Rigevidon

Rigevidon as a Contraceptive

Rigevidon is a form of combined oral contraception that is taken to prevent unwanted pregnancy for women. It is an oral birth control pill to be taken consecutively for 21 days with a 7-day break or  as advised by the prescriber. Rigevidon can also help to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms of menstruation, such as heavy bleeding, cramping, and mood fluctuations.

What is Rigevidon and how does it work?

Rigevidon is a 21-day monophasic pill that contains two types of female sex hormones oestrogen and progestogen. This combination prevents pregnancy by inhibiting the surge of luteininsing hormone, which prevents ovulation. It also causes changes in the cervical lining, which creates a barrier for the sperm and renders the endometrium unreceptive to implantation. It is over 99% effective if used correctly.

Rigevidon 30 is not intended for use by females who have not had their first periods or for those who have experienced menopause.

Is Rigevidon right for me?

Rigevidon is a highly effective contraceptive, however it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:

• If you are allergic to ethinylestradiol or levonorgestrel or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• If you have ever had a blood clot or are at risk of a blood clot
• If you have severe heart, liver or kidney problems
• If you have high or low blood pressure
• If you have ever had a migraine with aura
• If you are suspected of having cancer of the womb, vagina, breast or cervix
• If you have unexplained bleeding from the vagina

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of Rigevidon. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of Rigevidon, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

• Vaginitis
• Mood swings, altered sexual drive
• Nervousness
• Tender breasts or breast enlargement
• Weight gain
• Headaches, migraine
• Nausea, vomiting
• Irregular bleeding
• Risk of a blood clot
• Abdominal pain
• Acne
• Painful menstruation

To view Patient Leaflet click here.

To view PDF patient leaflet click here.

Rigevidon Contraceptive Pills

It is a combined contraceptive pill that works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to penetrate and fertilise an egg. When taken properly, the drug is effective at helping prevent pregnancy. Rigevidon may also be used if your periods are extremely heavy. Rigevidon contains progesterone and ethinylestradiol and when taken properly is over 99% effective. 

How does it work?

Rigevidon is a 21-day monophasic pill that contains two types of female sex hormones oestrogen and progestogen. This combination prevents pregnancy by inhibiting the surge of luteininsing hormone, which prevents ovulation. It also causes changes in the cervical lining, which creates a barrier for the sperm and renders the endometrium unreceptive to implantation. It is over 99% effective if used correctly.

How do I take Rigevidon?

Always take Rigevidon exactly as prescribed by your doctor or advised by the pharmacist. 

• Rigevidon should be taken every day for 21 days
• Take your pill at the same time every day
• Start by taking a pill marked with the correct day of the week
• Follow the directions of the arrows on the strip and take a pill every day until you have finished all 21 tablets, then have 7 pill-free days
• Start your next strip of Rigevidon after the 7 pill-free days, even if you are still bleeding
• It can be taken with or without food, if necessary with a small amount of water
• You must not take Rigevidon if you are pregnant 
• It is not advised to take Rigevidon while breast-feeding

What are possible side effects?

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of Rigevidon. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of Rigevidon, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

• Vaginitis
• Mood swings, altered sexual drive
• Nervousness
• Tender breasts or breast enlargement
• Weight gain
• Headaches, migraine
• Nausea, vomiting
• Irregular bleeding
• Risk of a blood clot
• Abdominal pain
• Acne
• Painful menstruation

Alternatives to Rigevidon

There are several combined oral contraceptive pills like Rigevidon available in the UK, for e.g. Microgynon, Ovranette, Levest etc. They may not be identical to Rigevidon, however belong to the same class of medicines are can be equally effective.