Combined contraceptive pills
- 01 Dec 2023
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Combined contraceptive pills
- Updated on 01 Dec 2023
- 1 Minute to read
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Zoely and Qlaira represent two unique combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) treatment options that contain natural estradiol rather than the synthetic ethinylestradiol found in most other CHC pills.
| Brand | Oestrogen | Progestogen | Formulation | Dosing regime | Vegan suitable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qlaira | Phasic estradiol | Phasic dienogest | Tablets | One tablet taken daily. Start next pack without a break. If menstruation regular, start on first day of period | No |
| Zoely | Estradiol 1.5mg | Nomegestrol Acetate 250mg | Tablets | One tablet taken daily. Start next pack without a break. If menstruation regular, start on first day of period | No |
Many other CHC options are available that contain ethinylestradiol. These would represent suitable options too, for eligible women who choose to use a CHC for HRT.
For guidance on CHC eligibility see UK MEC for contraception.
Note:
- If using the CHC for HRT, it should be used continuously with the pill-free week omitted. This is to avoid having an interval of oestrogen deficiency during the pill-free week.
References and Further Information:
- Menopause Practice Standards produced by the British Menopause Society (BMS), Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Society for Endocrinology (SfE), Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) and Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) 2022. Found on page 12.
- Panay N, Anderson A, Nappi R et al. Premature ovarian insufficiency: an international society white paper. Climacteric 2020.
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