Authored: 07/01/2023
UK Registered and Regulated
Member of DICE Clinical Excellence
UK Registered GPs
16,000+ Reviews
Rigevidon Pill
Overview
- 3 months supply
- Over 99% effective if taken correctly
- Combined Oral Contraceptive
- 150 ug levonorgestrel and 30 ug ethinylestradiol
Overview
Order Rigevidon Contraceptive Pill Online
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. If approved your prescription will be processed by our UK pharmacy team and the medicine sent to your address.
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. These are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.
As with any medication, there are potential side effects and risks associated with this medicine. It is important to continue to have check-ups with your own GP each year to make 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 is missing a pill and taking medicines that interfere with Rigevidon. If you believe your pill effectiveness has been reduced or you’ve missed a pill, follow the below directions for missed pills.
How to Take Rigevidon
Rigevidon is taken once daily, at around the same time every day. Rigevidon is a 21-day pill pack, meaning you take 21 tablets consecutively (starting on day 1 of your menstrual cycle), followed by a 7 day, pill-free break.
You will likely have withdrawal bleeding similar to your menstrual periods during the 7 day period when you stop taking the pill. You are still protected during this 7 day break and do not need to use additional contraception.
The pack is marked with the day of the week that each pill should be taken.
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 the best way for you to take Rigevidon and follow their directions for use.
Missed Rigevidon Pill
If you've missed a dose of Rigevidon but are not more than 12 hours late, you should take it as soon as you remember. Have your next dose as normal, even if this means taking two tablets within 24 hours. In this scenario, you will still be protected against pregnancy and do not require any extra precautions.
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 2 days before and 7 days after missing pills. If you have had unprotected sex during this time, consult a doctor or pharmacist about emergency contraception. If you have not had sex in the 2 days before or after missing your pills, you should use extra contraception (e.g a condom), or refrain from sex.
Rigevidon Pill Summary
| Dose | Take ONE tablet at the same time each day for 21 days before taking a 7 day break |
| Type of medicine | Combined oral contraceptive |
| Mechanism | Prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation, sperm movement and implantation |
| Available Size | 84 tablets - 3 months supply |
| Active Ingredients | Levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol |
| Price | From £12.95 |
| Side Effects | Can include nausea, mood changes, headaches, breast tenderness |
Alternatives
For alternative brands to Rigevidon, there is Levest, Microgynon and Ovranette. All of these contain the same active ingredients but differ in manufacturer and price.
There are many contraceptive options available that may be suitable if Rigevidon is causing side effects or you are having difficulty remembering to take it. Always consult your GP before changing contraceptives as you will need to be assessed for suitability.
Alternative contraceptive options include other combined pills, progesterone-only pills, contraceptive injections, contraceptive implants and vaginal rings.
Rigevidon Side Effects
Like with any medicine, there is a possibility of side effects from taking Rigevidon pills but not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of Rigevidon include bleeding between periods, breast pain, headache, decreased libido, fluid retention (weight changes), nausea, and mood swings. If you experience these and they concern you, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
For uncommon and rare side effects, see the patient information leaflet in your pack for further information.
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Reviewed: 15/03/2025
FAQ
General Information
How long after taking Rigevidon are you protected?
If you start taking Rigevidon on days 1–5 of your period, you will be protected from pregnancy straight away. However, if you start after day 5, you should use an additional form of contraception (such as condoms) for the first seven days of taking the pill.
Can I buy the Rigevidon pill online?
Yes, in the UK Rigevidon is a prescription‑only medicine. You can request it from registered online doctor and pharmacy services by completing an online assessment. A UK doctor will review your information to determine if it is safe and appropriate for you.
Does Rigevidon cause weight gain?
Weight gain is listed as a possible side effect in 1–10% of users. It may be related to water retention or changes in appetite caused by the hormones in the pill. If you are concerned, speak to your doctor.
Can I take Rigevidon without a break?
Yes, you can take Rigevidon continuously (back to back) to skip your withdrawal bleed, but this should only be done under the guidance of a doctor.
Can Rigevidon stop periods?
Yes. Taking Rigevidon without the 7‑day break between packs can delay or skip your withdrawal bleed (period). This method is safe for most women, but speak to your GP if you plan to do this regularly.
Side Effects & Safety
Is Rigevidon safe?
Rigevidon is considered safe for most healthy, non‑smoking women under 35. However, it may not be suitable for some women with certain health risks. If you smoke, are over 35, or have a medical condition, consult a GP before using this pill.
Access & Cost
Where can I order Rigevidon online?
You can order Rigevidon online from registered UK pharmacy and doctor services. As it is a prescription‑only medicine, you will need to complete an online health assessment reviewed by a qualified prescriber. If suitable, a prescription will be issued and the medicine posted to your address.
Reviews
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet.
Warnings
Warnings & Precautions
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. Our doctors will decide your suitability based on your assessment answers.
Taking combined contraceptive pills has been linked to a slightly raised risk of developing 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 a slightly increased risk of breast and cervical cancer. This is why yearly screenings are required. 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.
Other medicines and Rigevidon
Certain medicines such as epilepsy treatments, HIV medicines, certain antibiotics and antifungal medicines can reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. To ensure the pill remains effective, it is important that your doctors and health professionals are aware of all the medicines you take when they prescribe for you.
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.
