What is Rigevidon?
Rigevidon is a combined contraceptive pill, often called "the pill." It contains two active ingredients: ethinylestradiol, a synthetic version of the female hormone oestrogen, and levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the female hormone progesterone. Manufactured by Gedeon Richter, the Rigevidon contraceptive pill is available with a prescription from a healthcare professional.
Rigevidon contains 150mcg of levonorgestrel and 30mcg of ethinylestradiol, which is the same dosage as many other contraceptive pills, like Microgynon, Ovranette and Levest.
What is Rigevidon used for?
Rigevidon is primarily used for contraception, allowing women to have control over their reproductive choices. Preventing pregnancy provides an effective means of family planning and enables women to plan their lives according to their personal needs and desires.
How does Rigevidon work?
Rigevidon works by using its two active ingredients to prevent ovulation, alter the cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to penetrate, and change the lining of the womb to prevent the implantation of a fertilised egg. "The combined oral contraceptive pill works by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg and altering the lining of the womb "explains Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a UK-based general practitioner.
What are the benefits of Rigevidon?
Rigevidon is a combined pill with several benefits for users, including effective contraception, improved menstrual cycle regularity, and reduced menstrual pain. Combined oral contraceptive pills are over 99% effective when used correctly. Additionally, women who use Rigevidon may experience lighter, less painful periods.
Dosages of Rigevidon
Rigevidon is typically taken in 21-day cycles, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval. During this interval, a withdrawal bleed similar to a period occurs. Each Rigevidon pill should be taken at the same time each day for maximum effectiveness.
Rigevidon 3 Month Course Explained
A three-month course of Rigevidon consists of taking the pill daily for three consecutive 21-day cycles, with a 7-day pill-free interval between each cycle. This means that, over the course of three months, a user will have taken a total of 63 pills (21 pills per cycle) and experienced three withdrawal bleeds.
Rigevidon 6 Month Course Explained
A six-month course of Rigevidon involves taking the pill daily for six consecutive 21-day cycles, with a 7-day pill-free interval between each cycle. Over the course of six months, a user will have taken a total of 126 pills (21 pills per cycle) and experienced six withdrawal bleeds.
Can I get Rigevidon over the counter?
Rigevidon is a prescription-only medication, which means it cannot be obtained over the counter. A healthcare professional must assess your medical history and suitability before prescribing Rigevidon or any other contraceptive pill.
When should I start taking Rigevidon?
You can start taking Rigevidon at any time in your menstrual cycle. If you start it on day 1 to 5 of your period, you'll be protected from pregnancy straight away. You can start taking Rigevidon on the first day of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period). If you start taking it later in your cycle, consult your healthcare professional for guidance on additional contraceptive precautions needed for the initial days.
Can I take Rigevidon without a break?
It is possible to take Rigevidon without a break, but you should consult your healthcare professional before doing so. Skipping the 7-day pill-free interval can help avoid a withdrawal bleed, but it may increase the risk of breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
What happens if you miss a Rigevidon pill?
If a pill is missed or a new pack is initiated a day late, take the missed pill as soon as possible. It is necessary to take the missed pill even if it requires consuming two pills simultaneously. Pregnancy protection should still be maintained, eliminating the need for additional protection or emergency contraception. Continue taking the rest of the pack as usual.
In the event that the pack concludes within six days after the missed pill, forego the seven-day break and proceed with the next pack.
If more than two days have elapsed since the missed pill, pregnancy protection may no longer be guaranteed. Continue taking the pill as usual, but abstain from unprotected intercourse for the following seven days. If unprotected intercourse has occurred since the missed pill, emergency contraception should be considered.
Can I take Rigevidon to delay my period?
Yes, Rigevidon can be used to delay your period. To do this, skip the 7-day pill-free interval between packs and start a new pack immediately after finishing the previous one. Consult your healthcare professional before using Rigevidon to delay your period.
Can I use Rigevidon as emergency contraception?
Rigevidon is not suitable as emergency contraception. If you require emergency contraception, speak to a healthcare professional or pharmacist about options like the morning-after pill.
What should I do if I think I’m getting Rigevidon side effects?
If you suspect you are experiencing side effects from Rigevidon, contact your healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms, provide advice, and, if necessary, suggest an alternative contraceptive method.
What is a substitute for Rigevidon?
There are several alternatives to Rigevidon, including other combined oral contraceptive pills with different hormone combinations, progestogen-only pills, contraceptive patches, vaginal rings, injections, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and barrier methods. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable contraceptive method based on your individual needs and medical history.
Can I buy birth control over the counter?
Some forms of birth control, like condoms, can be purchased over the counter. However, prescription-only methods, including Rigevidon and other contraceptive pills, require a consultation with a healthcare professional before they can be obtained.
Can I take 3 packs of Rigevidon back to back?
Taking three packs of Rigevidon back to back is a possibility for some women, but it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before doing so. Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a UK-based general practitioner, states that "skipping the pill-free interval between packs can help avoid a withdrawal bleed, but it may increase the risk of breakthrough bleeding or spotting." By taking Rigevidon continuously, women may experience fewer periods; however, the risk of side effects may increase.
Can I buy Rigevidon from Boots?
Yes Rigevidon can be purchased from Boots, but it requires a prescription for purchase.
Does Rigevidon stop periods?
Yes, Rigevidon can halt periods if taken continuously without interruption. Upon discontinuing the pill, normal periods will resume, although it may take up to six months for the usual pattern of bleeding to return after ceasing contraceptive pill use.
