Overview
Order Rigevidon Contraceptive Pill Online
By Clinical Pharmacist Hywel McGlinchy
You can request to buy Rigevidon online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. After completing an online assessment, our doctors will review your suitability for a repeat supply of this medication.
Please note, our doctors are only able to issue this item for patients who are already taking this medication. If you need to get started on the contraceptive pill, please see your GP.
What is Rigevidon?
Rigevidon is a popular combined oral contraceptive pill used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two ingredients to help prevent ovulation, and also to make it harder for sperm to reach the uterus. These are ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, which are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.
It is important to continue to have all your regular check-ups with your own GP each year. This makes sure it is safe to continue taking Rigevidon.
How does it work?
Rigevidon is a hormonal contraceptive with three mechanisms of action. The main effect of the medicine is to prevent ovulation each month. This is the process of one of your ovaries releasing an egg.
It also works by thickening the natural mucus which occurs in the womb. This makes it more difficult for sperm to cross into the womb to fertilise an egg. Finally, it makes it harder for an egg to implant in the womb, by thinning the lining of the womb.
How effective is Rigevidon?
Like other combined contraceptive pills, Rigevidon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. If you have vomiting or severe diarrhoea around the time you take your pill, it may not be effective. Other reasons that can reduce its effectiveness include missing a pill and taking medicines that interfere with the combined pill Rigevidon.
Rigevidon missed pill
If you have forgotten to take 2 or more pills (or started your pack 2 days late), you will not be protected against pregnancy. This may also be the case if you are more than 12 hours late taking a tablet. You should take the missed pill as soon as possible, even if this means taking two tablets at once (but no more). You should continue taking the tablets as normal until you complete the pack.
You will not be protected from pregnancy for 7 days after remembering to take the missed pills. You should use an alternative method of contraception (e.g a condom), or refrain from sex for these 7 days.
You can also read our missed pill guide here.
Rigevidon and breastfeeding
The advice for women who are breastfeeding is to avoid using a combined contraceptive pill. Speak to your doctor for further advice.
Alternative treatments
Various contraceptive methods are available to prevent pregnancy. Other combined pills include Yasmin and Microgynon. Progestogen only pills do not contain oestrogen and include the brand Cerazette or generic Desogestrel. You can see a breakdown of contraceptive methods on the Contraception Choices website.
Rigevidon summary
Active ingredients | Levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol |
Type of pill | Combined oral contraceptive |
Price | £12.95 |
Side effects | Nausea, mood changes, headache, breast pain |
Side Effects
Rigevidon Side Effects
Common side effects of Rigevidon include bleeding between periods, breast pain, headache, nausea, and mood swings. See the patient information leaflet in your pack for further information on side effects.
Taking combined contraceptive pills has been linked to a raised risk of blood clots. Blood clots can be serious, and you should be aware of the symptoms of blood clots. If you notice any of these symptoms while taking Rigevidon, seek medical attention immediately.
There is also a link between taking the combined pill and an increased risk of breast and cervical cancer. Women with a personal or family history of these cancers should avoid taking combined pills for this reason. See the Cancer Research UK website for further information.
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.
Directions
How to take Rigevidon
Rigevidon is taken once daily, at around the same time every day. Rigevidon is a 21-day pill pack. This means you take 21 tablets consecutively (starting on day 1 of your menstrual cycle), followed by a 7 day, pill-free break. The pack is marked with the day of the week that each pill should be taken.
You will likely have withdrawal bleeding during the 7 day period when you stop taking the pill. You are still protected during these 7 days and do not need to use additional contraception.
There are other ways to take the pill, such as taking the pill continuously or taking a pill every day for 21 days and only taking a 4 day break afterwards. For further information, talk to your doctor about taking the pill.
Warnings
Other conditions and Rigevidon
The combined contraceptive pill is not suitable for everyone and should be avoided by people with certain conditions. This includes people with a history of blood clots, very high blood pressure, unexplained vaginal bleeding, and a history of heart attack or stroke. See the patient information leaflet in your packet for further information.
