Qlaira Contraceptive Pill

About Qlaira Contraceptive Pill

Qlaira is a combined oral contraceptive (COC) pill used primarily to prevent pregnancy. It is unique among many other birth control pills because it is “multiphasic,” meaning it delivers different levels of hormones throughout your cycle to mimic your natural hormonal fluctuations. Beyond contraception, Qlaira is also licensed for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in women who wish to use oral contraception. Each wallet of Qlaira contains 28 tablets: 26 coloured active tablets and 2 white inactive (placebo) tablets. By providing a steady but varying dose of hormones, Qlaira inhibits ovulation, thickens cervical mucus to block sperm, and alters the womb lining to prevent a fertilised egg from implanting.

What Is Qlaira Used For?

Qlaira is used as a reliable method of hormonal contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It is also uniquely indicated for women suffering from heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) not caused by underlying uterine disease. By regulating the cycle, it can help make periods lighter and more predictable.

Who Is Qlaira Suitable For?

Qlaira is suitable for most healthy adult women of childbearing age. However, like all combined pills, it is not suitable for everyone.Do not use Qlaira if you:

• Have (or have ever had) a blood clot in a blood vessel of your legs, lungs, or other organs
• Have a disorder affecting blood clotting (e.g., protein C deficiency)
• Have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• Have severe liver disease or liver tumours
• Suffer from migraines with aura
• Have or have had breast or genital cancer
• Are allergic to estradiol valerate, dienogest, or any other ingredients

Speak to a healthcare professional before use if you:

• Smoke or are significantly overweight
• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Have diabetes or Crohn’s disease
• Have a family history of blood clots at a young age
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Ingredients

Coloured Active Tablets:
Core: Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, pregelatinised maize starch, povidone K25, magnesium stearate.
Coating: Hypromellose type 2910, macrogol 6000, talc, titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow and/or iron oxide red.
White Inactive Tablets:
Core: Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone K25, magnesium stearate.
Coating: Hypromellose type 2910, talc, titanium dioxide.

How to Use Qlaira

1. Start by choosing the weekday sticker strip that begins with the day you take your first pill.
2. Stick this strip at the top of the wallet where it says “Place weekday sticker here.”
3. Take one pill every day, following the arrows, until the pack is empty.
4. You should take the pill at the same time every day, regardless of food intake.
5. A withdrawal bleed (period) usually starts when you are taking the second dark red tablet or the white inactive tablets.
6. Start your next wallet immediately the day after you finish the current one, even if your period has not finished.

Possible Side Effects of Qlaira

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 women):

• Headache or migraine
• Abdominal pain or nausea
• Acne
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Weight gain

Uncommon/Rare:

• Fungal infections (thrush)
• Changes in mood or libido
• Increased blood pressure
• Allergic reactions

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of a blood clot, such as sudden swelling of a leg, chest pain, or sudden breathlessness.

Warnings and Precautions

• Combined pills like Qlaira slightly increase the risk of blood clots compared to those not using hormonal contraception.
• Qlaira does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs); use a condom for protection.
• If you vomit or have severe diarrhoea within 3–4 hours of taking an active pill, the hormone may not be absorbed; follow the “missed pill” instructions in the leaflet.
• Regular check-ups (at least once a year) are required while taking this medication.

Storage Instructions

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• No special storage temperature is required for Qlaira.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the wallet/carton.