Treatment Details
  • Treatment Details
  • Overview
  • Side Effects
  • Directions
  • More Information
  • What is Rigevidon?

    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.

  • Overview of Rigevidon 
    Type of Medicine:Combined oral contraceptive pill
    Active Ingredients:Levonorgestrel and Ethinylestradiol
    Method of Action:Prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus
    Effectiveness:99% protection against pregnancy when used correctly
    Pack Size:21 tablets per pack
    Dosage Strength:Contains consistent doses of levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol
    Generic:Yes
    Alcohol Compatibility:No known issues
    Prescription Requirement:Typically available with a prescription; consult a healthcare professional
    Additional Information:Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Follow specific instructions for missed pills and starting the medication based on individual circumstances.
  • 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:

    o Feeling sick

    o Abdominal cramps

    o Headaches

    o Breast tenderness

    o Weight gain or fluid retention

    o Mood changes

    o Change in sex drive

    o Irregular bleeding

    o 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 directions

    Rigevidon can be prescribed by Curely 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.

  • Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.drugs.com/uk/rigevidon-leaflet.html

    NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/combined-contraceptive-pill/

     

Frequently asked questions
  • What is Rigevidon, and how effective is it as contraception?

    Rigevidon is a combined oral contraceptive pill with a high effectiveness rate of 99% when used correctly. It contains two active ingredients, levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, which prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to inhibit sperm penetration.

  • How does Rigevidon help besides preventing pregnancy?

    Besides contraception, Rigevidon may help reduce acne and protect against conditions like fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. However, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

  • What are the common side effects of Rigevidon?

    Common side effects include nausea, abdominal cramps, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes, irregular bleeding, and weight gain. These symptoms usually diminish over time but consult a healthcare professional if concerned.

  • How do I take Rigevidon correctly?

    Take one tablet daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval. Start the next pack on the same day of the week as the previous one. Follow specific instructions based on your situation, such as starting after childbirth or switching from another contraceptive method.

  • What should I do if I miss a Rigevidon pill?

    If less than 12 hours late, take the missed pill immediately and continue as usual. If over 12 hours late, take it as soon as remembered, but use additional contraception for seven days. Consult a doctor if multiple pills are missed within a packet.

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