Yira

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Yira

Yira is a prescription-only synthetic hormonal product classified as a Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) used primarily for the prevention of pregnancy in women of reproductive age. This medication is taken orally as a fixed-dose combination presented in a film-coated tablet.


Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredients Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol
Form Film-coated tablet
Pharmacological Class Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC)
Primary Purpose Prevention of pregnancy (Contraception)
Origin Synthetic hormonal product

What Type of Medicine is Yira? (Classification and Identity)

Yira belongs to the pharmacological class of Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs), a category defined by its dual composition of a synthetic estrogen and a synthetic progestin. This classification establishes its function as a systemic regulator of the reproductive cycle. This hormone class is recognized for its efficacy in preventing ovulation. As a monophasic regimen, each active tablet contains a consistent amount of the hormones throughout the active dosing schedule, ensuring steady systemic control.

Yira's Active Ingredients: Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol (Composition and Origin)

The core composition of Yira includes the two active ingredients: the synthetic progestin Drospirenone and the synthetic estrogen Ethinyl Estradiol. These are chemically manufactured steroid hormones intended for oral administration. The Drospirenone component, in particular, distinguishes this formulation; it is structurally unique because it exhibits both antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic properties, which can be a key consideration for specific patient groups. The entire preparation is confirmed to be of synthetic hormonal origin.

What is Yira's Main General Purpose? (Primary Benefit)

The main general purpose of Yira is to provide highly effective contraception, making prevention of pregnancy the core therapeutic objective of this COC. This combination provides a predictable hormonal profile used in scenarios requiring reliable cycle control. The efficacy results from a multi-layered physiological action that includes the primary mechanism of ovulation inhibition—stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg—and secondary effects like the thickening of cervical mucus and altering the endometrial lining. This systemic hormonal control also supports consistent and predictable cycle regulation.

Regulatory References

  1. Ethinyl Estradiol and Drosperinone (Oral Contraceptive): MedlinePlus Drug Information
  2. Oral Contraceptive Pills (Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill-COC) - NCBI Bookshelf

What side effects are possible with Yira?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information for Yira

The safety information for Yira, as outlined in governmental regulatory documents (e.g., FDA, EMA), centers on the potential for serious infections and malignancy, risks which are highlighted in warnings.

Serious and Clinically Significant Risks

The regulatory label includes a prominent warning regarding the risk of Serious Infections, including fatal cases. These infections may involve opportunistic pathogens such as Tuberculosis (TB), bacterial sepsis, and invasive fungal infections. Pre-treatment screening for latent TB infection is required, and latent TB treatment must be initiated prior to starting Yira.

Reports of Malignancy, including lymphoma, have occurred, with some cases being fatal. Post-marketing cases of a rare T-cell lymphoma (Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma) have been noted, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Other serious risks noted in official labeling include new onset or worsening Heart Failure, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) reactivation in carriers, and new onset or exacerbation of Demyelinating Disease.

Adverse Reactions and Safety Limitations

Adverse reactions that are Common (occurring in ge 1/100 to < 1/10 patients) typically include infections (such as upper respiratory tract infection and sinusitis), injection site reactions, headache, and rash. The drug is Contraindicated for use in patients with an active, serious infection. Concomitant administration with live vaccines or certain other immunosuppressants is restricted due to the potential for increased risk of serious infections. Patients require continuous monitoring for signs of infection, blood count abnormalities (e.g., cytopenias), and neurological symptoms.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose of a combined oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, such as Yira, is generally not associated with serious or life-threatening acute effects according to official regulatory documentation. Taking an amount greater than the prescribed dose requires the individual to seek immediate medical attention.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Official regulatory prescribing information documents the clinical presentation of an acute overdose is typically limited and may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Vaginal Bleeding: This is often described as withdrawal bleeding in females post-puberty, a manifestation related to the hormonal content.

Emergency Actions and Management

When an overdose is suspected or confirmed, the regulatory mandate is to contact emergency services or a poison control center for immediate guidance. The management of an overdose is restricted to symptomatic and supportive treatment, as a specific antidote is not known for this combination product. Management focuses on addressing the observed clinical signs. Hospital monitoring may be required depending on the severity of the presenting symptoms.

Therapeutic Uses of Yira

Quick Facts

  • Primary Use: Preventing pregnancy.

