Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) and also cause changes in your cervical and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

The combination of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is also used to treat moderate acne in women who are at least 14 years old and have started having menstrual periods, and who wish to use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy.

This medication is also used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), such as anxiety, depression, irritability, trouble concentrating, lack of energy, sleep or appetite changes, breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, headache, and weight gain.

Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant.

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a heart valve disorder, breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, kidney or liver disease, an adrenal gland disorder, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to drospirenone or ethinyl estradiol, or if you have:

• uncontrolled high blood pressure, migraine headaches, or a heart valve disorder;

• a history of stroke, blood clot, or circulation problems of diabetes;

• kidney or liver disease;

• adrenal gland disorder;

• unusual vaginal bleeding;

• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer; or

• a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.

• high blood pressure or heart disease;

• high cholesterol or if you are overweight;

• liver cancer;

• gallbladder disease;

• diabetes;

• seizures or epilepsy; or

• a history of depression, irregular menstrual cycles, or history of breast or uterine cancer.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

The hormones in this medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Drospirenone may raise potassium levels in your blood. Other medical conditions can also affect potassium levels, including liver disease, kidney disease, and adrenal gland disorders. Before using drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions.