What is Belara?
Belara is a combined antibabypille which contains the gestagen chloromadinone acetate (CMA) and the estrogen ethinylestradiol. It is made by Gedeon Richter and is one of the most popular pills in Germany.
The speciality of Belara is in the gestagen chlormadinone acetate. It has pronounced antiandrogenic properties – stronger than many other gestagens. This makes Belara particularly suitable for women with hormonal skin problems or enhanced body hair.
With correct application, Belara offers a very reliable concept protection with a Pearl index of about 0.1 to 0.9.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Chlormadinonacetat 2 mg, Ethinylestradiol 0,03 mg
Belara has several mechanisms at the same time:
Depression of ovulation: The combination of chloromadinone acetate and ethinylestradiol signals to the body that sufficient hormones are already present. The distribution of FSH and LH from the gland of the brain is suppressed, and an ovulation does not take place.
Change of cervical mucus: The mucus in the cervical neck becomes more viscous and more difficult to penetrate for sperm.
Influence of cervical mucosa: The mucous membrane is less built up, which makes an indentation more difficult.
Antiandrogen effect: Chlormadinone acetate blocks the effect of male hormones (androgenic) on the receptors in skin and hair follicles. As a result, acne, fat skin and excessive hair growth can be improved.
Who is it suitable for?
Belara is particularly suitable for women who:
- Want a safe hormonal conception protection
- tend to skin impurities or acne
- suffer from fat skin or fat hair
- Reinforced body hair
- Find a well-tolerated pill with low risk of thrombosis
Especially suitable for:
- Hormonal acne
- Seborrhoe (excessive tallow production)
- Androgenic hair loss in women
- desire for uniform cycle
**Before the Regulation should be clarified:* *
- Whether there are risk factors for thromboses
- Which other medicines are taken
- Whether pregnancy is excluded
Available Dosages
Inactive content:
- Chlormadinone acetate: 2 mg per tablet
- Ethinylestradiol: 0.030 mg (30 micrograms) per tablet
Pack sizes:
- 1 x 21 film tablets
- 3 x 21 film tablets
- 6 x 21 film tablets
Intake scheme: 21 days a tablet, then 7 days a break. The bleeding occurs during the break. The new pack begins on the 8th day.
How to Take
Start taking: On the first day of monthly bleeding start with the first tablet. Then there is immediate protection. At the beginning of day 2-5 additionally prevent 7 days with condom.
Adoption:
- Take a tablet every day at about the same time
- Swallow with water
- Taking is independent of meals
7-day break: After the last tablet of a pack follows a 7-day take-off. Usually, 2-3 days after the last tablet uses the bleeding.
Forget tablet:
- Less than 12 hours forgot: Immediately take away, protection is preserved
- Forgot more than 12 hours: accept and use condom for 7 days
Important: Never extend the 7-day break! A forgotten tablet at the beginning or end of the intake time is particularly critical.
Contraindications
**Belara may not be used at:* *
- Thrombosis or thrombosis risk – existing or earlier venous/arterial thromboembolia
- Black cardiovascular diseases – heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease
- Certain migraine forms – migraine with aura
- Lever disease – acute or severe chronic liver disease
- Hormon-dependent tumors – known or suspected breast cancer
- Unexplained bleeding from the vagina
- ** pregnant * *
Provided for:
- Smoking (especially from 35 years)
- Overweight (BMI over 30)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Increased blood fat levels
- Familiary thrombosis tendency
- Longer immobility (e.g. after operations)
Thrombosis risk: The risk of venous thromboembolia under chlormadinone acetate-containing pills is comparable to levonorgestrel-containing preparations and thus lower than in combination pills containing drospirenon or desogestrel.
Possible Side Effects
**Family (1-10% of female users):* *
- Headaches
- nausea
- Breast tensions
- mood swings
- Intermediate bleeding (especially at the beginning)
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Migraine
- Reduced libido
- Weight gain
- Acne (at the beginning of taking)
- Mushroom infections of the vagina
Selten, but serious:
- Venous thromboembolia
- Arterial thromboembolic events
- Increased blood pressure
Warning signs – immediately seek medical help:
- Sudden swelling or pain in one leg
- Sudden breathing, chest pain
- Strong headaches, visual disorders, paralysis
- Strong superstructure pain
Positive effects: Many women notice an improvement in skin appearance, less fat hair and more regular, often weaker bleeding.
Interactions
Encouragement possible by:
- Antiepileptic (Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Topiramat)
- Antibiotics against tuberculosis (Rifampicin, Rifabutin)
- HIV drugs (determined protease inhibitors)
- Johanniskraut (Hypericum perforatum)
- Certain anticonvulsants
No clinically relevant influence:
- Most common antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Azithromycin)
- Common painkillers
- Antihistamines
For interactions: While taking interactive medicines and for 28 days thereafter additionally to prevent condoms or choose alternative prevention.
**Belara can affect the effect of:* *
- Ciclosporin (Immunsuppressivum)
- Lamotrigine (Antiepileptic)
- Certain blood pressure medications
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Belara right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.