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Qlaira Contraceptive Pill
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What is Qlaira?
Qlaira is a combined contraceptive pill, more simply known as a birth control pill, or “the pill”. “Combined” pills contain synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone, sex hormones found naturally in the body.
If taken daily, combined oral contraceptives like Qlaira regulate these hormones. In doing so, they prevent pregnancy and treat heavy menstrual bleeding
Qlaira pills have been clinically proven to be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if taken correctly and are generally well-tolerated.
Qlaira was first approved for use in European markets in May 2009.
How does Qlaira work?
Qlaira contains two active ingredients: estradiol and dienogest, which mimic the natural hormones oestrogen and progesterone, respectively.
By maintaining consistent hormone levels, Qlaira tricks the brain into thinking ovulation has already occurred.
This process prevents pregnancy in three core ways:
- Prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg, leaving nothing for sperm to fertilise.
- Thickens cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg if it is released.
- Thins the lining of the womb, making it more difficult for an egg to implant into the uterus
What are the benefits of Qlaira?
Qlaira is a generally well-tolerated and effective contraceptive with many benefits:
- 99% effective at preventing pregnancy (if taken correctly)
- Makes periods lighter and more regular
- Eases period pain
- Can help to manage perimenopausal symptoms like irregular bleeding and hormone fluctuations
- Slightly reduces the risk of certain gynaecological cancers such as ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.
- Can help to clear up acne in some people
How effective is Qlaira?
Clinical trials have found Qlaira tablets to be highly effective at preventing pregnancy and treating heavy menstrual bleeding.
One trial treated 490 women with a combined contraceptive pill for a year (13 28-day cycles). Out of 490 women, only 5 pregnancies occurred, which translates to an efficacy rate of around 99%. This shows the combined pill to be as effective as advertised at preventing pregnancy.
Another trial found that menstrual bleeding patterns improved in women treated with a combined contraceptive pill. The proportion of women who reported heavy bleeding reduced by 50% after a year of treatment, and the average length of withdrawal bleeding reduced from 4.2 days to 3.4 days.
Furthermore, the maximum length of bleeding episodes decreased when Qlaira was taken, meaning not only does it make periods more regular, but lighter as well.
Overall, 92% of women in this study reported being very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their treatment.
How long does Qlaira take to work?
If taken on the first day of your period, Qlaira will immediately protect you from pregnancy. If taken on any other day of the month, it will take up to 9 days before you are most effectively protected.
I recommend starting your course of treatment on the day of your period. If you begin taking Qlaira on any other day of the month, continue using another method of contraception for the next 9 days when having sex to ensure you don’t become pregnant.
Who can and cannot take Qlaira?
Who can take it?
Only women over the age of 18 can be prescribed Qlaira.
To get a prescription for Qlaira, simply fill out a consultation form at the top of this page and the trusted doctor’s at euroClinix will decide whether this treatment is right for you. The consultation is free and you can enjoy free shipping on all orders.
Who cannot take it?
Qlaira is not suitable for everyone. You will not be prescribed this treatment if you have had:
- A blood clot
- A disorder that affects how your blood clots
- A condition that puts you at a higher risk of a blood clot (e.g., type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol)
- A heart attack or stroke
- Angina pectoris (severe chest pain)
- A transient ischaemic attack (mini-stroke)
- migraine
- Liver disease or damage
- Breast cancer or cervical cancer
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- An inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
- An allergic reaction to any of Qlaira’s ingredients
NOTE: Qlaira contains lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, tell your doctor before taking this medication.
Precautions
Additionally, there are some circumstances where the safety of Qlaira use will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Consult your doctor during your consultation if you are:
- Overweight (BMI of 25-29.9)
- Over 35 and currently smoke or have only recently stopped
- Over the age of 50
Older women have a higher risk of complications as a result of using oral contraceptives, so those over 50 are not recommended to take the combined pill. Women over 35, however, can still take it in most cases and may benefit greatly from doing so.
How and when do I take Qlaira?
Packaging
Each strip of Qlaira contains 28 tablets; one for every day of the average menstrual cycle.
