What is Rigevidon?

Rigevidon is a combined oral contraceptive, which is often referred to as the pill.

The contraceptive pill Rigevidon contains synthetic versions of the naturally occurring oestrogen and progestogen in a low dose.

These hormones stop you from getting pregnant by:

Stopping ovaries from releasing an egg
Thicken the fluid at the neck of the womb to make it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg
Alter womb lining to make it less likely to accept a fertilised egg.

Rigevidon can be used to prevent pregnancy and is a great way for women to control their periods. When taken correctly, the combined pill is over 99% effective at protecting against pregnancy. As well as being a highly effective method of preventing pregnancy, the pill can also help to regulate your periods and make them lighter and less painful. It can also reduce PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms such as mood swings, headaches and bloating.

Rigevidon is taken for 21 days (three weeks) then you have a 7-day break. You will still be protected from pregnancy at this time and will have a period or withdrawal bleed this week. Often these are lighter and less painful than a regular period.

Remember that contraceptive pills like Rigevidon do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and infections like Chlamydia or Herpes. You can use the NHS sexual health clinic locator to find a clinic near you for STI and STD testing.

You can buy Rigevidon tablets online from a registered pharmacy such as e-Surgery, from your GP or a local pharmacy. Rigevidon has varied brand names but all combined oral contraceptives contain the same if not similar ingredients.

How do you take Rigevidon?

You should take one Rigevidon tablet each day and should take a pill whole with water at the same time each day.

Whenever you buy Rigevidon tablets the packet will be marked with the day of the week, you should follow the arrow until the strip is empty (21 days). Following this, you have 7 days where you do not take any Rigevidon pills. In this time you will likely have a withdrawal bleed.

Start your new pack of Rigevidon on the 8th day after the 7-day break even if the bleeding has not ended. As long as Rigevidon is taken correctly you will always have your monthly period on the same day of the month.

Why should I use contraception?

Contraception is great way for women to manage their periods and prevent pregnancy. If you buy Rigevidon tablets they can also stop a period in some women which can be an added benefit. Rigevidon and other contraception can also be a good way to reduce acne, control hormones and help treat endometriosis.

If you would like to find out more about the different types of contraception check our handy A-Z list of contraception.

What if I miss a dose of Rigevidon?

I missed ONE Rigevidon pill by LESS than 12 hours:

The missed Rigevidon pill should be taken as soon as you remember.
The rest of the Rigevidon tablets in the 21-day pack should be taken as usual.
There is no need to use any additional contraception (such as a condom)
The seven-day pill-free break between your Rigevidon pill packs should be taken as normal.

I missed ONE Rigevidon pill by MORE than 12 hours:

The missed Rigevidon pill should be taken as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two Rigevidon pills in one day.
The rest of the Rigevidon tablets in the 21-day pack should be taken as usual.
There is no need to use any additional contraception (such as a condom)
The seven-day pill-free break between your Rigevidon pill pack should be taken as normal.

I missed TWO OR MORE Rigevidon pills in one 21 day cycle, and there are MORE than seven pills left in the pack.

Take the most recently missed Rigevidon contraceptive pill as soon as you can
Do not take any earlier Rigevidon tablets that were missed
Use condoms for the following 7 days
Continue to finish the 21-day pack as usual.
Take your seven-day pill-free break and start the new Rigevidon pill pack as usual.

I missed TWO OR MORE Rigevidon pills in one 21 day cycle, and there are LESS than seven pills left in the pack.

Take the most recently missed Rigevidon pill as soon as you can
Do not take any earlier Rigevidon tablets that were missed
Use condoms for the following 7 days
Continue to finish the 21-day pack as usual.
DO NOT have the 7-day pill-free break. Start your new Rigevidon contraceptive pill pack immediately after finishing the last tablet of this current pack.
You can have the 7-day break at the end of the second Rigevidon pill pack.

If you experience vomiting and diarrhoea within four hours of taking the Rigevidon pill, it is classed as a missed pill.

The effectiveness of your Rigevidon contraception can be reduced if the time you take the Rigevidon pill varies significantly from day to day.

How long does Rigevidon take to work?

It depends on when you start the medication in relation to where you are in your current menstrual cycle.

If you begin the Rigevidon pill on day 1, 2 or 3 of your period (when you start bleeding), then you will be protected right way.
If you start the Rigevidon pill at any other day in the cycle, you will need to either A) abstain from sexual intercourse for 7 days or B) use a second form of contraception (such as a condom) for the first 7 days of using the new medication.

Switching from a different contraception to Rigevidon?

Once you buy Rigevidon tablets online start taking Rigevidon from the day after you take your last pill from your previous contraceptive. Take the pill that marks that day of the week it is so it is easier to keep track. If the previous strip contains dummy pills you should start taking Rigevidon after the active pills.

