Rigevidon

What is Rigevidon?

Rigevidon is a combined contraceptive pill. It contains two types of female hormones ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and levonorgestrel (progesterone) which work to prevent pregnancy. It’s taken orally every day and when used correctly it's 99% effective. 

What is Rigevidon used for?

Rigevidon is a contraceptive pill that prevents pregnancy. Rigevidon can also help to make periods lighter and less painful. It can improve acne too.  

How does Rigevidon work?

The hormones in Rigevidon (ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel) prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). They also make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, or for an egg to implant itself in the lining of the womb.

How long does Rigevidon take to work?

If you start using Rigevidon on days 1-5 of your period, you should be protected from pregnancy immediately, provided you don’t have a short or irregular menstrual cycle.

If you start after day 1 and have short/irregular menstrual cycle you’ll need to use condoms for 7 days if you have sex. Your clinician will be able to advise if you need to use extra contraception in the first 7 days if you have sex.  

How effective is Rigevidon?

When taken correctly, Rigevidon is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If it’s not always taken correctly roughly 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant.

If you are vomiting or have severe diarrhoea you may not be protected against pregnancy. If this happens, continue to take the pill as usual but use a condom whilst you're ill. If this continues for more than 24 hours you should follow the same steps as a missed pill.

Please note – you should only start Rigevidon if you’re sure you’re not pregnant.  

How to take Rigevidon

Most women choose to take 1 pill daily for 21 days, then have a 4 or 7-day break before starting the next pack. During this break you’re likely to have a withdrawal bleed. This is like a period but isn’t one.

You can also take Rigevidon as follows:

• Tricycling: Take 1 pill daily for 9 weeks without a break. After 9 weeks (3 packs of pills) take a 4 or 7 day break and then start the cycle again.

• Continuous use: Take 1 pill daily without a break.

• Flexible extended use: Take 1 pill daily for at least 21 days. If you get bleeding that’s unacceptable to you, take a 4-day break. On the fifth day start taking the pill daily again and don’t have another break for at least 21 days.
  

Make sure to take the pill as directed by your doctor. You should try and take the pill at the same time every day. It’s easier to remember if you take it first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

What if I miss a Rigevidon pill?

This depends on when and how many pills are missed. Missing one pill, at any time, does not compromise contraception. Missing two or more pills or starting a new pack late might affect your contraceptive cover.

Up to 48 hours since your last pill – take your next pill as soon as you remember and continue the rest of the pack as usual. This might mean you need to take 2 pills on 1 day.

More than 48 hours – this depends on when you last took your pill and where you are in your pill packet. Please check the patient information leaflet for further information.

What if I take too much Rigevidon?

If you take more Rigevidon than you should, it’s unlikely it will do you any harm. However, you may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, breast pain, numbness, drowsiness or fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms message us in your Patient Record.

Rigevidon dose

Each Rigevidon tablet contains 150mg levonorgestrel and 30mg ethinylestradiol. The daily dosage is one tablet taken at the same time every day.

What are the side effects of Rigevidon?

Many women do not experience any side effects, however some will. Common side effects tend to stop once your body has gotten used to the pill.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include:

• Vaginitis
• Mood swings including depression
• Changes in interest in sex
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Feeling sick and/or being sick
• Abdominal pain
• Acne
• Breast tenderness and/or breast pain
• Breast enlargement and discharge
• Painful periods
• No or reduced period bleeding
• Weight changes 

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:

• Changes in appetite
• High blood pressure
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating
• Excessive hair growth
• Hair loss 

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) include:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction)
• Glucose intolerance
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• Blood clots
• Heart attack
• Stroke 

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

Can Rigevidon stop periods?

Rigevidon can stop you having period, if you take it continuously without having a break. Taking 2 packs of Rigevidon back-to-back means you can avoid having a period.

Does Rigevidon cause weight gain?

There’s no evidence to suggest that taking Rigevidon will affect your weight. You may find your weight changes throughout your cycle due to fluid retention and other reasons not related to the pill.