Qlaira is a quadriphasic pill, meaning each strip contains 4 different doses across each 28-day cycle. Each strip also contains 2 inactive tablets that contain no hormones. Here is a helpful table showing the different doses and what colours they correspond to:
| Colour | Dosage | Amount in each strip |
|---|---|---|
| Dark yellow | 3mg estradiol | 2 (pills 1-2) |
| Light red | 2mg estradiol / 2mg dienogest | 5 (pills 3-7) |
| Light yellow | 2mg estradiol / 3mg dienogest | 17 (pills 8-24) |
| Dark red | 1mg estradiol | 2 (pills 25-26) |
| White | Contains no hormones | 2 (pills 27-28) |
It is important to take your tablets at the right time and in the correct order.
To help you keep track, each pack contains 7 sticker strips marked with the 7 days of the week. Pick the sticker strip that starts with the day of the week you choose to begin treatment on and place it above the first week of pills.
How do I take it?
Follow these instructions to ensure Qlaira is taken effectively:
- Take one tablet daily
- Take it at the same time every day
- Take each tablet with a glass of water
- Take your tablets with or without food
When should I start taking Qlaira?
Qlaira is best taken on the first day of your period. This will ensure immediate protection from pregnancy.
As for the time of day you take it, this doesn’t matter so long as you remember to take it at the same time every day. Choose a time you feel most comfortable sticking to when starting treatment. For most people, this will be first thing in the morning or just before you go to bed.
TIP - Do you often forget your doses?
Set a daily alarm so you remember to take your tablet at the same time every day. Doing so will ensure Qlaira is as effective as possible and makes you less likely to forget to take a dose”
How long should I take it for?
Qlaira is only effective for as long as you take it for. This means it is an ongoing birth control method that will need to be taken continuously and consistently.
Tell your doctor if you wish to stop taking Qlaira, and they will instruct you on the best way to do this.
What happens if I miss a pill?
If you miss a dose of a contraceptive pill like Qlaira, you leave yourself more at risk of becoming pregnant. What you do next will depend on how late you are.
Use our interactive tool below on what to do if you miss one or multiple pills in one month (menstrual cycle). Simply click to begin.
You may be at risk of pregnancy. Please see your own doctor for advice and follow-up.
You are still fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the pack as normal.
You are still fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the pack as normal.
You are still fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the missed pill and take the active (21) pills as per the normal schedule.
2) Skip the pill-free break.
3) Start the new pill pack straight away.
If your pill pack contains 21 tablets, your 4th week should be a pill-free week if you have not chosen to skip it. This means you should still be fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal.
You may be at risk of pregnancy. Please see your own doctor for advice and follow-up.
The combined pill may not be as effective. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal. You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex for the following 7 days.
If you vomited within 3-4 hours of taking the pill, you should take a new pill no longer than 24 hours before your usual pill time. As long as you are not sick again, you should still be protected against pregnancy. If you are sick again or you do not take a new pill, your contraception will not be effective. If that is the case, retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
If you have had severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, the pill may not have been fully absorbed and therefore may not be as effective. You should treat every 24 hours of severe diarrhoea as a missed pill. Retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You may be at risk of pregnancy. Please see your own doctor for advice and follow-up.
You are still fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the pack as normal.
You are still fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the pack as normal.
You are still fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the missed pill and take the active (21) pills as per normal schedule.
2) Skip the inactive (placebo) pills / the pill-free break.
3) Start the new pill pack straight away.
If you missed an inactive pill (placebo), in the 4th week of your cycle, you will still be protected from pregnancy.
You may be at risk of pregnancy. Please see your own doctor for advice and follow-up.
The combined pill may not be as effective. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal. You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex for the following 7 days.
