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Rigevidon Tablets

Rigevidon Tablets

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Rigevidon Contraceptive Pill

Rigevidon contraceptive pills can be bought quickly and easily online from The Independent Pharmacy. Women can order repeat supplies of Rigevidon with a fast, free online consultation and receive your contraceptive pill as soon as the next day from a UK Pharmacy.

Suitable for age: 18 years +
Maximum per order:1
Consultation required?Yes

This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.

Type of medicine
Contraceptive
Works by
Prevents ovulation and makes womb harder for sperm to reach the egg
Active ingredient
150 micrograms levonorgestrel and 30 micrograms ethinylestradiol.
Effective within
Immediately if taken on first day of period
Pack size
63 tablets
Common side effects
Nausea, Breast tenderness and Breakthrough bleeding
Manufacturer
Gedeon Richter (UK) Ltd
Generic
No
Use with alcohol
No known issues

Rigevidon Information

What is Rigevidon & what is it used for?

Rigevidon is an oral contraceptive. When used correctly, it will provide 99% protection against pregnancy. Its two active ingredients, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, prevent ovulation from occurring during the menstrual cycle. Rigevidon is a monophasic combined pill, meaning each pill contains the same dose of levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol.

Rigevidon may also help reduce acne and protect against conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease. It will not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

There are 21 Rigevidon pills in a pack. Once you have finished a pack, you will stop taking the pill for seven days. During this time you will have a normal bleed. Once seven days have passed, begin your next cycle of treatment.

How does Rigevidon work?

Pregnancy occurs when an egg released from the ovaries is fertilised by sperm. In a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries release one egg each month – this is the process of ovulation. This process is controlled by the female sex hormones progesterone and oestrogen. Rigevidon contains two synthetic hormones, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, which imitate these two natural hormones. They control the levels of each hormone in such a way that prevents an egg from being released. The Pill also makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus, by thickening the fluid that is in the cervix.

During a regular menstrual cycle, the endometrium (the wall of the uterus) builds up in preparation for a fertilised egg. Rigevidon reduces the extent of this buildup, making it less likely that a fertilised egg will develop into an embryo. As a further result, periods become lighter.

Alternatives to Rigevidon

Rigevidon is a combined oral contraceptive pill that contains the same hormones as other contraceptive pills, including Microgynon, Ovranette and Levest.

Check out our Contraception Advice page for more information surrounding contraception including a variety of progesterone-only pills and patches.

Non-Medicinal Contraception Alternatives

  • Female Condoms- Not only do they prevent pregnancy they also prevent STIs. There is currently only one brand available in the UK, called Femidom. Shown to be 95% effective.
  • Male Condoms- Prevent pregnancy and also prevent STIs. Shown to be 98% effective.

Sources

Rigevidon directions

Rigevidon can be prescribed by The Independent Pharmacy and bought by adults over the age of 18 years.

  • Rigevidon is for oral use only.
  • Take 1 tablet, at the same time each day, for 21 days. Take your first tablet, next to the correct day of the week, from the top row of the pack and follow the directions of the arrows printed on the pack.
  • After 21 days, have a 7-day pill-free break, where you should expect to have a bleed.
  • Start your new pack, after your 7 days pill-free, on the same day of the week that you started your previous pack.

For full details on how to take Rigevidon, please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.

Starting Rigevidon

If you have not used any contraceptive with hormones in the previous month:

Start Rigevidon on the first day of your period. Starting Rigevidon on the first day of your period means you are immediately protected against pregnancy and do not need to use additional barrier contraceptives.

If you start Rigevidon any time after day 1 of your period you must use additional barrier contraceptives such as condoms for 7 days.

Switching from another combined hormonal contraceptive pill:

Start Rigevidon the day after your last pill from your previous pill packet. Do not have a 7-day pill-free break. If you start Rigevidon after your 7-day break you will need to use an additional barrier contraceptive such as condoms for 7 days.

Changing from a progestogen-only pill, injection, implant or a progesterone-releasing IUD:

You may switch to Rigevidon, any convenient day, from the progestogen-only pill, from the day of removal of an implant or an IUD and the due date of the injection. In all of these cases, you must use an additional barrier contraceptive such as condoms for 7 days.

After having a baby:

You can start taking Rigevidon between 21 and 28 days after having a baby. If you start taking Levest later than day 28 you must use an additional barrier method of contraception such as condoms for the next 7 days.

