Qlaira is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing estradiol valerate (a natural oestrogen) and dienogest (a progestogen). It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the lining of the womb to reduce implantation.
Qlaira is also licensed for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women who wish to use oral contraception.
Each pack contains 26 active tablets in four different colours and 2 white inactive tablets (28 tablets in total). When taken correctly, Qlaira is a highly reliable form of contraception.
Qlaira Tablets
From: £38.99
Description
Directions for Use
- Take one tablet every day at the same time, following the order shown on the pack.
- Take all 28 tablets continuously with no break between packs.
- Start the next pack the day after finishing the previous pack.
- A withdrawal bleed usually starts around Day 26 or during the inactive tablets.
Starting Qlaira:
- If not using hormonal contraception, start on Day 1 of your period for immediate protection.
- When switching from another pill, patch or ring, start the day after the last active tablet.
- When switching from a progestogen-only method, use additional contraception for 9 days.
- After childbirth, start 21–28 days after delivery if not breastfeeding.
Missed tablet:
- Less than 12 hours late: take as soon as remembered and continue as normal.
- More than 12 hours late: protection may be reduced — follow the missed-pill guidance for your cycle day and use extra contraception for 9 days.
- More than one tablet missed: seek medical advice.
Vomiting or severe diarrhoea within 3–4 hours of taking a tablet may reduce protection — take another tablet as soon as possible and use extra contraception.
Side Effects
Serious side effects (seek urgent medical help):
- Blood clots (DVT, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, stroke).
- Sudden chest pain, breathlessness, leg swelling, severe headache, vision or speech problems.
- Severe liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain).
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat).
- Possible signs of breast cancer (new breast lumps).
Common side effects:
- Headache
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular or heavy bleeding, especially in the first few months
- No periods
- Weight gain
- Mood changes or low mood
Report side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
Warnings
Do NOT take Qlaira if you:
- Are pregnant.
- Have ever had a blood clot, heart attack, stroke or angina.
- Have a blood clotting disorder (e.g. Factor V Leiden).
- Have migraine with aura.
- Have severe liver disease or liver tumours.
- Have breast or genital cancer.
- Have very high blood pressure, severe diabetes with complications, or very high cholesterol.
- Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Speak to a clinician before use if you:
- Are over 35 and smoke.
- Are overweight (BMI >30).
- Have diabetes, depression, epilepsy, Crohn’s disease, lupus, kidney or heart disease.
- Have a personal or family history of blood clots.
- Have recently had a baby.
Important information:
- Slightly increases the risk of blood clots and breast/cervical cancer, but reduces the risk of ovarian and womb cancer with long-term use.
- Does not protect against STIs — condoms are recommended.
- Some medicines (e.g. epilepsy treatments, rifampicin, HIV medicines, St John’s Wort) can reduce effectiveness.
- Contains lactose.
Faqs
How effective is Qlaira?
Qlaira is a highly reliable contraceptive when taken correctly every day.
Will Qlaira help heavy periods?
Yes — Qlaira is licensed to treat heavy menstrual bleeding in women using contraception.
Will Qlaira affect my periods?
Bleeding usually becomes lighter and more regular, though spotting can occur initially.
Can I get pregnant after stopping Qlaira?
Yes — fertility returns quickly after stopping.
Can I take Qlaira after having a baby?
Yes, from 21–28 days after delivery if not breastfeeding. It is not recommended during breastfeeding.
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