If you vomited within 3-4 hours of taking the pill, you should take a new pill no longer than 24 hours before your usual pill time. As long as you are not sick again, you should still be protected against pregnancy. If you are sick again or you do not take a new pill, your contraception will not be effective. If that is the case, retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
If you have had severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, the pill may not have been fully absorbed and therefore may not be as effective. You should treat every 24 hours of severe diarrhoea as a missed pill. Retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
The combined pill may not be as effective. If intercourse took place in the week prior, the possibility of a pregnancy should be considered. Contact a doctor for advice and consider using an emergency contraceptive method.
You should keep these key points about taking this pill in mind:
1) The more 'white active tablets' are missed and the closer the missed tablets are to the 4 yellow placebo tablets, the higher the risk of pregnancy.
2) 7 days of uninterrupted 'active tablet'-taking are required to attain adequate protection against pregnancy. If you have trouble remembering to take your pill consistently, you should speak to your doctor for advice.
You are still fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the pack as normal.
Provided you have only missed one pill and taken the pills correctly the week prior, you should still be protected against pregnancy.
You should:
1) Take the missed pill or start a new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal. You may need to take two pills in one day.
If you have missed more than 1 tablet or have not taken the pills consistently the week pior, you should use a barrier contraceptive method for the following 7 days.
If you have missed a pill in the last week of active tablets, the risk of pregnancy is higher. You should still be protected if you have taken the active pills uninterrupted the 7 days before and you take the following advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal. You may need to take two pills in one day.
If you have missed more than 1 tablet or have not taken the pills consistently the week prior, you should use a barrier contraceptive method for the following 7 days.
If you missed one of the last 4 pills of the pill pack, it should have no impact as these are hormone-free pills. You should:
1) Dispose of the missed pill and take the next scheduled pill at the correct time, ensuring you don't go longer than 4 days before you start a new pack with active pills.
2) You can also start a new pill pack straight away. This changes the first day of your cycle.
If you had sex the week before missing your pill, you may be at risk of pregnancy. Contact your doctor for advice and consider using an emergency contraceptive method. You should also follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal. You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 7 days.
The combined pill may not be as effective. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal. You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 7 days.
If you vomited within 3-4 hours of taking the pill, you should take a new pill no longer than 24 hours before your usual pill time. As long as you are not sick again, you should still be protected against pregnancy. If you are sick again or you do not take a new pill, your contraception will not be effective. If that is the case, retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
You should still be protected against pregnancy if you experienced a few episodes of diarrhoea in a day/for less than 24 hours. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
If you have had severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, the pill may not have been fully absorbed and therefore may not be as effective. You should treat every 24 hours of severe diarrhoea as a missed pill. Retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
If you have had severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, the pill may not have been fully absorbed and therefore may not be as effective. You should treat every 24 hours of severe diarrhoea as a missed pill. Retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You may be at risk of pregnancy. Please see your own doctor for advice and follow-up.
The protection against pregnancy will not be reduced if it has been less 12 hours. But, you should still take the following advice to ensure protection:
1) Take the tablet as soon as you remember.
2) Then take the next tablets at the usual time.
You may be at risk of pregnancy. Please see your own doctor for advice and follow-up.
The protection against pregnancy will be reduced. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal (at your normal time). You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 9 days.
The protection against pregnancy may be reduced. For multiphasic pills, the advice on missed pills will depend on where in the cycle you are, and on which pill brand you are taking. Follow the advice below:
1) Always familiarise yourself with the instructions in the patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your pill packs.
2) Take note of when in your cycle you missed your pill - the advice will differ based on this.
- 2.1 At the beginning of your cycle you should take the missed pill and continue taking the pill as per the normal schedule. You should use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex the following 9 days to ensure protection against pregnancy.
- 2.2 If the missed pill was towards the end of your cycle you may be advised to skip the pill and start a new cycle (take the 1st pill of a new pill pack).
If you forget to take an inactive/placebo pill (the last pills in the pill pack), you do not need to take them later, as they do not contain active substances. But you should throw away the white tablet(s) you forgot to take, so that you do not prolong the period of inactive tablets. Prolongation may increase the risk of pregnancy. Continue to take the next tablet at the usual time. This is only relevant if you are taking a multiphasic pill with 28 pills (not 21).
