New combined oral contraceptive pill, Qlaira, launched today

A new combined oral contraceptive, called Qlaira, is available to women in the UK from today.

Combined oral contraceptive pills which are currently available contain synthetic versions of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, and act by preventing ovulation in women.

However, Qlaira, is the first to use estradiol valerate instead of ethinlestradiol as the oestrogen component of the pill.  Estradiol valerate is rapidly converted by the body into estradiol a naturally occurring oestrogen.

Results from clinical trials involving almost 3,000 volunteers, found that women taking Qlaira had significantly fewer bleeding/spotting days, and lighter and shorter bleeding at the end of the monthly cycle compared with regular combined oral contraception.

Dr. Annie Evans, Women’s Health Specialist at the Bristol Sexual Health Centre welcomed the new pill:

“Many women may find the concept of a pill delivering a “body-identical” hormone very attractive and may also value the benefit of light and short monthly bleeds.”

She also added:

In my practice, I am constantly concerned about the number of women who do not use effective contraception because of fears of risks or side – effects.

The clinical trials showed the new contraceptive to be it over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, the same as other oral contraceptives currently available.

This article was published on Mon 8 June 2009