Rigevidon Combined Pill

Rigevidon is a combined oral contraceptive pill, sometimes referred to simply as "the pill". It contains two active ingredients: levonorgestrel (150 mcg), a synthetic form of progesterone, and ethinylestradiol (30 mcg), a synthetic form of oestrogen. These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy.

Rigevidon is a monophasic pill, which means every tablet in the pack contains the same amount of hormone. It is one of the most commonly prescribed contraceptive pills in the UK and is equivalent to Microgynon. Both contain the same active ingredients at the same strength and work in the same way.

Rigevidon is used to prevent unplanned pregnancies. It is 99% effective at stopping ovulation, reducing the probability of sperm reaching the egg following intercourse, and preventing a fertilised egg from attaching to the womb lining should fertilisation occur.

Rigevidon prevents pregnancy through three mechanisms. It stops the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), thickens the cervical mucus to make it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg, and thins the lining of the womb so that a fertilised egg is less likely to implant.

When taken correctly, combined contraceptive pills such as Rigevidon are over 99% successful in preventing pregnancy.

When taken correctly, Rigevidon is over 99% successful in preventing pregnancy. With typical use, where occasional pills are missed or taken late, this figure drops to around 91%. To maintain the highest level of protection, take Rigevidon at the same time every day and follow the missed pill guidance if you forget a dose.

If a pill is missed or you experience vomiting and/or diarrhoea when taking this pill, there might be a risk of pregnancy, and it is advised to use a condom alongside Rigevidon in these cases.

Take one Rigevidon tablet at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days. Each pill in the strip is marked with a day of the week to help you keep track. After completing the 21-day strip, take a 7-day break during which you will usually experience a withdrawal bleed. Start the next strip on the eighth day, even if you are still bleeding.

If you begin taking Rigevidon on the first day of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy straight away. If you start on days 2 to 5 of your period, you should use an additional method of contraception, such as condoms, for the first seven days.

Swallow each tablet whole with water. If you vomit within two hours of taking a tablet, or have severe diarrhoea, the pill may not have been absorbed, and you should follow the missed pill guidance below.

If you are less than 12 hours late taking a pill, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking the rest of the pack at the usual time. Your contraceptive protection will not be affected.

If you are more than 12 hours late, your protection may be reduced. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if this means taking two pills in one day, and continue the rest of the pack as normal. Use an additional method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days.

If there are fewer than seven pills left in the pack when you miss a pill, skip the 7-day break and start the next pack straight away. If you are unsure about what to do, contact your pharmacist or GP for advice.

Rigevidon can prevent pregnancy immediately if it is started during the first five days of the menstrual cycle in women with regular periods. If taken within this timeframe, ovulation is inhibited from the outset.

If Rigevidon is taken after the fifth day of the menstrual cycle, it may not provide effective contraception immediately. In such cases, it can take up to seven days for Rigevidon to become fully effective. During these seven days, it is recommended to use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy.

Rigevidon should be taken at the same time every day to maintain hormone levels. Some people find it easier to take Rigevidon first thing in the morning or immediately before bed, as this may make it easier to remember to take a dose at the correct time.

When you stop taking Rigevidon, your natural hormone levels will begin to return to their pre-pill state. Most women will resume their natural menstrual cycle within one to three months, although it may take slightly longer for some. Your fertility will return once you stop taking the pill, and it is possible to become pregnant in the first cycle after stopping.

Some women experience temporary side effects after stopping, such as irregular periods, changes in mood or skin breakouts. These are usually temporary as the body adjusts.

Rigevidon should not be taken by individuals affected by any of the following conditions:

• Allergy to levonorgestrel, ethinylestradiol or excipients
• If you have or ever have had blood clots (thrombosis) in the legs, lungs, or other organs
• If you have a condition which makes you more susceptible to blood clots
• If you experience severe and recurring migraines (migraines with aura)
• If you have a condition which increases the chance of clots in the arteries, such as severe diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, or hyperhomocysteinaemia
• If you have liver disease or poor liver function
• If you are pregnant
• If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• If you have (or have ever had) or if you are suspected of having breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs
• If you are on certain medications (please inform your pharmacist or GP of any other medication you are taking)

Rigevidon does not stop your natural period in the way that some long-acting contraceptives may do. However, the bleed you experience during the 7-day break is a withdrawal bleed rather than an actual period.

