Buy Qlaira Pill Online
Qlaira is a combined oral contraceptive pill that contains newer synthetic versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.


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Qlaira is a combined oral contraceptive pill which is up to 99% effective when taken to prevent pregnancy. Qlaira can also be used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its associated symptoms, like heavy periods. This pill contains the active ingredients estradiol valerate (synthetic oestrogen) and dienogest (synthetic progesterone). Qlaira is taken phasically, meaning it uses different doses of the active ingredients over the course of your menstrual cycle.
The form of synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone in Qlaira are new adapted later-generation hormones (17β-estriol), meaning they have less impact on your natural hormonal levels. As a result, there are often less oestrogen-related side effects, such as headache and breast tenderness.
Qlaira is manufactured by Bayer PLC.



About Qlaira
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Qlaira is a combined contraceptive pill typically prescribed to prevent pregnancy. It contains synthetic versions of oestrogen (estradiol valerate) and progesterone (dienogest). Qlaira is sometimes used as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding in people who want to use a method of oral contraception.
Each strip of Qlaira pills contains 28 pills. There are 26 coloured tablets that contain hormones and 2 placebo pills which are taken as a hormone-free break. Unlike some contraceptives, Qlaira does not contain the same amount of progesterone and oestrogen in each pill, and instead this depends on which stage you are in your cycle.
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No, Qlaira has antiandrogenic properties, which means the active ingredients have negligible (almost no) androgenic effect. While taking Qlaira there is less chance of androgen-related side effects like:
- acne
- hair growth
- heavy menstrual bleeding
These are also common signs of PCOS, making Qlaira a good choice for treating PCOS. Qlaira also has less oestrogen effect, meaning less chance of oestrogen-related side effects like breast tenderness and headaches.
“The androgenic properties of Qlaira are minor. They are actually less than some other kinds of combined pills and most mini pills too. What this means is that Qlaira has less male hormone effect on your body when you take it. This results in a higher chance of improvement to acne symptoms, since acne can be caused by excess sebum produced as a result of higher testosterone. Using combined pills with less androgenic effect can cause improvements in some conditions, like endometriosis, though it does not cure it in the long-term.”
— Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor.
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Qlaira is a type of combined oral contraceptive pill that works in 3 ways to prevent pregnancy:
- Stopping the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation).
- Thickening the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to travel through the womb.
- Thinning the lining of the uterus so that a fertilised egg would find it difficult to implant itself.
Qlaira is also the first combined pill to be licensed to treat heavy or prolonged periods in people who want to use oral contraception. When taking Qlaira pill for this reason you may notice:
- more regular and lighter periods
- less period pain
Although Qlaira normally stops ovulation, taking the pill does not always stop periods. While the pill may stop your regular period, you can still get breakthrough bleeding, especially during the 2-day hormone-free gap on Qlaira.
How long does Qlaira take to work?
How quickly Qlaira works will depend on the day you start taking it, for example if you take Qlaira:
- on the first day of your cycle – you will be protected from pregnancy straight away
- after the first day of your cycle – you will need to use additional barrier contraception, like condoms, for 9 days if you have sex
How long does Qlaira last?
If you take Qlaira as prescribed and according to the information in your patient information leaflet, it will remain active in your body to prevent pregnancy. The half-life of Qlaira is approximately 11 hours. If you stop taking Qlaira it will remain active in your body for a few days, however, you will no longer be protected from pregnancy as soon as you stop taking it.
If you’ve been taking Qlaira for a long period of time it will take a few months for your hormones to regulate back to how they were before you started taking it.
How effective is Qlaira?
Qlaira is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if it is taken correctly. However, real life data shows that the pill is actually around 92% effective. This is because of things like missed pills, sickness and diarrhoea, or taking other medications that reduce its effectiveness.
Benefits of taking Qlaira
Qlaira pill is clinically proven to treat heavy or prolonged periods, meaning you may experience lighter, more regular periods and a reduction in period pain.
The Qlaira pill was the first contraceptive pill to introduce a new oestrogen, called ‘17-β’ estradiol valerate. This type of oestrogen is chemically identical to the oestrogen produced naturally by your body. Research shows that estradiol valerate may be associated with a lower risk of blood clots than other combined pills.