If you vomited within 3 hours of taking the pill, you should take a new pill no longer than 24 hours after your normal pill time. If you are sick again or you do not take a new pill, your contraception will not be effective. If that is the case, retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
If you have had severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, the pill may not have been fully absorbed and therefore may not be as effective. You should treat every 24 hours of severe diarrhoea as a missed pill. Retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
If you are less than 12 hours late, take the missed tablet as soon as possible, even if this means taking 2 tablets on the same day. This will ensure that contraceptive protection is maintained.
If you have missed a pill in the first week of your cycle, you should:
1) Take the last missed tablet as soon as possible and then continue to take the rest of the tablets in the normal manner.
2) Use extra contraceptive protection, such as a condom, or refrain from sex, for the next 7 days.
3) If you had sex in that 1st week (without additional contraception), you could become pregnant. Contact your doctor for advice as soon as possible. They may recommend you use emergency contraception. You should still continue taking your pill as normal.
If you are late by more than 12 hours, take the last missed tablet as soon as possible and then continue to take the rest of the tablets in the normal manner. In addition, use extra contraceptive protection, such as a condom for the next 7 days.
If you have fewer than seven tablets in your blister strip after you have missed taking a dose, you should:
1) Complete the blister strip and start the next blister strip without a break.
This will give you protection from when you took the last missed tablet. You may not have a period until the end of two blister strips, but this will not harm you. You may also have some bleeding on days when you take the tablets.
If you vomited within 3 hours of taking the pill, you should take a new pill no longer than 24 hours after your normal pill time. If you are sick again or you do not take a new pill, your contraception will not be effective. If that is the case, retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You should still be protected against pregnancies. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
If you have missed more than one pill, you should:
1) Take the most recently missed pill and skip any previously missed pills.
2) Take your next pills as normal (this could mean taking two pills in one day)
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 7 days.
4) If you had sex in that 1st week (without additional contraception), you could become pregnant. Contact your doctor for advice as soon as possible. They may recommend you use emergency contraception. You should still continue taking your pill as normal.
If you have missed more than one pill, you should:
1) Take the most recent missed pill (skip any previously missed pills)
2) Take your next pills as normal (this could mean taking two pills in one day)
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 7 days.
If you missed a pill and have less than 7 pills left of your pack, you should:
1) Take the most recent missed pill (skip any previously missed pills)
2) Take your next pills as normal (this could mean taking two pills in one day)
3) When you finish the strip of pills, start the next strip the next day without a break.
4) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 7 days.
5) If you do not have a withdrawal bleed after you have finished the second strip, do a pregnancy test before starting another strip.
The desogestrel pill may not be as effective. The more pills you forget to take, the less effective your contraception is. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal (at your normal time). You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 2 days.
You are still fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can (as long as it is taken within 12 hours of your normal time).
2) Continue the pack as normal.
The desogestrel pill may not be as effective. The more pills you forget to take, the less effective your contraception is. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal (at your normal time). You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 2 days.
You may be at risk of pregnancy. Please see your own doctor for advice and consider using an emergency contraceptive. Please note you should continue taking the pill as normal if you have used emergency contraception.
The desogestrel pill may not be as effective. The more pills you forget to take, the less effective your contraception is. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal (at your normal time). You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 2 days.
If you vomited within 3 hours of taking the pill, you should take a new pill no longer than 12 hours after your normal pill time. If you are sick again or you do not take a new pill, your contraception will not be effective. If that is the case, retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
If you have had severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, the mini pill may not have been fully absorbed and therefore may not be as effective. You should treat every 24 hours of severe diarrhoea as a missed pill. Retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
Your contraception may not be as effective. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the last missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal (at your normal time). You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 2 days.
You will not be protected against pregnancy if you have missed more than 2 pills. Unless a pregnancy can be ruled out, you should stop taking it until it can be confirmed (e.g. from a pregnancy test). If pregnancy can be ruled out, follow the advice below:
1) Continue taking the pill where you left off (or start a new pill pack).
2) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 2 days.
