Rigevidon Contraceptive Pill

Rigevidon Contraceptive Pill

What is Rigevidon used for?

Rigevidon is a combined contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two synthetic female hormones, an oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and a progestogen (levonorgestrel), and is taken once daily for 21 days followed by a 7-day break.

Women who take the pill correctly will find it’s one of the most effective forms of reversible contraception available.

How does Rigevidon work to prevent pregnancy?

Rigevidon prevents pregnancy in three ways:

1. Stopping ovulation: the hormones prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Without an egg, pregnancy can’t occur.
2. Thickening cervical mucus: the mucus at the neck of the womb becomes thicker, making it much harder for sperm to reach an egg.
3. Thinning the womb lining: the lining of the womb is altered so that a fertilised egg is less likely to implant.

All three mechanisms work together to make Rigevidon a highly effective contraceptive when taken as directed. Rigevidon doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Who can use Rigevidon?

Rigevidon is suitable for women of childbearing age who want a reliable daily contraceptive pill. Before starting Rigevidon, your prescriber will ask about your personal and family health history and may check your blood pressure.

Do not take Rigevidon if you:

• Are allergic to levonorgestrel, ethinylestradiol or any of the other ingredients
• Have or have ever had a blood clot in your legs, lungs or other organs
• Have a blood clotting disorder, such as protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency or antiphospholipid antibodies
• Have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• Have or have ever had angina or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• Have a type of migraine called migraine with aura
• Have severe diabetes with blood vessel damage, very high blood pressure or very high cholesterol or triglycerides
• Have or have ever had breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs
• Have or have ever had a liver disease where your liver function hasn’t returned to normal, or a liver tumour
• Have unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Have hepatitis C and are taking certain antiviral medicines (including ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, dasabuvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Rigevidon if you:

• Have elevated fat levels in your blood (hypertriglyceridaemia) or a family history of this
• Have or have had high blood pressure, heart problems or circulation issues
• Have varicose veins or superficial thrombophlebitis
• Have migraines
• Have diabetes
• Have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have depression or mood changes
• Have liver or gallbladder disease
• Have sickle cell anaemia
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Develop brown patches on your face or body (melasma)
• Are due to have an operation or will be immobile for a long period

How to Take Rigevidon

Each strip contains 21 tablets, marked with the day of the week to help you keep track. Take one tablet at the same time each day for 21 days, following the direction of the arrow on the strip, until all 21 tablets are gone.

After finishing a strip, have a 7-day tablet-free break. During this break, usually on day 2 or 3, you’ll have a withdrawal bleed similar to a period. Start your next strip on the 8th day, even if the bleeding hasn’t finished.

Swallow each tablet whole with water if needed. Taking your pill at the same time every day, such as last thing at night or first thing in the morning, makes it easier to remember.

Side Effects of Rigevidon

Like all medicines, Rigevidon can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. Many settle on their own once your body adjusts to the pill, usually within the first few months.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Mood swings, including low mood
• Changes in sex drive
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Acne
• Breast tenderness, pain or enlargement
• Changes in bleeding pattern, including lighter or no periods
• Vaginal discharge or changes in cervical secretions
• Fluid retention

Uncommon Side Effects

• Changes in appetite
• High blood pressure
• Bloating or abdominal cramps
• Skin rash
• Melasma (yellowish-brown patches on the skin), which may persist
• Excessive hair growth or hair loss
• Changes in blood fat levels

Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, tongue or throat
• Contact lens intolerance
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• Blood clots in a vein or artery, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, heart attack or stroke

If you experience any signs of a blood clot, allergic reaction or serious side effect, stop taking Rigevidon and seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 or going to A&E.

For a full list of side effects, read the Rigevidon Patient Information Leaflet.

Reporting Rigevidon Side Effects

If you notice any side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist, even if they’re not listed here. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme. This helps improve the safety of this medicine.

Rigevidon Ingredients

Active ingredients: Levonorgestrel 150 micrograms, ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms

Other ingredients: Colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, talc, maize starch, lactose monohydrate, sucrose, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide (E171), copovidone, macrogol 6000, povidone, carmellose sodium

Warnings and Precautions

• Rigevidon increases the risk of blood clots compared to not using a combined hormonal contraceptive. The risk is highest in the first year of use or when restarting after a break of 4 weeks or more. Seek urgent medical attention if you notice leg swelling or pain, sudden breathlessness, chest pain or a sudden severe headache.
• There is a small increased risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly if you smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure or have migraines with aura. Women over 35 who smoke should discuss alternative contraception with their doctor.
• There is a slight increased risk of breast cancer in women taking the combined pill. This returns to normal within 10 years of stopping. Some studies also suggest a small increased risk of cervical cancer in long-term users.
• Rare cases of liver tumours have been reported. Contact your doctor if you experience persistent upper abdominal pain.
• Some women experience low mood or depression while taking Rigevidon. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice significant changes in your mood.
• Rigevidon may raise blood pressure in some women. Your blood pressure will be checked before starting and monitored regularly.
• Brown patches (melasma) may develop on the skin. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds if this occurs, as patches may persist after stopping the pill.
• Some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of Rigevidon, including certain epilepsy, tuberculosis and HIV treatments, and St John’s Wort. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking.
• You may need to stop taking Rigevidon several weeks before an operation or a period of prolonged immobility. Discuss this with your doctor in advance.