Get the 121doc appReorder in just 3 clicks. It’s free
View

Qlaira pill

Combined Pill|Active ingredient(s): Estradiol valerate & Dienogest|Manufacturer: Various

A woman looking at herself in the mirror while taking a white tablet with a glass of water

Qlaira: Reliable birth control at every phase of your cycle

  • Up to 99% effective when used correctly
  • Mimics natural hormones to prevent pregnancy
  • Can make periods lighter and less painful
  • Daily dosing with no break needed
  • Multi-dose tablets to support you throughout your cycle

How to use

A woman taking a tablet with a glass of water

Get started

Begin with the first pill in your pack on day 1 of your period. Follow the order of Qlaira tablets in the pack carefully.

A hand holding a pen, marking a date on a calendar

Stay on track

Take one tablet every day for 28 days without a break. The tablets contain different doses, so don’t skip or switch the order.

A woman in a pink t-shirt with her hands on her hips, shown from neck to torso

Stay protected

Start your next pack right after finishing the current one for continuous protection against pregnancy. You may have a withdrawal bleed towards the end of your pack.

What others say about Qlaira pill

Trustpilot review
9 reviews with score 4.8

Quality healthcare
made easy

Price is all-inclusive.
Consultation is included.
Prescription is included.

Free shipping.
UK: Free next-day delivery.
Discreet packaging.

Licensed doctors.
Registered pharmacies.
Certified online pharmacy.

Qlaira pill

What is Qlaira?

Qlaira is a combined oral contraceptive pill that acts by mimicking hormones to prevent pregnancy. When taken daily as prescribed, it offers complete protection in over 99% of cases. Combined pills such as Qlaira are trusted by millions of women worldwide for easy, effective contraception.

How does Qlaira work?

Qlaira pill works by mimicking the body’s natural hormones; oestrogen and progestogen. This prevents pregnancy in three core ways:

  • Prevents ovulation: Ovulation is the phase of the menstrual cycle where an egg is released from the ovaries. Qlaira contraceptive pills prevent this by releasing hormones into the body. When no egg is released, fertilisation cannot happen.
  • Thickens cervical mucus: Qlaira thickens mucus found in the cervix. This makes it harder for sperm to pass through and reach an egg if one is released.
  • Thins the uterine lining: Qlaira also thins the lining of the uterus (endometrium). This means that even if an egg is fertilised, it’s much less likely to implant.

These three mechanisms of Qlaira work together to offer maximum protection against unwanted pregnancies.

How effective is Qlaira?

Qlaira is over 99% effective when used correctly, and is one of the most reliable birth control methods available. This has been shown in clinical trials.

In one trial, 490 women used Qlaira for a year, and only 5 became pregnant. That translates to a success rate of around 99%. Most cases of pregnancy occur when Qlaira hasn’t been taken as instructed, so as long as you follow the prescription guidelines, you can rest assured that you’re well protected.

Who can use it?

Only women age 18 and over can be prescribed Qlaira from 121doc.

Do not take Qlaira if you have ever had:

  • an allergic reaction to any of Qlaira’s ingredients
  • a blood clot
  • a condition that affects blood clotting
  • a heart attack or stroke
  • angina pectoris (severe chest pain)
  • a transient ischaemic attack (mini-stroke)
  • migraines with aura
  • liver problems
  • breast cancer or cervical cancer
  • unexplained vaginal bleeding
  • an inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)

When should you start taking Qlaira?

When you start with your first pack depends on the contraceptive method you have been previously using.

Scenario When to start Additional contraception needed?
No hormonal contraceptive in the past month Start Qlaira on the first day of your period No
Switching from another combined pill Start Qlaira the day after your last active pill No
Switching from a vaginal ring or patch Start Qlaira on the day you remove your ring or patch Yes, use barrier contraception (e.g. condoms) for 9 days
Switching from a progestogen-only pill (mini pill) Start on any day Yes, use barrier contraception (e.g. condoms) for 9 days
Switching from a progestogen implant or IUS Start on the day of removal Yes, use barrier contraception (e.g. condoms) for 9 days

What if I miss a pill?

Missing a contraceptive pill can happen, but knowing what to do next can help you stay protected. What you do next depends on the type of tablet you’ve missed and for how long.