3) After seven days of taking the pill at a regular time, you will be protected again.
You are still fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the pill as soon as you can (no later than 3 hours from your normal time)
2) Continue the pack as normal.
Your contraception may not be as effective. The more pills you forget to take, the less effective your contraception is. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal (at your normal time). You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 2 days.
You may be at risk of pregnancy. Please see your own doctor for advice and consider using an emergency contraceptive. Please note you should continue taking the pill as normal if you have used emergency contraception.
Your contraception may not be as effective. The more pills you forget to take, the less effective your contraception is. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal (at your normal time). You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 2 days.
If you vomited within 2 hours of taking the pill, you should take a new pill no longer than 3 hours after your normal pill time. If you are sick again or you do not take a new pill, your contraception will not be effective. If that is the case, retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
If you have had severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, the mini pill may not have been fully absorbed and therefore may not be as effective. You should treat every 24 hours of severe diarrhoea as a missed pill. Retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
Your contraception may not be as effective. You should follow the below advice:
1) The more pills you have missed, the more the effect against pregnancy is reduced.
2) Take the last missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
3) Continue the rest of the pack as normal (at your normal time). You may need to take two pills in one day.
4) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 7 days.
5) If this happened in the 1st week of the cycle (one or more of the first 7 pills), and you had sex the week before, you may be pregnant. Speak to your doctor for advice.
You are still fully protected, as long as you:
1) Take the pill as soon as you can (no later than 24 hours from your normal time).
2) Continue the pack as normal.
Your contraception may not be as effective. The more pills you forget to take, the more the effecicacy reduced. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal (at your normal time). You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 7 days.
You should still be protected against pregnancy as long as you:
1) Take the missed pill and take the rest of the active pills as per normal schedule (24 pills).
2) Skip the 4 inactive (placebo) pills and start the new pill pack straight away.
You will now have a different start day of your cycle.
If you missed one of the last 4 pills of the pill pack it should have no impact (as these are hormone-free pills). You should:
1) Dispose of the missed pill and take the next scheduled pill at the correct time.
2) Be aware that only a specific type of mini pill brands contain inactive pills, and these should be clearly indicated and have a different colour to the rest of the pills (containing hormones). The instructions will be different if you have missed an active pill.
You may be at risk of pregnancy. Please see your own doctor for advice and follow-up. They may suggest you use a form of emergency contraception. You can continue taking your pills as normal if you have used an emergency contraception. You should also use a barrier method (such as a condom) if you have sex over the next 7 days.
Your contraception may not be as effective. The more pills you forget to take, the more the effecicacy reduced. You should follow the below advice:
1) Take the missed pill or start the new pill pack as soon as you can.
2) Continue the rest of the pack as normal (at your normal time). You may need to take two pills in one day.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following 7 days.
If you vomited within 3-4 hours of taking the pill, you should take a new pill no longer than 24 hours after your normal pill time. If you are sick again or you do not take a new pill, your contraception will not be effective. If that is the case, retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
If you experienced severe diarrhoea within 3 hours of taking the pill, you should take a new pill as soon as you can, and after no longer than 24 hours than your normal pill time. As long as you are feeling better and do not continue having diarrhoea, you should still be protected against pregnancy.
If you had severe diarrhoea within 3-4 hours of taking your pill and you have not taken a new one (within 24 hours of the normal pill time), or continue to have diarrhoea, you may not be protected. Retake this quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
You should still be protected against pregnancy. Take your next pill as per your usual schedule.
If you have had severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, the pill may not have been fully absorbed and therefore may not be as effective. You should treat every 24 hours of severe diarrhoea as a missed pill. Retake the quiz and follow the advice for a missed pill.
On rare occasions, the contraceptive vaginal ring can break. Vaginal damage has been reported in connection with the ring breaking. If you discover that your ring has broken, follow the below advice:
1) Dispose of that ring and insert a new ring as soon as possible.
2) Use additional contraception (eg a male condom) for the next 7 days.
3) Contact your doctor if you had intercourse before you discovered that the ring was broken.
