How To Use Qlaira

How to Take Qlaira: Step‑by‑Step Usage Guide

Follow these instructions carefully to ensure you take Qlaira correctly:

1. Prepare your wallet: Each wallet contains 28 tablets in rows. Find the sticker strip with the days of the week. Choose the sticker that starts with the day you begin taking the tablets (e.g., if you start on Wednesday, pick the strip starting with “WED”). Peel and stick it along the top of the wallet where indicated, so the first day is above the tablet marked “1”.
2. Take one tablet every day: Swallow the tablet whole with a small amount of water. You may take it with or without food, but try to take it at the same time each day. Follow the direction of the arrow on the wallet.
3. Continue through the phases: The wallet contains 26 active tablets in four colours (dark yellow, medium red, light yellow, dark red) followed by 2 white inactive tablets. Take them in the order shown.
4. Start the next wallet without a gap: After you have taken the last white tablet, begin a new wallet the very next day, even if your withdrawal bleed hasn't finished. This ensures continuous protection.
5. Withdrawal bleeding: Usually starts during the second dark red tablet or the white tablet phase. It may not finish before you start the next wallet – this is normal.

Dosage Guide: Understanding the 4‑Phase Regimen

Qlaira’s dynamic dosing mimics the natural menstrual cycle, with varying oestrogen and progestin doses throughout the 28‑day cycle.

This four‑phase design reduces total hormone exposure while maintaining cycle control and effectively treating heavy menstrual bleeding.

Who Should Use Qlaira? (Indications)

Qlaira is licensed for:

• Contraception: Women of reproductive age who choose a combined oral contraceptive.
• Treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia): In women without organic pathology (e.g., fibroids, polyps) who also wish to use oral contraception.

It may be particularly suitable for women who experience heavy, painful periods and want reliable birth control with a more natural oestrogen (estradiol valerate) instead of ethinylestradiol.

Who Should NOT Use Qlaira? (Contraindications)

Do not take Qlaira if you have any of the following conditions (adapted from the PIL):

• Current or past blood clot in a vein (DVT) or artery (heart attack, stroke).
• Known clotting disorder (e.g., protein C/S deficiency, Factor V Leiden).
• Major surgery or prolonged immobilisation.
• Angina pectoris or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
• Migraine with aura (focal neurological symptoms).
• Severe diabetes with vascular changes, very high blood pressure, or severe dyslipidaemia.
• Liver disease (if liver function not yet normal).
• Liver tumours (benign or malignant).
• Known or suspected hormone‑sensitive cancer (e.g., breast, genital).
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Hypersensitivity to any ingredient.
• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.

Also, discuss with your doctor if you have conditions like depression, Crohn’s disease, SLE, or are overweight (BMI >30).

Taking Qlaira with Food and Without Food

Qlaira can be taken with or without food. If you experience mild stomach discomfort, taking it with food may help. The absorption of estradiol valerate and dienogest is not significantly affected by food.

However, grapefruit juice may increase blood levels of oestrogen by inhibiting CYP3A4; it’s best to avoid large quantities. Always swallow tablets with a glass of water.

Special Conditions: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Other Considerations

Pregnancy

Qlaira is contraindicated during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop immediately and consult your doctor. Animal studies have shown no direct harmful effects, but combined pills are not indicated in pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Not recommended. Oestrogens may reduce milk quantity and quality. Small amounts of steroids pass into breast milk. Discuss progestin‑only options with your healthcare provider if you wish to breastfeed.

Other special situations

• Postpartum: Wait 3‑6 weeks after delivery (or after a miscarriage) before starting Qlaira, as the risk of blood clots is elevated. Your doctor will advise.
• Liver impairment: Do not use if severe hepatic impairment exists.
• Renal impairment: No specific studies, but caution advised.
• Children: Not intended for use before menarche.

Qlaira FAQs

Need a Qlaira Prescription?

If you think Qlaira is right for you, complete a brief online consultation with a UK‑registered doctor. They will check your suitability and issue a prescription if appropriate.

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