Rigevidon

Rigevidon is a brand of combined oral contraceptive pill which is extremely effective in preventing pregnancy if used correctly. It contains a synthetic version of hormones which are naturally produced in the ovaries. These stop the ovaries releasing an egg, thicken the mucus at the neck of the womb making it harder for sperm to reach an egg and thin the lining of the womb to reduce the chances of a fertilised egg implanting into the womb.

How effective is Rigevidon in preventing pregnancy?

The Rigevidon contraceptive pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy if used correctly. No method of contraception is 100% effective.

What if I forget to take the pill?

The effectiveness of Rigevidon is not reduced if tablet intake has been missed in less than 12 hours. You should take your Rigevidon pill as soon as you remember and then again at your usual time each day even if this means taking two within a 24 hour period. If the delay exceeds 12 hours, effectiveness of the pill is reduced and additional contraceptive precautions are required to prevent pregnancy.

What if I have an upset stomach (vomiting / diarrhoea)?

If an upset stomach is experienced within 3-4 hours of taking the Rigevidon contraceptive it is unlikely to have been fully taken up by the body. If symptoms of an upset stomach last less than 12 hours, take an extra pill from a spare pack and continue taking the pills as normal from the following day. If the symptoms last longer than 12 hours, it is necessary to use additional contraception for the next 7 days.

Cautions

It is important to be aware that no form of contraception can offer 100% protection against pregnancy. The pill will not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases. It is strongly advised to stop smoking when taking a combined oral contraceptive pill. Do not take Rigevidon if you are pregnant, breast feeding or intolerant to certain sugars. The pill can increase blood pressure and possibly lead to blood clots (thrombosis). Women are advised to have their blood pressure checked before starting, then again within the first 6 months of starting and once a year after this. Research has found a slight increase in the risk of developing cervical and breast cancer which reduces once the pill is stopped. It may protect against ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Is Rigevidon Safe?

Like all other medications, Rigevidon has been rigorously tested. With all combined contraceptive pills there is a risk of blood clots. The following factors may put you at greater risks of blood clots, but a doctor will always balance the risks and benefits of a medication before suggesting that you take it.

• Whether you are a smoker and older than 35

• Whether you are overweight or have a high BMI

• Whether you have high blood pressure

• Whether you have diabetes

• Whether have had a blood clot, heart attack or a stroke in the past

• Whether you have a family history of blood clots, heart attack or a stroke

• Any other medication you are currently taking

If you are not happy about the safety of a particular medication, you should raise these concerns with the prescribing doctor. The doctor should be able to discuss your concerns and the reasoning behind their decision. If you are still concerned, the doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative medication or treatment plan.

If you do experience any unwanted side effects, you should report this to the prescribing doctor, who can then pass that information on to the drug manufacturers if there are concerns. There is a very low risk of serious side effects occuring when taking the combined contraceptive pill, but if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention: 

• Sudden shortness of breath

• Difficulty breathing, seeing or speaking

• A feeling of pressure in the chest

• Swelling, pain or tenderness in your legs or arms

Rigevidon contains the active ingredients ethinylestradiol 0.03mg and levonorgestrel 0.15mg which are similar to the hormones oestrogen and progestogen.

Take one tablet daily at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7 day break with no tablets. Rigevidon should be started on day one of a woman’s menstrual cycle, although if started between days 2-5 an additional method of contraception is necessary for the first 7 days.

Common side effects of taking Rigevidon include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Irregular bleeding
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain
• Changes in sexual desire

Rare side effects of taking Rigevidon include:

• High blood pressure
• Impaired hearing
• Blood clots and thrombosis
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Slight increase in the risk of breast and cervical cancer

Please read the following information carefully before starting treatment – Rigevidon