Can Rigevidon cause weight gain?
Fluid retention is a possible side effect of taking Rigevidon. This side effect has also been reported for other combined pills.
How long after stopping Rigevidon will it take to get pregnant?
Rigevidon does not have any long-term impact on fertility. Fertility typically returns quickly after discontinuing Rigevidon. However, this timeline can vary depending on individual factors, such as age and overall health. Consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice on planning for pregnancy after stopping Rigevidon.
Do antibiotics interact with Rigevidon?
Some antibiotics may interact with Rigevidon, potentially reducing its effectiveness. The NHS advises that "only certain antibiotics, such as rifampicin and rifabutin, are known to affect the pill." If you are prescribed antibiotics while taking Rigevidon, consult your healthcare professional to determine if additional contraceptive precautions are necessary.
Does Rigevidon increase your risk of blood clots?
Rigevidon, like other combined oral contraceptives, may slightly increase the risk of blood clots. The risk of blood clots is higher in women taking combined oral contraceptives compared to those not using hormonal contraception, according to a study published in the BMJ. However, the overall risk remains low, and a healthcare professional will assess your individual risk factors before prescribing Rigevidon.
Is it normal to bleed on Rigevidon?
Breakthrough bleeding or spotting is a common side effect of Rigevidon, especially during the first few months of use. "Breakthrough bleeding may occur when taking Rigevidon without a break or during the initial months of use," explains Dr Sarah Jarvis. If the bleeding persists or becomes heavy, consult a healthcare professional.
Can Rigevidon cause acne?
Rigevidon can affect acne in different ways, improving it for some users and exacerbating it for others. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, combined oral contraceptives can help manage acne in some cases, but individual responses may vary. Consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice on managing acne while using Rigevidon.
Can Rigevidon cause depression?
There are no conclusive studies stating that Rigevidon causes depression. But mood swings/changes from taking the combined contraceptive pill are possible. It is essential to monitor your mental health while taking any hormonal contraceptive and consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent mood changes or depression.
Can Rigevidon cause anxiety?
Rigevidon may cause mood swings/changes, but no conclusive evidence exists that this combined contraceptive pill causes anxiety. However, it can cause mood changes. If you find that Rigevidon is causing anxiety or other mood-related side effects, consult your healthcare professional to discuss alternative contraceptive options. This side effect has also been reported for other combined pills.
Can Rigevidon cause infertility?
Rigevidon does not cause long-term infertility. Fertility typically returns soon after discontinuing the pill.
Can Rigevidon make me bleed between periods?
Rigevidon can cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting, particularly during the first few months of use. This bleeding is typically light and irregular. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy, consult your healthcare professional for guidance.
I didn’t get my period while taking Rigevidon. Am I pregnant?
While Rigevidon is over 99% effective when used correctly, no contraceptive method is 100% foolproof.
Can the combined pill increase the risk of cervical cancer?
There is a potential link between taking the combined pill and a slightly elevated risk of cervical cancer when compared to individuals who do not use it. This increased risk may be more pronounced the longer the combined pill is taken. However, ten years after ceasing the pill, the risk returns to normal levels, as if the pill had never been used.
Can I switch to a different pill when taking Rigevidon?
If you experience side effects or find that Rigevidon is not suitable for you, it is possible to switch to a different contraceptive pill. Consult with your GP before making this decision.
Is Rigevidon a good contraceptive pill?
Rigevidon is an effective contraceptive pill when used correctly. It has a typical use effectiveness rate of over 99% as it is one of the combined contraceptive pills, which means fewer than one in 100 women using it correctly will become pregnant in a year. However, individual experiences and suitability may vary, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine if Rigevidon is the right choice for you.
How quickly does Rigevidon work?
When starting Rigevidon on the first day of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period), you are protected from pregnancy immediately. If you start taking Rigevidon later in your cycle, you may need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the first seven days of pill use. Consult your healthcare professional for guidance on when Rigevidon will be effective for you.
What are the rules for Rigevidon?
The primary rules for using Rigevidon include taking one pill daily for 21 days, followed by a seven-day pill-free interval during which a withdrawal bleed occurs. Start a new pack after the seven-day break. It is essential to take the pill at the same time each day and follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional. If you miss a pill or experience vomiting or diarrhoea, consult the patient information leaflet or your healthcare professional for guidance on maintaining contraceptive protection.
Is Rigevidon a mini pill?
Rigevidon is not a mini pill. Rigevidon is one of the combined contraceptive pills, containing two hormones: ethinylestradiol (an oestrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestogen). The mini pill, also known as the progestogen-only pill, contains only progestogen and is a different type of oral contraceptive.
Are you protected on the 7-day break?
During the seven-day pill-free interval, you are still protected from pregnancy, provided you have taken the previous 21 pills correctly and start the next pack on time. If you delay starting the next pack or have missed pills in the previous pack, your contraceptive protection may be compromised. Consult your healthcare professional for guidance on maintaining contraceptive protection during the pill-free interval.
Can Rigevidon be purchased from an Online Pharmacy?
Yes, Rigevidon can be purchased from a reputable online pharmacy. To ensure safe and legal practises when you buy Rigevidon online, it is crucial to choose a pharmacy that is registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies, such as the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in the UK. Keep in mind that a prescription may be required to buy Rigevidon online.