Some women find that their withdrawal bleeds become lighter and shorter whilst taking Rigevidon. If your periods stop entirely whilst you are taking the pill as directed, this is not usually a cause for concern, but you should speak to your GP if you are concerned.

Rigevidon is a combined contraceptive pill. It contains two hormones: an oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and a progestogen (levonorgestrel). This is different from the mini pill (also known as the progestogen-only pill or POP), which contains only one hormone.

Because Rigevidon contains oestrogen, it is not suitable for everyone. It is generally not recommended for women who are over 35 and smoke, who have a history of blood clots, or who experience migraines with aura. If the combined pill is not suitable for you, your GP or pharmacist may recommend a progestogen-only alternative such as Cerelle or Hana.

The combined pill contains both oestrogen and progesterone, which work together to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg every month. On the other hand, the progestogen-only pill (mini-pill) contains only progesterone and works by thickening the mucus of the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Rigevidon and Microgynon contain the same active ingredients (levonorgestrel 150 mcg and ethinylestradiol 30 mcg) at the same strength. Both pills work in the same way and are considered interchangeable by prescribers.

Some women report noticing differences after switching between the two, which may be related to the inactive ingredients (excipients) rather than the hormones themselves. If you experience any issues after switching, consult your pharmacist or GP.

Rigevidon is also equivalent to Levest and Ovranette, which contain the same active ingredients and dosage. The choice between these brands is largely a matter of availability and cost.

Weight gain is listed as a possible side effect of Rigevidon, reported in between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 users. However, the NHS states that there is no clear evidence that the contraceptive pill directly causes weight gain. Any weight changes may be related to water retention or appetite changes and tend to be minor.

If you are concerned about weight changes whilst taking Rigevidon, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Combined contraceptive pills such as Rigevidon may help to improve acne in some women, as the oestrogen component can reduce androgen levels that contribute to breakouts. However, this varies between individuals, and some women may find that their skin worsens when they first start taking the pill before it improves.

Hair loss is not commonly reported with Rigevidon, but hormonal changes associated with starting or stopping any contraceptive pill may occasionally affect hair growth. If you notice unusual hair thinning whilst taking Rigevidon, consult your GP to rule out other causes.

All combined contraceptive pills carry a small increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism) compared with not taking the pill. Studies suggest that approximately 5 to 7 women out of every 10,000 taking pills containing levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol may develop a blood clot in any given year, compared with about 2 out of 10,000 women who are not taking the pill.

The risk is higher in the first year of use and when restarting after a break of four weeks or more. Symptoms to be aware of include unusual swelling or pain in one leg, sudden shortness of breath and chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Rigevidon should not be taken during breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding and want to take a contraceptive pill, it is recommended to discuss this with a GP or medical professional to discuss suitable and safe options.

Alcohol does not directly affect how Rigevidon works. However, excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of forgetting to take your pill or of vomiting within two hours of taking it, which could reduce its contraceptive protection.

Each Rigevidon tablet contains the active ingredients levonorgestrel (150 micrograms) and ethinylestradiol (30 micrograms).

The other ingredients are: colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, talc, maize starch, lactose monohydrate (33 mg), sucrose, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide (E171), copovidone, macrogol 6000, povidone and carmellose sodium.

If you are allergic to any of these ingredients, do not take Rigevidon and speak to your doctor for advice on alternative contraception.

There are several alternative oral contraceptive pills you could consider if Rigevidon is not suitable:

• Yasmin or Lucette which contain ethinylestradiol and drospirenone
• Progestogen-only pills (mini-pill) such as Lovima, Cerelle and Cerazette (which contain desogestrel), Noriday 350 mcg (which contains Norethisterone), and Norgeston (which contains Levonorgestrel).