Therapeutic Indications

Yira is indicated for oral contraception to prevent pregnancy. It is a combined hormonal contraceptive that utilizes two active substances, a progestagen and an estrogen, to exert its therapeutic effect. The primary mechanism of action involves the inhibition of ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. Additionally, it modifies the lining of the uterus and alters cervical mucus, contributing to its high effectiveness in preventing conception.

Before initiating the use of any combined hormonal contraceptive, individuals should consult with a healthcare professional to review their health status, particularly concerning their risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE).

The use of combined oral contraceptives provides a reliable, reversible method of birth control when taken as directed. Individuals must follow the prescribed regimen consistently for the greatest efficacy.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Yira is an oral contraceptive officially established for use in post-menarche females of reproductive potential for the prevention of pregnancy. Official regulatory labeling strictly defines several absolute contraindications that prohibit use.


Contraindicated Populations

The medicine must not be used in women over 35 who smoke or those with a high risk of venous or arterial thrombotic diseases, including a history of stroke, heart attack, or deep vein thrombosis. Use is also strictly prohibited in patients with known or suspected hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer, and those with undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding.

Organ Function and Physiological State

Due to its specific progestin component, Yira is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or liver tumors, as well as those with renal impairment or adrenal insufficiency. The medicine must be discontinued immediately if pregnancy is known or suspected. Use is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding. Furthermore, its safety and efficacy are not established for use in the postmenopausal or geriatric population, and use requires discontinuation prior to major surgery.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Interactions with Yira, which contains drospirenone and ethinylestradiol, primarily involve substances that affect the clearance of the active components or those that share a pharmacodynamic effect.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Enzyme Inducers

Co-administration with medicines that induce certain liver enzymes, such as some anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), rifampicin, and the herbal product St. John's wort, is documented to decrease the plasma concentrations of Yira's components. This reduction in exposure can compromise the effectiveness of the product.

Enzyme Inhibitors

Conversely, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as certain azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), can increase the plasma concentrations of Yira's components, potentially increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Risk of Hyperkalemia

Due to the antimineralocorticoid activity of drospirenone, caution is required when co-administering Yira with other medicines known to increase serum potassium, such as potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, and high-dose NSAIDs. This combination may increase the risk of hyperkalemia, especially in women with pre-existing mild to moderate renal impairment, where serum potassium monitoring is required during the first cycle of co-administration.

Administration Constraints

Severe vomiting or diarrhea occurring within three to four hours after taking a tablet may compromise the absorption of the active substances, functionally similar to a missed dose.

Mechanism of Action

How Yira Works at the Biological Level

The action of Yira is defined by its ability to modulate the Central Noradrenergic System. It functions as a high-affinity agonist primarily targeting alpha-2 adrenergic receptors ( a2) and, secondarily, Imidazoline I1 receptors.


Modulating Norepinephrine Release and Sympathetic Tone

This mechanism involves a molecular cascade initiated by Yira binding to presynaptic a2 receptors, which leads to the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and a resulting decrease in the release of norepinephrine (NE) from nerve endings. This core action reduces the overall sympathetic outflow from the CNS, influencing the sympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system and resulting in a reduction of central arousal state.


Central Regulation of Nociception and Motor Drive

This a2-mediated activity extends to the spinal cord. By engaging these receptors, Yira causes the attenuation of the transmission of nociceptive signals to the brain. This central modulation of noradrenergic activity also reduces the excitatory motor drive, resulting in decreased skeletal muscle tone and diminished nociceptive processing.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Yira

Official Administration Guidelines

As a combined oral contraceptive (COC), Yira (Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol) is utilized through a standardized, sequential dosing protocol.

Administration Scope Procedural Instruction
Route of Administration The medication is taken orally (by mouth).
Dosing Schedule One tablet is taken daily, following a sequential 28-day cyclic regimen.
Tablet Sequence The pack consists of 24 active hormone tablets followed by 4 inert (hormone-free) tablets, which must be ingested in the order directed by the pack’s labeling.
Timing & Meals Dosing must occur at the same time every day and can be taken without regard to meals.
Age-Group Rules Use is established for females aged 14 years or older who have achieved menarche.

Core Procedural Requirements

The correct administration of Yira is dictated by the precise 28-day schedule and specific initiation rules. The protocol outlines two starting methods: the Day 1 Start (beginning on the first day of the menstrual period) or the Sunday Start (beginning on the first Sunday after the period starts).