If you are being sick (vomiting) or have diarrhoea, the contraceptive ring is still effective (unlike when you are taking the pill).
If you are being sick (vomiting) or have diarrhoea, the contraceptive ring is still effective (unlike when you are taking the pill).
If your ring-free break was no longer than 7 days, you are still protected from pregnancy. You should follow the below advice:
1) Put the new ring in as soon as possible (at your normal insertion time)
2) Replace the ring as per your normal schedule (1 ring should be replaced every seven days, at the same time)
If the ring-free break was longer than 7 days, you may not be protected against pregnancy. The longer the ring-free break lasts, the higher the risk of becoming pregnant. Follow the below advice:
1) Insert a new ring as soon as you remember.
2) Use additional contraception (such as a male condom) if you have intercourse in the next 7 days.
3) If you had intercourse during the ring-free break, there is a possibility that you could be pregnant. Talk to your doctor immediately and consider using a form of emergency contraception.
If the ring has been out of the vagina for less than 3 hours, it will still protect you from pregnancy. You should follow the below advice:
1) Wash the ring in cold or lukewarm water (do not use hot water).
2) Put the ring back in as soon as possible.
3) Replace the ring as per your normal schedule (1 ring should be replaced every seven days, at the same time).
You may not be protected against pregnancy. Take a pregnancy test and consult a doctor before inserting a new ring.
If the ring has been out of the vagina for more than 3 hours, you may not be protected against pregnancy. You should:
1) Wash the ring in cold or lukewarm water (do not use hot water)
2) Reinsert the ring into the vagina as soon as you remember, and leave the ring in place without interruption for at least 7 days.
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following seven days.
4) If you are in your 1st week and you had intercourse in the previous 7 days, there is a possibility that you could be pregnant. In this case, you must contact your doctor.
You may not be protected against pregnancy. You should dispose of that ring and choose one of the following two possibilities:
1) Insert a new ring immediately.
2) This will start the next 3-week period with the ring.
3) You may not have a period, but breakthrough bleeding and spotting may occur.
OR
1) Do not insert a new ring.
2) Have a period first and insert a new ring no later than 7 days from the time the previous ring was removed or fell out.
3) You should only choose this option if you have used NuvaRing continuously for the last 7 days.
If you are being sick (vomiting) or have diarrhoea, the contraceptive patch is still effective (unlike when you are taking the pill).
If you are being sick (vomiting) or have diarrhoea, the contraceptive patch is still effective (unlike when you are taking the pill).
Follow the below advice to ensure you are still protected:
1) Try to attach it again or put on a new transdermal patch immediately (so it has been off for less than 24 hours).
2) Use a new patch if the other one is no longer sticky, has stuck together or to something or if it's fallen off before (do not attempt to use tape or wraps to stick the old one back on).
3) Your "patch change day" must remain unchanged.
The patch may not be as effective. The longer you have been without the patch, the less effective your contraception will be. You should follow the advice below:
1) Immediately start a new 4-week cycle by applying a new transdermal patch.
2) You now have a new day 1 and a new "patch change day".
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following seven days (the 1st week of the new cycle).
The patch may not be as effective. The longer you have been without the patch, the less effective your contraception will be. You should follow the advice below:
1) Immediately start a new 4-week cycle by applying a new transdermal patch.
2) You now have a new day 1 and a new "patch change day".
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following seven days (the 1st week of the new cycle).
Follow the below advice to ensure you are still protected:
1) Try to attach it again or put on a new transdermal patch immediately (so it has been off for less than 24 hours).
2) Use a new patch if the other one is no longer sticky, has stuck together or to something or if it's fallen off before (do not attempt to use tape or wraps to stick the old one back on).
3) Your "patch change day" must remain unchanged.
The patch may not be as effective. The longer you have been without the patch, the less effective your contraception will be. You should follow the advice below:
1) Immediately start a new 4-week cycle by applying a new transdermal patch.
2) You now have a new day 1 and a new "patch change day".
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following seven days (the 1st week of the new cycle).