  • If you miss an inactive (white) pill: You don't need to do anything, since inactive pills don't contain any medicine. Simply discard the missed pill and continue as normal.
  • If you miss an active pill: What to do depends on how long it’s been since you should have taken it.
    • Less than 12 hours late: Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember, and take your next pill at the usual time. Contraceptive effectiveness is not affected.
    • More than 12 hours late: Follow the instructions below depending on which pill you have missed.
Day of missed pill Advice Additional contraception needed?
Day 1-9 If you have had sex in the 7 days before forgetting, contact your doctor. Otherwise, take the missed pill as soon as possible and the next one at the usual time Yes, condoms for the next 9 days
Day 10-17 Take the missed pill as soon as possible and the next one at the usual time Yes, condoms for the next 9 days
Day 18-24 Do not take the missed pill and throw away the current wallet. Take the first pill of a new wallet and continue as if starting fresh Yes, condoms for the next 9 days
Day 25-26 Take the missed pill as soon as possible and the next one at the usual time No

If you have forgotten more than one pill, contact your doctor for advice. If you have had sex during this time, you could be pregnant. Consult your doctor before taking two pills in one day.

Does Qlaira have any side effects?

Qlaira can cause some side effects, although not everybody will get them. Most notably, combined oral contraceptive pills like Qlaira can increase the risk of developing blood clots. Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms like severe leg pain, chest pain, sudden breathing difficulties, or vision disturbances.

Other side effects of the Qlaira pill are less serious. The most common Qlaira side effects include:

  • headache
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • acne
  • irregular or no periods
  • breast tenderness
  • weight gain

For a full list of side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet.

Does Qlaira stop your period?

Qlaira doesn’t usually stop your period completely, but it can make bleeding lighter and more regular. Some users may experience shorter or less painful periods, while others may find that they occasionally miss their period.

Can Qlaira cause weight gain?

Yes, it is possible to experience weight gain as a side effect of Qlaira, but it is not usually a result of fat gain, but rather because of fluid retention or hormonal changes. Your weight should go back to normal when your body is used to the medication. In the meantime, eat healthily and exercise regularly to help manage any fluctuations.

Does Qlaira help with acne?

Qlaira can improve acne in some cases, but it can also make it worse. This depends on your body's response to the hormonal changes. In one study, acne as a side effect occurred in only 2.8% of patients taking Qlaira.

Can I get Qlaira without a prescription?

No, you cannot get Qlaira without a prescription. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

  • safety during treatment
  • effective results
  • monitoring of side effects
Medical review byDr. Caroline FontanaLast review 17 November 2025
Dr. Caroline Fontana

Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.

Qlaira pill Overview

Type of medicine Combined oral contraceptive
Used for Contraception
Active ingredient Estradiol valerate and dienogest
Works by Preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and making the womb lining less suitable for implantation
Effective within Immediately when started on the first day of your menstrual cycle. After 9 days if started on days 2-5
Available as Film-coated tablets
Available dosage(s) Varies by tablet
Usage instructions Take one tablet per day for 28 days, following the order set out in the pack
Packaging Blister pack containing 28 tablets
Manufacturer Bayer

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
What services are included with my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our online consultations are in the format of short medical questionnaires. You will be asked general questions about your health and medical history, as well as specific medical questions relevant to the treatment you have chosen. We will also ask you for your payment and delivery details to complete the order.

Online consultations take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. All questions are necessary when issuing prescription medicines. It means that our doctors can make sure the treatment is safe and right for you.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

Yes, it is a legal requirement that all online consultations are reviewed by a registered doctor. This is to make sure the chosen treatment is safe and right for you to take. All personal information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, all orders are subject to doctor approval, and we cannot guarantee that your order will be approved.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your online consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by on of our in-house doctors.

If a doctor approves you for treatment, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription will then be forwarded to our pharmacist, where you medication will be dispensed and dispatched for delivery.

What services are included with my order?

Every order includes:

  • Free consultation - your consultation will be personally reviewed by one of our registered doctors.
  • Free prescription - a doctor will issue you a prescription if approved for treatment.
  • Free delivery - we provide free express delivery across Europe, you should receive your order in 1-2 working days.
Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes, our service is all-inclusive and there are no hidden fees. All 121doc orders include a free online consultation, a free prescription and free express delivery.

What are my delivery options?