It is often a smart move to use a condom for the first 7 days when changing over.

More information on the combined pill is available on the NHS website, alternatively talk to us with our free Ask-A-Pharmacist service.

We’re happy to help!

What are the side effects of Rigevidon?

As with any form of medication,Rigevidon has side effects.

Below are a few of the common side effects of takingRigevidon:

Vaginitis
Mood swings
Altered sexual desire
Nervousness
Dizziness
Feeling/being sick
Abdominal pain
Acne
Breast pain
Irregular bleeding
Abnormality of cervix
Vaginal secretion
Changes in weight

Taking Rigevidon can slightly increase your chance of getting a blood clot, which can be very dangerous. Seek medical attention immediately if you think you may have developed a blood clot. Blood clots are more likely:

With increasing age
If you smoke
If you are overweight
If you have high blood pressure
If a close relative has had a heart attack or stroke at a young age
If you have a high level of fat in your blood
If you get migraines
If you have a problem with your heart
If you have diabetes

There is a possible small link between Rigevidon and breast cancer, which you can read about in the patient information leaflet.

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

Are there any interactions with alcohol and food?

Alcohol may interact with Rigevidon by changing the way the drug works in your system. It is always best to check with your GP before combining the substances.

Are there any interactions with other drugs?

You should check with your GP before starting a course of Rigevidon if you are taking these medications:

Insulin
Laxatives
Antibiotics
Hepatic enzyme inducers
Tranquilizers
Activated charcoal
Bromocriptine

Is there any reason why I would not be able to take Rigevidon?

You should not take Rigevidon if:

You have a blood clot in any organ
You have a disorder affecting blood clotting
You need an operation, or are off your feet for a long time
You have had a heart attack or stroke
You have or had angina pectoris
You have a migraine with aura
You have any disease that may increase the risk of clots
You have breast cancer or cancer of the genitals
You have a liver disease
You have or ever had a liver tumour
You have unexplained bleeding from the vagina
You are allergic to any of the ingredients
You have hepatitis C

Why should I buy Rigevidon?

If you buy Rigevidon tablets online they can prevent you from getting pregnant.

Combined oral contraceptive pills such as Rigevidon do not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), only condoms can help do this.

For more information regarding STIs please read the information provided on the NHS website.

What if I have missed a pill?

A common question asked, is What happens if I miss a pill?

If you miss taking the Rigevidon pill, you must take the last missed tablet as soon as you remember Even if you have to take 2 Rigevidon tablets at the same time. Following this, you should continue taking tablets at the usual time of day.

If you miss the pill in the first week of taking you should also use a barrier method of contraception (e.g condom) for the next 7 days. Following the first week, it is not necessary to take further contraception measures.

Can I buy Rigevidon online?

Yes, you can legally buy Rigevidon tablets online from registered prescribers such as e-Surgery.

Whenever you buy Rigevidon tablets online or any other medication, make sure you check for the green GPhC logo on the bottom of each page of the website you are using.

You can use the GPhC website to check if a pharmacy is registered. This ensures that when you buy Rigevidon tablets online they will be genuine.

If I buy Rigevidon online, how do I store my tablets?

When you buy Rigevidon tablets always check the expiry date which is stated on the packaging, and never take medication past the date stated.

Store Rigevidon as per instruction of the Patient Information Leaflet.

Where can I get more information about Rigevidon online?

You can learn more about Rigevidon tablets online in the Patient Information Leaflet.

You can also use our completely free Ask-a-Pharmacist service to get health advice from a trained professional. We’re here to help!

How much is Rigevidon to buy online?

If you choose to buy Rigevidon tablets online from e-Surgery prices start from 14.95.

How will my Rigevidon tablets be delivered?

e-Surgery uses Royal Mail delivery with choices starting from; Royal Mail 48 tracked delivery, Royal Mail tracked 24 and Royal Mail 1pm special delivery (discover more about e-Surgery delivery). When you buy Rigevidon tablets online they will arrive in discreet, recyclable packaging at a delivery address of your choice. Find out to recycle packaging from e-Surgery.

What does the Rigevidon pack contain?

The Rigevidon pack contains a Patient Information Leaflet and a blister pack containing either 3 months (63 tablets) worth of Rigevidon or 6 months (128 tablets) of Rigevidon.

How to dispose of Rigevidon bought online?

When you buy Rigevidon tablets online they will come in blister packs that are not currently recyclable, so once they have been used can be disposed of in a general waste bin. If the Rigevidon tablets are unfinished dispose of the medication safely and drop them off at a local pharmacy. Cardboard packaging and paper patient information leaflets are recyclable.

For any more information on the disposal of Rigevidon tablets, you can use our free Ask-A-Pharmacist service.