The patch may not be as effective. The longer you have been without the patch, the less effective your contraception will be. You should follow the advice below:
1) Immediately start a new 4-week cycle by applying a new transdermal patch.
2) You now have a new day 1 and a new "patch change day".
3) Use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following seven days (the 1st week of the new cycle).
If you forget to put on the transdermal patch in your cycle's 1st week, you may have a particularly high risk of becoming pregnant. Follow the advice below:
1) You must use additional non-hormonal contraception for one week (seven days).
2) Put on the first patch of the new cycle as soon as you remember.
3) You now have a new day 1 and a new "patch change day".
If you are on the 4th week of the cycle, you should still be protected against pregnancies. If you left the patch on for too long (forgot to remove it), take it off as soon as you remember. Follow the below advice to stay protected:
1) Start the next cycle on the usual "patch change day", the day after day 28.
2) Continue replacing them weekly, on the same day at the same time.
3) There is no need for additional contraception.
You should still be protected, provided you follow the below advice:
1) Attach a new patch as soon as you remember (within 48 hours).
2) Replace the following patch on the usual "patch change day".
3) No additional contraception is necessary.
If you forget to change the patch for more than 2 days, you can become pregnant. The longer you have been without the patch, the lower the effectiveness will be. You should follow the advice below:
1) Immediately start a new 4-week cycle by applying a new patch.
2) You now have a new day 1 and a new "patch change day".
3) You must use a barrier contraceptive method if you have sex, for the following seven days (1st week of cycle).
What are the side effects of Qlaira?
Qlaira’s side effects include:
Common Side Effects (up to 1 in 10 people):
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Acne
- No periods
- Breast discomfort
- Painful or irregular periods
- Weight gain
Uncommon Side Effects (up to 1 in 100 people):
- Fungal infections
- Increased appetite
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Dizziness
- Migraines
- Hot flushes
- High blood pressure
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
- Itching and rash
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Muscle cramps
- Swollen breasts
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Weight loss
Rare Side Effects (up to 1 in 1,000 people):
- Candida (yeast) infection
- (cold sores)
- Fluid retention
- Heart attack
- Urinary tract infections
Some women experience side effects on hormonal birth control because their body reacts badly to the changes. If this is the case, consider non-hormonal options like the copper coil.
Understanding and managing side effects of the pillAllergic reaction
Allergic reactions to Qlaira are serious and can even be fatal. Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following side effects:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- An itchy rash or hives on the skin
- Tightness of the chest
Does Qlaira interact with anything?
Yes, some medications may affect how Qlaira works. Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you take any of the following:
Pharmaceutical interactions
The following medications can make Qlaira less effective, increasing your risk of becoming pregnant despite taking your contraceptive pills correctly.
- Epilepsy medications such as primidone and carbamazepine
- HIV medications such as ritonavir
- Antifungal medications such as griseofulvin and ketoconazole
- Hepatitis C treatments (direct-acting antivirals)
- Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin
- Tuberculosis treatments like rifampicin and rifabutin
The following may block enzymes that break down hormones in the body. This can raise oestrogen levels in the body too high.
- Grapefruit juice
- High doses of vitamin C
- Herbal preparations containing St John’s wort
This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of interactions consult the patient information leaflet sent with your order.
What safety advice should be followed when taking Qlaira?
| Category | Status | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Generally safe | It is generally safe to drink alcohol when taking Qlaira. However, the hormones in Qlaira may affect your body’s water distribution, which can lead to higher blood alcohol levels. Drink slowly to avoid getting too drunk unexpectedly. |
| Pregnancy | Avoid | Qlaira should not be used while pregnant. If you believe you have become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop treatment immediately and consult your doctor. |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid | This medicine should be avoided for 6 weeks after giving birth as it can reduce your supply of breastmilk. During this time, use other contraceptive methods like condoms or the progestogen-only pill. |
| Driving | Safe | In most cases, it is safe to drive when taking Qlaira. However, it should be avoided if you experience side effects that impact your ability to drive. |
| Hydration | Important | Drinking plenty of water will allow your body to function properly and better absorb Qlaira. |
What lifestyle changes should I make while taking Qlaira?
