Rigevidon

Rigevidon is a combined oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol. It is a monophasic pill prescribed for the prevention of pregnancy.

Each tablet contains the same dose of hormones, making it one of the most straightforward combined pills to use.

Levonorgestrel is a second-generation progestogen with a well-established safety record.

It prevents pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm passage, and altering the endometrial lining.

Ethinylestradiol provides additional ovulation suppression and ensures predictable cycle control.

Levonorgestrel-containing pills are associated with a lower venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk than pills containing third- or fourth-generation progestogens, which is why they are often recommended as a first-choice combined contraceptive.

Rigevidon is bioequivalent to other levonorgestrel 150 microgram/ethinylestradiol 30 microgram products such as Ovranette and Microgynon 30.

It offers the same efficacy and safety profile at a lower cost, making it one of the most frequently dispensed oral contraceptives in the UK.

Take one tablet daily at the same time for 21 consecutive days, followed by a seven-day tablet-free interval. A withdrawal bleed normally occurs during the break.

Begin the next strip on the eighth day regardless of whether bleeding has finished.

If starting for the first time, take the first tablet on the first day of your period for immediate contraceptive cover.

If you miss a pill by less than 12 hours, take it immediately and continue as normal.

If more than 12 hours late, take the missed pill, continue the pack, use condoms for the next seven days, and if fewer than seven active pills remain, omit the break and start a new strip immediately.

One tablet daily for 21 days, followed by a seven-day break. Each tablet contains levonorgestrel 150 micrograms and ethinylestradiol 30 micrograms. The dose is fixed and not adjustable.

If vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs within three to four hours of ingestion, follow the missed-pill protocol. Rigevidon is not intended for use before menarche or after menopause.

Common side effects include headache, breast tenderness, nausea, mood changes, and altered bleeding patterns, particularly breakthrough bleeding in the first three cycles.

Uncommon effects include migraine, decreased libido, weight fluctuation, fluid retention, and skin changes including acne.

Levonorgestrel has mild androgenic properties, which may cause oily skin or spots in some women.

Serious risks include venous thromboembolism (approximately 5 to 7 per 10,000 woman-years), which is among the lowest rates for combined oral contraceptives.

Arterial events (stroke, myocardial infarction) are very rare but increased by smoking, hypertension, and age.

Liver tumours and a small increase in breast and cervical cancer risk have been associated with combined pill use.

Stop Rigevidon and seek emergency medical advice if you develop sudden leg pain or swelling, chest pain, breathlessness, sudden severe headache, visual disturbances, or numbness.

Smoking substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular complications; women over 35 who smoke must not use combined pills.

Blood pressure should be checked before starting and at regular intervals. Certain medications (rifampicin, certain anticonvulsants, St John's Wort) may reduce the pill's efficacy.

Rigevidon is contraindicated in women with current or past venous or arterial thromboembolism, known thrombophilia, migraine with aura, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes with vascular complications, severe hepatic disease or liver tumours, oestrogen-dependent malignancy, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, known or suspected pregnancy, and in smokers aged over 35.