We offer several delivery options at no extra charge:

  • Next-day delivery
  • UPS Access Point - convenient parcel drop-off and collection near your home or work address
  • Nominated-day delivery - choose the most convenient day for delivery

All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not in, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

It is safe to buy prescription medications online from genuine and reputable healthcare providers, like 121doc.

Our medical staff and facilities are registered with the relevant medical governing bodies. We also ensure your data is protected by adhering to European data privacy laws.

You can learn more about our certifications here.

Is this service discreet?

Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also closely adhere to data privacy laws.

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.

Comparison

 This package contains 63 Mercilon desogestrel/ethinylestradiol tabletsYasmin® 0.03mg/3mg ethinylestradiol/drospirenone film-coated 63 tabletsBox of 63 Microgynon® levonorgestrel/ethinylestradiol tabs
 Overview
OverviewCombined pillCombined pillCombined pill
 Progestogen
Progestogen150mcg Desogestrel3mg Drospirenone150mcg Levonorgestrel
 Oestrogen
Oestrogen20mcg Ethinylestradiol 30mcg Ethinylestradiol30mcg Ethinylestradiol
 Features
FeaturesImproves period pain & PMS symptomsImproves acne & period painImproves period pain & PMS symptoms
 Side effects
Side effectsLow riskLow riskLow risk
 Breastfeeding
BreastfeedingUnsuitableUnsuitableUnsuitable
 Smoke
SmokeCautionCautionCaution
 Over 35 & smoke
Over 35 & smokeUnsuitableUnsuitableUnsuitable
 High blood pressure
High blood pressureCautionCautionCaution
 How to take
How to take21 days with break of 7 days21 days with break of 7 days21 days with break of 7 days
 Price 3 month course
Price 3 month course£39.99£44.99£34.99
 
View treatmentView treatmentView treatment

How does it work?

Select
Select Select your treatment and complete our online consultation.
Free consultation

Conditions:

Select a condition here or use the top menu. For every condition, we provide you with information as well as the treatments we currently offer. If you don’t know which is best for you, just click the 'Advise-me' button.

Treatments:

If you know what you want, the quickest way to find a specific medication is to use the search bar here.

Ordering:

Every order starts with an online consultation. We will ask you medical questions to make sure only treatment that is safe and effective is prescribed. We take into account your lifestyle, health and any other medications you’re currently using.

The consultation is completely free, and takes between 5 and 10 minutes of your time.

All your information is safe with us. We don’t share it with anyone unless you want us to.

Help:

If you need any guidance, you can call, message or email our customer service team via the ‘How can we help you?' section here.

Prescribe
Prescribe Our doctors review your order.
Free prescription

Review:

As soon as you place the order, one of our doctors will review your consultation. On working days, this usually takes around one hour.

Questions:

If the doctor has any additional questions, you will receive a phone call and an email. We understand you might be at work or busy. Our customer service representatives are always discreet and can call back at a more convenient time if necessary.

Our emails never contain any personal or medical information, only a link to your private account on our website (where you will find your messages).

Pharmacy:

Once our pharmacy receives your prescription, you will get a second email with your package tracking code.

Deliver
Deliver Expect your delivery the next working day.
Always free. Discreet packaging.
Free next-day delivery

Free:

All orders include next-day delivery. Alternatively, you can select a delivery date that suits you better.

Location:

We also provide a free UPS Access Point service. Pick up your package from one of many collection points across the UK.

With your tracking code, you will know the estimated delivery time. All we need is your signature (or a friend‘s or relative’s).

Discreet:

All parcels are plainly labelled; there is no logo or any indication of its contents. Inside, you will find your treatment as well as a patient leaflet in your chosen language.

Repeat
Repeat Subscribe and save with our repeat service. Never miss a dose again.
10 to 15% off

Repeat:

With 121doc’s Subscribe & Save service, you can automatically receive your treatment every few weeks or months.

The order will be generated by us, using the information you provided (including delivery frequency). You don’t have to do anything. Payment is taken two days before shipping.

Subscribe:

There are two ways to subscribe. The first is during the order process. The second is via your profile here.

You can cancel or amend your repeat prescriptions at any time.

Save:

There are no sign-up fees with this service. Plus, you get a 10% discount off all future prescriptions, increasing to 15% after six orders!