What is Qlaira?
Qlaira is a four-phase pill from Bayer that contains estradiol valerate, an ester of the estradiol that occurs naturally in humans, instead of ethinylestradiol. The hormone dosage changes over the course of the cycle and mimics the natural hormone pattern.
The progestin dienogest has antiandrogenic properties. Qlaira is also approved for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding without an organic cause in women who wish to use the pill for contraception.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Dienogest (variabel), Estradiolvalerat (variabel)
Qlaira prevents pregnancy through the familiar mechanisms, but with a special dosing regimen:
- Four different phases with different hormone dosages
- The estrogen estradiol valerate (an ester of the estradiol that occurs naturally in humans)
- The progestin dienogest also varies
This is intended to produce a more natural hormone level in the body.
Who is it suitable for?
Qlaira is particularly suitable for:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding without an organic cause in women who wish to use the pill for contraception
- A preference for a pill without ethinylestradiol
Available Dosages
28 tablets in 4 phases:
- 2 dark yellow (3 mg estradiol valerate)
- 5 medium red (2 mg E. + 2 mg dienogest)
- 17 light yellow (2 mg E. + 3 mg dienogest)
- 2 dark red (1 mg estradiol valerate)
- 2 white (placebo)
How to Take
- One tablet daily in the specified order
- Take the 28-day blister packs continuously
- No break between blister packs
- Follow the order of the colored tablets!
Contraindications
Qlaira must not be used in cases of:
- current or previous venous thromboembolism (e.g. deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), a known hereditary or acquired predisposition to it, or major surgery with prolonged immobilization
- current or previous arterial thromboembolism (e.g. heart attack), early stages such as angina pectoris, or a known hereditary or acquired predisposition to it
- stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), including in the past
- high risk of thrombosis due to several risk factors or one serious risk factor such as diabetes with blood vessel damage, severe high blood pressure or a severe lipid metabolism disorder
- a history of migraine with focal neurological symptoms
- current or previous severe liver disease, as long as liver values have not returned to normal
- current or previous liver tumors (benign or malignant)
- known or suspected sex hormone-dependent malignant tumors (e.g. of the genital organs or the breast)
- undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
- hypersensitivity to the active substances or any of the other ingredients
Qlaira is not indicated during pregnancy. Women over 35 who continue to smoke are strongly advised to use a different method of contraception.
Possible Side Effects
Common: headaches, breast pain, acne, irregular bleeding (initially) Rare: thromboses
Frequently Asked Questions
The different dosages are intended to mimic the natural hormone pattern in the body.
Yes, Qlaira is also approved for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding without an organic cause in women who wish to use the pill for contraception, and can reduce it considerably. Qlaira must not be used in cases of undiagnosed vaginal bleeding.
Qlaira is taken daily in the order numbered on the blister pack — the tablets of different colors contain different hormone doses (dynamic dosing regimen). There is no separate break, as the blister pack contains tablets without active ingredients. Details are set out in the package leaflet.
Commonly mentioned side effects include headaches, breast tenderness, nausea and irregular bleeding, especially in the first few months. Like all combined pills, Qlaira can slightly increase the risk of thrombosis — risk factors should be included in the medical history taken by the doctor.
Similar Medications
Is Qlaira right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.