Take 1 tablet every day at the same time.  

Each strip contains 26 coloured active tablets and 2 white inactive tablets. Choose the weekday sticker that starts with the day you begin taking Qlaira. If you start on a Wednesday, use the 'WED' sticker. Stick to the strip so that the first day is above the pill marked '1'.

There is now a day shown above every tablet to help you keep track. Follow the direction of the arrow on the wallet until all 28 tablets have been taken. Start the next strip the next day.

Usually, your period starts when you are taking the second dark red tablet or the white tablets.

Many women do not experience any side effects, however some will. These can include feeling sick, tummy pain, breast discomfort, irregular bleeding or headaches. In rare cases, some women develop blood clots or raised blood pressure.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.

If you start using Qlaira on days 1-5 of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy immediately. If you start taking it later (only if you are sure you could not be pregnant), you will need to use condoms for at least seven days until Qlaira starts to work.

When taken correctly, Qlaira is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, if you are sick or have severe diarrhoea you may not be protected. If this happens, continue to take the pill as usual but use a condom while you're ill.

Missing one of the white inactive pills should not compromise contraception. Discard the missed inactive pill and continue the pack as normal. You will still be protected.

If you miss an active pill, take it as soon as you remember (this may mean taking 2 pills in a day) and then continue the pill packet daily. Don't take more than 2 active pills in one day.

If you are less than 12 hours late when taking an active pill, take it as soon as you remember. Then continue taking the tablets again at the usual time. You will still be protected against pregnancy.

If you are more than 12 hours late taking a pill, the protection against pregnancy may be reduced. The next steps depends on when you last took your pill and where you are in your pill packet. Please read the patient information leaflet for further information, or send us a message via your Patient Record.