While not essential to your treatment, there are some lifestyle changes you can make while taking Qlaira to increase effectiveness, minimise side effects, and support overall health.
1. Monitor changes to your menstrual cycle
- It is common to experience irregular periods and spotting when you start taking oral contraceptives.
- Use a monitoring app to track your cycle and document any irregularities.
2. Maintain healthy habits
- Sticking to a balanced diet can help you manage side effects better and allow your medication to work as intended.
- Maintaining a regular exercise routine will keep you active and energised.
3. Avoid smoking
- Smoking while on Qlaira can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events like blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
- If you smoke, consider quitting to lower your risk of adverse health events.
How should I store Qlaira?
Qlaira does not require any special storage instructions, but there are some general things to keep in mind when storing this medicine:
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children
- Do not use Qlaira after the expiry date stated on the wallet
- Keep Qlaira in its original packaging
Instructions for disposal
Do not dispose of any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Instead, take any expired or unused tablets to your local pharmacy for proper disposal.
These measures help to protect the environment.
Can I buy Qlaira without a prescription?
No, Qlaira can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Prescriptions are necessary because they:
- Ensure appropriate use for your specific condition.
- Prevent potential misuse and associated health risks.
- Allow for monitoring of side effects and interactions with other medications.
How do I buy Qlaira online in the UK?
Ordering your medication with euroClinix is simple and secure. Follow these steps:
- Start a confidential online questionnaire from the top of this page. It will take about 5-10 minutes to complete.
- A UK-registered doctor will review your consultation.
- If approved, the doctor will issue an electronic prescription.
- A licensed UK pharmacy will send your medication in discreet packaging. The pharmacy will also share tracking information. You get free next-day delivery.
euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.
Why should I choose euroClinix?
euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.
The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.
The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.
Choosing euroClinix ensures a trusted, professional, and supportive service. Start your journey with euroClinix today and experience our expert care.
How much does Qlaira cost?
The price of Qlaira can differ across different online providers, so it can be hard to know whether you’re getting the best deal.
At euroClinix, we offer free next-day delivery on all orders and no hidden charges, so you can be sure you are getting the best treatment possible at a price that’s fair and competitive.
What alternatives are available?
With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which contraceptive pill is best for you. Here is a helpful table comparing some different options.
| Treatment name | Active ingredient(s) | Dosage | Unique benefit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combined contraceptive pills | ||||
| Qlaira | Estradiol valerate / Dienogest | Various | Contains estradiol valerate, which closely mimics natural oestrogen | - |
| Femodene | Ethinylestradiol / Gestodene | 30mcg / 75mcg | Effective regulation of menstrual cycles | - |
| Marvelon | Ethinylestradiol / Desogestrel | 150mcg / 30mcg | Anti-androgenic effects; improving skin condition | - |
| Yasmin | Ethinylestradiol / Drospirenone | 30mcg / 3mg | Drospirenone may reduce water retention and bloating | - |
| Zoely | Estradiol / Nomegestrol acetate | 1.5mg / 2.5mg | May produce fewer hormonal side effects | - |
To see all of your options, check out our page on contraception, or use this helpful tool below.
Frequently asked questions
Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.
| Product name | Qlaira |
| Type of medicine | Combined oral contraceptive |
| Used for | Preventing pregnancy and treating heavy menstrual bleeding |
| Active ingredient(s) | Estradiol Valerate / Dienogest |
| Works by | Mimicking the body’s natural sex hormones |
| Effective within | Immediately (if taken correctly) |
| Suitable for | Women over 18 years old |
| Available as | Tablets |
| Available strength(s) | Various |
| Usage | Take 1 tablet daily |
| Packaging | 28 tablet blister packs |
| Manufacturer | Bayer |
| Is a generic available? | No |
| Storage | No special storage conditions |
| Prescription required? | Yes - included with our online consultation |
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I've been taking these pills around 4 years now and i can say they are just perfect for me. My doctor prescribed because i was facing seveal side effe...
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