During the initial phase of the first cycle, a non-hormonal back-up method of contraception is required for the first 7 consecutive days. Following completion of the 28-day pack, a new pack must be started immediately, without a tablet-free break. Specific procedural guidelines exist for the management of missed active tablets to maintain the integrity of the usage schedule. These guidelines define the standardized, long-term approach to using the medicine.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Yira: Recent Clinical Evidence

Clinical research on Yira, a combination product containing ethinylestradiol (30 mug) and drospirenone (3 mg), has focused on demonstrating comparable efficacy and safety to existing oral contraceptives. Its primary intended action is based on the inhibition of ovulation.

Key Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Data

Studies have been conducted to confirm that Yira's active substances are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract following ingestion. Data on the pharmacokinetics of drospirenone indicate its plasma-protein binding is high across multiple species, including humans. No issues regarding bioavailability of the active substances have been reported in the development studies.

Overview of Comparative Data

The development of Yira aimed to create an oral tablet comparable to other established oral contraceptives on the market. Clinical trials were primarily designed to ensure the finished product met the required specifications for quality control, stability, and release of the active components.

  • Active Substance Stability: Stability data demonstrated that the active substances met European guidelines, with drospirenone showing stability for 5 years and ethinylestradiol for 3 years, contributing to the overall 3-year product shelf-life.
  • Manufacturing Process: The medicine is produced using conventional manufacturing techniques, with specifications adequate to control relevant parameters, including identification, assay, dissolution, and content uniformity of both active substances.

Efficacy and Safety Assessment

While Yira is a well-established formulation, regulatory assessments confirm the product's safety profile and effectiveness are consistent with other combined oral contraceptives containing the same active ingredients. The product's intended action is reliably achieved through its established mechanism of inhibiting ovulation.

Key Studies & References

  1. Public Assessment Reports of the Medicines Evaluation Board in the Netherlands Ethinylestradiol/Drospirenon 24+4 0.02 mg/3 mg - Regulatory Assessment
  2. Modulatory Effects of Ethinyl Estradiol Plus Drospirenone Contraceptive Pill on Spontaneous and GnRH-Induced LH Secretion
  3. Effect and safety of drospirenone and ethinylestradiol tablets (II) for dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Yira (FAQ)

Q: How long does it usually take for a person to notice the effects of Yira?

Official guidelines indicate that Yira's full contraceptive effectiveness is not established immediately upon starting. For this reason, a non-hormonal back-up method is advised in the official guidelines during the first 7 days of the first cycle. This initial period is when the necessary continuous hormone levels are being built up to achieve established effectiveness.

Q: Why do some people say they don't feel Yira working right away?

The body needs time to reach the hormone levels required for contraceptive efficacy. The official protocol advises taking 7 consecutive days of active tablets before the medication is understood to be effective. This is the rationale behind needing a non-hormonal back-up method during the first week.

Q: Can Yira be used safely by older adults or seniors?

According to official product information, Yira is contraindicated. This means its use is restricted according to the label in women who have reached menopause (post-menopausal). The use of this specific medication is established only for females who have achieved menarche and who are of reproductive age.

Q: Can people with certain pre-existing conditions, like liver or kidney issues, use Yira?

Regulatory documents state that Yira is contraindicated for patients with specific pre-existing conditions. These include individuals with renal impairment (kidney issues) or hepatic impairment (severe liver disease), as well as those with a history of liver tumors.

Q: Can I take vitamins or herbal supplements while using Yira?

The official regulatory label specifically notes that the herbal product St. John's wort is contraindicated because it can reduce the plasma concentration of Yira's components, potentially compromising its effectiveness. Information on other vitamins and general supplements is not explicitly stated in this context.

Q: What specific foods or drinks, like grapefruit juice, are known to interact with Yira?

Regulatory documentation indicates that one of the active components is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme. Strong inhibitors of this enzyme, such as grapefruit juice, could potentially increase the concentration of the drug's components in the body. This interaction may affect the drug's concentration.

Q: Is it normal to feel a little dizzy or drowsy after starting Yira?

Official reports from clinical trials list dizziness and fatigue among the common or frequent adverse reactions reported by patients. These types of temporary symptoms may be experienced by some individuals after starting the medication.

Q: Is Yira known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery?

The official regulatory documentation explicitly states that Yira has no known influence on a person's ability to drive or operate machinery. However, adverse effects, such as dizziness or fatigue, may affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery.