The dosage of the Qlaira contraceptive pill also means that there is a shorter hormone-free break of 2 days compared to a more traditional 7-day pill-free break. This 26 days on and 2 days off dosing regimen is the shortest available and may result in less hormonal withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and pelvic pain.
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When taking the Qlaira pill, always follow the directions given to you by your healthcare professional. Each pack contains 28 pills. There are 5 different types of pill in each pack, which are different colours. 4 of the types of coloured pills contain hormones at different strengths, and the white pills do not contain any hormones.
Qlaira tablets are numbered to make it easy to see that you have taken the right pill, and there are also helpful stick-on strips in each pack to tell you on which day of the week you should take which pill. The last 2 white tablets in each pack are inactive, placebo pills which are taken during your hormone-free break and are there to help you remember to keep taking your pill every day.
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The Qlaira pill can be taken by sexually-active people who do not wish to get pregnant or people who have heavy or prolonged periods in order to control their symptoms.
Qlaira can only be taken by people who do not have any other health conditions which make taking the pill unsafe (contraindications) or any other medications which might affect the way the pill works (interactions).
When to start taking Qlaira
If you are taking the Qlaira pill for the first time, you should start taking it on the first day of your period, which is the first day of your menstrual cycle. If you start taking it after this time, you will need to use a barrier method, like condoms, for the first 9 days to protect you from getting pregnant.
If you are going to start the Qlaira contraceptive pill after having a baby, you should start between 21 and 28 days after giving birth. If you begin taking it after 28 days, then you should use condoms during the first 9 days of using the Qlaira pill.
When should I take Qlaira?
It does not matter what time of day you take the Qlaira contraceptive pill but it’s best to take it at around the same time every day. You can take the pill with or without food. Taking them with food might reduce the chance of stomach-related side effects, like nausea.
How often should I take Qlaira?
Qlaira is a quadriphasic pill. This means Qlaira requires 26 days on and 2 days off dosing regimen compared to a 21 days on and 7 days off regimen. So, when taking Qlaira, you’ll take 1 pill every day, but for 26 days you will take a pill that contains hormones and for 2 days you’ll take a pill that contains no hormones, also known as a placebo.
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If you miss more than 1 pill or are late starting your next packet, you may be at risk of pregnancy. You may need to consider using emergency contraception (the morning after pill) if you have had unprotected sex. You should speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about this.
This table explains what to do if you miss a dose of Qlaira at different points during your 28-day cycle:
Scenario What to do If you're less than 12 hours late
Take it as soon as you remember and continue to take it at your usual time every day. You will still be protected against pregnancy. If you miss more than 1 pill, you may not be protected against pregnancy and you should ask your doctor for advice.
If you're more than 12 hours late
You may not be protected against pregnancy. Take the missed Qlaira contraceptive pill as soon as you remember (even if you have to take 2 pills in 1 day) and check the missed pill chart in your pill pack to see what you should do next.
If you forget to start a new pack of pills, or forget a pill on days 1 to 9
Use an extra type of contraception such as condoms for the next 9 days and carry on taking the pills as normal. If you have had unprotected sex in the 7 days before you missed a pill you could be pregnant, and you need to speak to your doctor.
If you miss a pill on days 10 to 17 of the packet
You’ll need to use another form of contraception, like condoms, for the next 9 days and carry on with the rest of the pack as normal.
If you miss a pill from days 18 to 24 of the packet
Start a new packet straight away with the first pill and discard the old pack. You’ll also need to use another form of contraception such as condoms for the next 9 days.
If you miss a pill on day 25 to 26 of the packet
Take the missed pill immediately and the next pill at your normal time. You do not need to use any extra contraception.
If you forget to take 1 or more of the white inactive pills
You'll still be protected. Just discard the missed pill and carry on with the rest of the pack and the next pack as normal.
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If you’re sick within 3 or 4 hours of taking a pill, take another pill as soon as you feel well enough, within 12 hours of the normal time you would have taken it. Take the next one at your normal time. If you carry on being sick or you were more than 12 hours late taking the next pill, ask your doctor for advice.
If you have very severe diarrhoea which lasts for over 24 hours, keep taking your pill at your normal time, but follow the instructions for missing a pill.
What if I take too much Qlaira?
There are no reported serious harmful side effects if you think you have accidentally taken too many Qlaira. However we recommend getting in touch with your doctor if you experience symptoms like nausea or vomiting.
For further information and detail, read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine.
