Qlaira: what it is for and how to take the contraceptive

Qlaira is a contraceptive pill that is indicated to prevent pregnancy, as it works by preventing ovulation from occurring, alters the conditions of cervical mucus and also causes changes in the endometrium.

This contraceptive contains 28 tablets of various colors, which correspond to different hormones and hormonal doses. Among the tablets, there are 2 white tablets that are considered inactive, as they do not contain hormones. The 26 colors can have only estradiol valerate or a combination of estradiol valerate and dienogest.

The use of Qlaira must be carried out in accordance with the gynecologist’s instructions and must be started on the first day of the menstrual cycle or after the end of the previous pack.

How to use

To start Qlaira correctly, if the person is not using any contraceptive, they must take the first tablet on the first day of the cycle, that is, on the first day of menstruation. If you are switching from another combined pill, you should start taking Qlaira the day after you stop using the pill. In the case of a vaginal ring or transdermal patch, you should start using Qlaira on the day of removing the vaginal ring or patch, or as advised by your doctor.

If the person is switching from a mini pill, Qlaira contraceptive can be started at any time. In cases of injection, implant or intrauterine system, Qlaira must be started on the date scheduled for the next injection or on the day of removal of the implant or intrauterine system, but it is important to use a condom during the first 9 days of using Qlaira.

If you are already using Qlaira, the next pack should be started the day after the end of the current pack, without there being a break between them and regardless of whether the bleeding has stopped or not.

The Qlaira contraceptive has a sticky calendar inside with 7 adhesive strips that show the days of the week. You must remove the strip corresponding to the day of start of use and stick it in the space indicated for it, so that the day of the week corresponding to the start is exactly above tablet number 1. Then, you must follow the direction of the arrows, until 28 tablets have been taken. This way, the person can check whether they took the contraceptive correctly every day.

What is it for

The main indication for Qlaira is contraception, that is, preventing the development of pregnancy. However, the use of this contraceptive may be recommended by the doctor to reduce the duration and intensity of bleeding, reducing the risk of anemia and relieving and/or combating menstrual cramps.

These other indications for Qlaira are possible due to the fact that some of the tablets are made up of two hormones, estradiol valerate and dienogest, having applications other than contraception.

Who shouldn’t take

Qlaira should not be used in people with a current or previous history of thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or clot formation in other parts of the body, a current or previous history of a heart attack or stroke, or a certain type of migraine with visual symptoms, difficulty with speaking, weakness or numbness in any part of the body.

Furthermore, it should also not be used by people with diabetes mellitus with damage to the vascular system, current or previous history of liver disease, cancer that can develop under the influence of sex hormones or a liver tumor, with unexplained vaginal bleeding, or by women who are pregnant or suspect a pregnancy.

Furthermore, this medicine should not be used in people who are allergic to estradiol valerate, dienogest or any of the components of Qlaira.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects that may occur with the use of Qlaira are emotional instability, depression, decreased or loss of sexual desire, migraines, nausea, breast pain and unexpected uterine bleeding. Furthermore, although it is very rare, arterial or venous thrombosis may also occur.