take it if you:

Smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old

Have kidney, liver, or adrenal disease

Have or have had blood clots, stroke, or heart attack

Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease

Have breast, uterine, cervical, or vaginal cancer

Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Generic Versions of Yaz 28

The first generic versions of Yaz 28 launched in 2010. As of 2026, nine or more FDA-approved generics are available, including Loryna, Nikki, Gianvi, Syeda, Jasmiel, Lo-Zumandimine, Vestura, Ocella, and Zarah. All are bioequivalent to brand Yaz 28 and significantly less expensive.

For a full breakdown of cost options, see our guide on how to save money on Yaz 28.