If you find that you miss pills often, you should speak to your doctor about other possible types of contraception. There are long-acting types of contraception such as the implant, injection, or coil, which some people prefer as you do not need to remember to take a pill every day.
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It is possible to request the Qlaira contraceptive pill in the UK from online registered doctor services, like ZAVA. But before you buy Qlaira online, you should make sure the service you are buying from is regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
You may also be able to get Qlaira for free on the NHS from your GP or a sexual health clinic. Qlaira is not available without a prescription, so it cannot be bought over the counter.
Can I buy Qlaira online?
You can request the Qlaira pill online from ZAVA, all you need to do is:
- Fill out a short online medical questionnaire to tell us about your health.
- Request your preferred treatment and log in or create an account to make payment.
- One of our registered doctors will review your answers and let you know if the treatment is right for you.
- Once approved, your medication will be delivered discreetly to your address or you can collect it from your local post office.
Can I buy Qlaira over the counter?
No, Qlaira is not available over the counter. You will need approval from a doctor to get Qlaira. This is because Qlaira is a prescription-only medication and can only legally be bought in the UK with a prescription or through an online doctor service like ZAVA.
There are some mini-pills available to purchase over the counter without a prescription, such as Hana and Lovima.
Can I get Qlaira on the NHS?
Yes, Qlaira is available to request on the NHS from your GP after having a consultation. You can only obtain Qlaira with a prescription so you would need a GP to prescribe Qlaira for you.
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Like any medication, Qlaira does have a chance of giving you side effects. However, not everyone will experience them.
You may have irregular periods, spotting, and breakthrough bleeding when you first start taking Qlaira. If you do not have a withdrawal bleed for 2 months in a row, take a pregnancy test before you start the next pack.
Common side effects (affecting between 1 and 10 in every 100 users) include:
- headaches
- abdominal pain or nausea
- acne
- loss of periods, sore breasts, painful periods or irregular bleeding (and heavy irregular bleeding)
- weight gain
Uncommon side effects (affecting between 1 and 10 in every 1,000 users) include:
- fungal infections of vulva or vagina
- vaginal infections
- increased appetite
- dizziness
- migraine
- depression, low mood, and difficulty sleeping
- lowered libido
- mood swings
- hot flushes
- high blood pressure
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- hair loss
- excessive sweating
- itching
- rash
- muscle cramps
- swollen breasts
- cervical dysplasia
- fatigue and irritability
- swelling
- weight loss
- blood pressure fluctuations
- ovarian cyst and/or pelvic pain
- premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- vaginal bleeding
- contractions of uterus and/or growths in uterus
Serious side effects of Qlaira
People taking the combined contraceptive pill, including the Qlaira pill, are at a slightly higher risk of developing a blood clot in a vein, the lungs, or an artery, which can lead to a stroke or a heart attack. The risk is higher for smokers and people who are obese.
Stop taking Qlaira, contact your doctor straight away, and call 999 in an emergency, if you notice any of the following:
- stabbing pains and/or unusual swelling in one leg
- pain on breathing or coughing
- coughing up blood
- sudden breathlessness
- sudden severe chest pain
- migraine or severe headaches
- sudden disturbance in vision, hearing, or speech
- sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- fainting or collapse
- epileptic seizure
- significant rise in blood pressure
- itching of the whole body
- yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- severe stomach pain
- severe depression
You should also contact your doctor if you think you could be pregnant.
What happens when you’re coming off Qlaira?
You can stop taking the Qlaira contraceptive pill at any time. If you are coming off a contraceptive pill like Qlaira because you want to get pregnant, stop taking Qlaira and wait about 2 to 3 months until your periods become regular (if you had regular periods before starting Qlaira) before trying. Doing so will help to determine your expected delivery date more easily.
If you are coming off the Qlaira pill and do not want to get pregnant, you should speak to your doctor about alternative methods of contraception.
How long do Qlaira side effects last?
Qlaira side effects typically stop when your body adjusts to the medication, which usually takes around 3 months. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects that affect your day-to-day life speak to your doctor and they may recommend an alternative contraceptive.
What should I do if I get Qlaira side effects?