Q: Where can I find the official regulatory information (like the FDA or EMA label) for Yira?

Full regulatory information is published directly by national authorities. These resources include the FDA's Drugs@FDA site, NIH's DailyMed, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) website, which contain the complete prescribing information and patient labeling.

Q: How do people typically store Yira?

Official storage guidelines recommend keeping the product at a controlled room temperature, typically between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The medication is advised to be stored away from moisture, excessive heat, and light to help maintain its stability and potency.

Q: Does Yira interact with hormonal birth control?

Yira is a combined oral contraceptive (COC), and is itself a form of hormonal birth control. Therefore, official use guidelines state that it is generally not used concurrently with other types of hormonal contraception, such as the pill, patch, or ring.

Q: Is there a risk of allergic reaction to Yira, and what are the signs?

Official post-marketing surveillance reports list hypersensitivity reactions, or allergic reactions, as a possible adverse reaction. Signs may include severe skin reactions like rash or hives, and in serious cases, respiratory symptoms.

Q: Do lifestyle factors, like smoking or diet, affect how Yira works?

The regulatory label contains a prominent warning concerning cigarette smoking. Smoking significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects when using combined oral contraceptives, especially for women over 35 years old.

Q: Is Yira known to cause weight changes?

The official list of adverse reactions from clinical trials includes changes in weight. Both weight increase and weight decrease have been observed and reported as possible effects associated with the medication.

Q: Can Yira be split, crushed, or chewed, or must it be swallowed whole?

The official administration guidelines specify that the medicine is taken orally as one whole tablet daily. The regulatory label does not include any instructions authorizing the splitting, crushing, or chewing of the tablets before ingestion.

Q: Why is it important to take Yira at the same time every day?

Official guidelines advise taking the tablet at the same time every day to support contraceptive efficacy. This consistent timing is necessary to maintain the continuous and necessary level of hormones in the body, which helps prevent unintended pregnancy.

Q: Are there specific warnings about Yira for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Regulatory documents state that Yira is contraindicated in pregnancy. Furthermore, small amounts of the active substances are known to be excreted in breast milk, and its use during the period of lactation is advised against by regulatory bodies.

Q: Does Yira have any known long-term effects on the body?

Official regulatory warnings list serious risks, such as certain types of malignancy and vascular events (like blood clots), that are potentially associated with the prolonged use of combined oral contraceptives. The label provides a continuous safety assessment of these risks.

Q: What is the half-life of Yira?

Pharmacokinetic data indicates that the active components have slightly different half-lives (t1/2) in the body. The half-life for drospirenone is approximately 30 hours, and for ethinylestradiol is approximately 24 hours.

Q: Is Yira used to treat conditions other than its main approved use (off-label clarification)?

Official documentation lists all specific conditions for which the drug is approved, such as contraception, acne, and PMDD. Using the medicine for a condition that is not listed in the official indications is considered off-label use.

Q: Is it true that Yira requires a gradual reduction in dosage when stopping?

The official label provides instructions for starting the regimen and managing missed doses. However, it does not specify a tapering or gradual reduction schedule for discontinuation.

Q: How common is it to need a dosage adjustment after starting Yira?

The official regimen for Yira follows a fixed-dose, 28-day schedule and is designed to provide consistent hormone levels. The regulatory label does not provide instructions or a basis for general dosage adjustments once the appropriate dose has been established.

Q: Is Yira used to treat acne or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in addition to contraception?

In addition to preventing pregnancy, the medicine may also be indicated for the treatment of moderate acne and for treating the symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). These are specific approved indications listed on the official regulatory label.

How should Yira be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Yira

Yira (Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol) must be stored according to official regulatory requirements to maintain its stability.


Storage Requirements

The product must be kept at Controlled Room Temperature, specifically between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The container must remain tightly closed and in its original packaging to protect the film-coated tablets from light, excess heat, and moisture. It is explicitly required to keep from freezing.

Furthermore, the medication must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.


Disposal Instructions

Official disposal instructions require users to utilize a drug take-back program or mail-back service whenever possible. If these options are unavailable, the unused or expired medicine must be mixed with an undesirable substance (such as dirt or used coffee grounds) and placed in a sealed container before disposal in the household trash. It is officially restricted to not flush Yira down the toilet or pour it down the sink.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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