Rigevidon missed pill

If you forget to take your daily Rigevidon tablet or you are sick or have diarrhoea within 3-4 hours after taking your tablet, take it as soon as you remember or when you feel better, even if this means taking 2 tablets on the same day.

If you are more than 12 hours late taking your Rigevidon tablet:

  • You will not be protected from getting pregnant and should use additional barrier contraception such as a condom for 7 days.

You are at more risk of becoming pregnant if you miss multiple tablets within one packet or if the missed pill is at the start or the end of your packet. If you think you are at risk of being pregnant while taking Rigevidon you should speak to a doctor for advice as soon as possible.

If you are less than 12 hours late taking your Rigevidon tablet:

  • You will be protected from getting pregnant. You will not need to use additional contraception.


Rigevidon ingredients

The active ingredients contained in Rigevidon are: 150 micrograms of levonorgestrel and 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol.

Rigevidon also contains the following inactive ingredients: Colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, talc, maize starch, lactose monohydrate, sucrose, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide (E171), copovidone, macrogol 6000, povidone carmellose sodium.

Rigevidon side effects

In the same way as other medicine, Rigevidon can cause some people to experience side effects. The most commonly reported side effects are usually mild but if you are bothered by them or are concerned you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Most commonly people who take Rigevidon report the following side effects:

  • Feeling sick
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Headaches
  • Breast tenderness
  • Weight gain or fluid retention
  • Mood changes
  • Change in sex drive
  • Irregular bleeding
  • Increased blood pressure

If you experience an allergic reaction or severe side effects while taking Rigevidon you should seek immediate medical attention from a doctor or your nearest emergency department.

For full details on reported side effects associated with taking Rigevidon please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Rigevidon warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

Rigevidon is unsuitable for you if you have:

  • An allergy to any of the ingredients of Rigevidon
  • A history of breast cancer, or cancer of the uterus or cervix
  • A blood clotting disorder
  • Ever had a blood clot
  • A history of heart attack or stroke
  • Angina pectoris
  • Very high blood pressure
  • Severe diabetes
  • High levels of lipids in the blood
  • Impaired liver function
  • Severe migraines

You may be advised not to take Rigevidon if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

  • Crohn’s disease or chronic inflammatory bowel disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Sickle-cell anaemia
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Pancreatitis
  • Inflammation of veins under the skin
  • Varicose veins
  • Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Otosclerosis
  • Gall bladder disease
  • Sydenham’s chorea (a movement disorder)
  • Porphyria
  • A family history of blood clots or circulation problems
  • Migraines
  • Herpes gestationis (a rash associated with pregnancy)
  • Chloasma

If you require any blood test, inform your doctor of which medicines you are taking – Rigevidon may alter the results of some blood tests.

Rigevidon and cancer

Do not use Rigevidon if you have breast cancer, or if you have had it before. Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase your chance of developing breast cancer. Once you have stopped using the Pill for at least 10 years, your risk levels will come back down. Women who are elderly and/or overweight are more vulnerable to breast cancer. Take care using Rigevidon if a close relative has suffered from breast cancer before. Check your breasts and nipples regularly for any changes or lumps. If you notice anything abnormal, visit your doctor as soon as you can.

Rigevidon may increase your chance of developing cervical cancer. For this reason, you should have regular smear tests while taking the Pill.

Rigevidon and blood clots

You may be more susceptible to blood clots while taking Rigevidon, especially during the first year of use. Talk to your GP before having any operation while taking the Pill. You may need to stop using Rigevidon to avoid the increased risk of a blood clot in advance of the operation. You are also at a heightened risk of developing a blood clot if you:

  • Smoke
  • Are obese
  • Have a family history of blood clots
  • Do not exercise regularly
  • Have had a miscarriage in the past
  • Have recently given birth

Rigevidon and other medicines

The following medicines may impact the effectiveness of Rigevidon:

  • Epilepsy medicines (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
  • Antivirals for Hepatitis C or HIV (e.g. ritonavir, nevirapin)
  • Griseofulvin
  • Etoricoxib
  • Bosentan
  • St John’s Wort

Rigevidon may impact the effectiveness of the following medicines:

  • Ciclosporin
  • Lamotrigine
  • Theophylline
  • Tizanidine

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Rigevidon Tablets FAQs

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Scott McDougall

Authored by

Scott McDougall
Scott McDougall
MPharm
2079324
Director & Registered Manager

Scott is one of the two founders of The Independent Pharmacy. He is a registered pharmacist and the registered manager of our service with the CQC.

Daniel Hurley

Reviewed by

Daniel Hurley
Daniel Hurley
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.