If you experience mild side effects like nausea, headaches, spotting (bleeding), or breast tenderness, this is common and they should subside. We suggest waiting for your body to adjust, and in the meantime easing your side effects for:
- nausea – take the pill at night or with food
- spotting – take your pill at the same time each day
- headaches – take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
- breast tenderness – wear a supportive bra, apply warm compress, and take painkillers
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Although Qlaira is an effective pregnancy prevention solution, this does not mean it is right for everybody. Your doctor will take into account possible risk factors like your medical history, family history, weight, age, and smoking status to assess if this type of pill would be safe for you to use.
Do not take the Qlaira pill if you have:
- or have ever had, a blood clot (thrombosis) in a blood vessel of your legs, your lungs, or any other organs
- a disorder that affects your blood clotting
- a planned operation or expect to be off your feet for a long time
- ever had a heart attack or a stroke
- or have ever had, angina pectoris or transient ischaemic attack
- or have ever had, a type of migraine called ‘migraine with aura’
- or have ever had, liver disease – and your liver function still isn’t normal
- or have ever had, a tumour of the liver
- or have ever had, cancer or suspected cancer of the breast or genital organs
- any unexplained vaginal bleeding
- an allergy to estradiol valerate, dienogest, or any of the other ingredients in Qlaira
You also should not take Qlaira birth control if any of the following apply to you, as this may increase your risk of a clot in the arteries:
- you have severe diabetes with blood vessel damage
- you have high blood pressure
- you have a high level of fat in the blood
- you have a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia
- you might already be pregnant
- you are obese
- you take certain medications, discussed in detail in the ‘Qlaira interactions’ section
- you experience migraines
- a close family member has ever had a blood clot or has inherited abnormal clotting conditions
- you are diabetic
- you have severe liver disease or cancer
- you have a history of breast cancer in your family or cancer of the genital organs
Qlaira interactions
You should always tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter and herbal medicines, before you start taking the Qlaira pill. Also make sure that any new medications you’re starting are safe to use while on Qlaira – tell the prescribing doctor, nurse, or pharmacist you’re using Qlaira.
Medications that can interact with Qlaira include ones used in the treatment of:
- epilepsy, including primidone, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, and felbamate
- tuberculosis, including rifampicin
- HIV and Hepatitis C virus infections, including protease inhibitors and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as ritonavir, nevirapine, and efavirenz and combination regimens of ombitasvir and paritaprevir and ritonavir, with or without dasabuvir, as well as the regimen of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, which may cause increases in liver function blood test results
- fungal infections, including griseofulvin and ketoconazole
- mental health disorders, such as St. John's wort
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Do not take Qlaira tablets if you’re pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking it, you should stop straight away. Qlaira pills and other combined contraceptive pills should not be used for 6 weeks after you’ve had a baby, if you’re breastfeeding. If you do need contraception after giving birth, mini pills might be a good choice.
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The active ingredients in Qlaira tablets are estradiol valerate and dienogest at varying strengths:
- 2 dark yellow tablets containing 3mg estradiol valerate
- 5 medium red tablets containing 2mg estradiol valerate and 2mg dienogest
- 17 light yellow tablets containing 2mg estradiol and 3mg dienogest
- 2 dark red tablets containing 1mg estradiol
- 2 white tablets containing no active ingredients
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The active ingredients in Qlaira tablets are estradiol valerate and dienogest at varying strengths:
- 2 dark yellow tablets containing 3mg estradiol valerate
- 5 medium red tablets containing 2mg estradiol valerate and 2mg dienogest
- 17 light yellow tablets containing 2mg estradiol and 3mg dienogest
- 2 dark red tablets containing 1mg estradiol
- 2 white tablets containing no active ingredients
“Most combined pills use ethinylestradiol as the oestrogen hormone. In these cases, 30 micrograms of oestrogen or less is considered low-dose. The Qlaira pill uses a different oestrogen, estradiol valerate, at doses of 1mg to 3mg. But because the active ingredients are so different, this does not mean Qlaira is a very high-dose combined pill.” – Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor.
For further information on non-active ingredients in Qlaira, read the patient information leaflet included with the medication.
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There are several Qlaira alternative pills available. Some of the other combined oral contraceptive pills available are:
- Zoely – a 28-day pill, with 24 pills containing active ingredients while 4 are placebo and which contains the active ingredients estradiol and nomegestrol acetate
- Triregol – another phasic pill meant to match the natural hormone changes during your menstrual cycle
- Yasmin – a combined pill that contains different types of oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progestogen (drospirenone)
- Rigevidon – a combined oral contraceptive which is also used to treat heavy or irregular periods
- Microgynon 30 – a 21-day pill containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel
If the combined pill is not suitable for you or you would prefer not to use contraception that contains oestrogen, then the mini pill may be an option. The mini pill or progesterone-only pill only contains 1 hormone, progesterone. It’s ideal for anyone who cannot take oestrogen. Mini pill examples include:
Qlaira vs Zoely
Zoely and Qlaira are similar only because they are both extended regimen pills which means they have a pill-free break that lasts for less than 7 days. The main differences are:
- Qlaira’s hormone-free break is 2 days while the hormone-free break with Zoely lasts for 4 days
- Qlaira is a quadriphasic pill so the hormone levels change over the 4 weeks it’s taken, whereas Zoely is monophasic, so the hormone levels remain the same
- Qlaira and Zoely contain different synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone, with Zoely containing estradiol and nomegestrol
- Zoely can cause heavier periods, particularly during the early months of taking it, whereas Qlaira may relieve symptoms like heavy periods due to its anti-androgenic properties
Both pills are equally effective and like Qlaira, Zoely can help with acne.
Qlaira vs Yasmin
Qlaira and Yasmin are both combined pills with many differences although both pills are equally effective at preventing pregnancy. The main differences are:
- Qlaira is quadriphasic, so the hormone levels change during every 4-week cycle, whereas Yasmin only has one phase (monophasic), meaning the hormone levels stay the same
- Qlaira and Yasmin contain different synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone, with Yasmin containing ethinylestradiol and drospirenone
The ingredients in Yasmin and Qlaira can both help alleviate acne and Yasmin can also help with bloating.
Qlaira vs Microgynon
Qlaira and Microgynon are both combined oral contraceptive pills with some differences. Although they’re equally effective, they differ because:
- they contain different synthetic versions of oestrogen and progesterone, with Microgynon containing ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel
- Microgynon, like Yasmin and unlike Qlaira, is monophasic, meaning you remain on the same dosage throughout your cycle when taking it
- Qlaira has been reported to cause less oestrogen-related side effects because it’s a newer version of synthetic oestrogen, which replicates natural oestrogen hormones much more
All contraceptive pills have varying qualities that may be more suitable for you. The effectiveness can depend on a range of factors from person to person. Informing your doctor on your medical and family history in addition to raising concerns will allow them to suggest the most suitable pregnancy prevention method.
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Frequently asked questions
How should Qlaira be stored?
Qlaira does not require special storage conditions but you should not use the medication after the expiry date as it will no longer be as effective.
In which pack sizes is Qlaira available?
Qlaira is available in packs of 1, 3, or 6 wallets containing 28 tablets each.
What does Qlaira look like?
Qlaira tablets are film coated, each wallet contains:
- 2 dark yellow tablets
- 5 medium red tablets
- 17 light yellow tablets
- 2 dark red tablets
- 2 white tablets
Each tablet is marked inside hexagon printed on the coated film:
- the dark yellow tablets is marked with DD
- the medium red active tablets are marked with letters DJ
- the light yellow active tablet is marked with DH
- the dark red active tablets are marked with DN
- the white inactive tablet is marked with DT
Can I take Qlaira while breastfeeding?
It is not recommended to take Qlaira whilst breastfeeding as it is possible small amounts of it will be excreted in breast milk.
Does Qlaira affect your periods?
Yes, it can often lead to lighter, regular periods and sometimes no periods. It may also potentially cause irregular bleeding. The effect of Qlaira on periods can vary from person to person.

Brenda studied medicine at St Georges University of London and has most recently worked in John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospitals, covering acute and general medicine.
Meet our doctorsLast reviewed: 02 Apr 2025
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Combined oral contraceptives containing estradiol valerate vs ethinylestradiol on coagulation: A randomized clinical trial, AOGS [accessed 28 March 2025]
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Combined pill, NHS [accessed 28 March 2025]
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Qlaira patient leaflet, emc [accessed 28 March 2025]
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Zoely: a new combined oral contraceptive, BMJ [accessed 28 March 2025]



Contraceptive pills are a reliable way of reducing your risk of getting pregnant from sex. ZAVA offers most common brands of pill, so you can order your preferred brand by visiting our contraceptive pill service page.
In stock. Prices from £40.99