Rigevidon 3-month course

How to take Rigevidon

• Take one pill at the same time every day for 21 consecutive days.
• Start with the tablet that matches the day of the week that it is and follow the directional arrows on the packaging.
• After 21 days, stop taking Rigevidon for 7 days, during which you may experience a bleed.
• Begin your new pack after your 7-day break.

For comprehensive guidelines on how to take Rigevidon, please carefully review the Patient Information Leaflet.

When to start Rigevidon

If you have not used any hormonal contraceptive in the previous month:

Start on the first day of your period for immediate protection.

If starting Rigevidon after day 1 of your period, use a barrier method of contraception for the first 7 days.

If you are switching from another combined hormonal contraceptive pill:

Start Rigevidon the day after your last pill from the previous pack without a 7-day pill-free break.

If beginning after a 7-day break, use a barrier contraception like condoms for the first 7 days.

Changing from a progestogen-only method (pill, injection, implant)

Progestogen-only pill:

You can stop taking these pills at any time and start taking Rigevidon the next day at your usual time.

Injection or implant:

You can start taking Rigevidon on the next day that your injection is due or on the day your implant is removed.

In both cases, use a barrier contraception like condoms for the first 7 days.

What should I do if I miss a pill?

Less than 12 hours late:

Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, this may mean taking two pills in one day and then continue taking the pills as usual. You will still be protected from pregnancy.

More than 12 hours late:

Your pregnancy protection could be reduced, so it is recommended to use extra contraceptive precautions. Please check the patient information leaflet for further information and seek advice from your GP.

Coming off Rigevidon

You can stop taking Rigevidon at any time. If you are stopping to get pregnant, use another contraception method until you have had a natural period. This will provide a more accurate due date.

Not everyone will experience the following side effects while using Rigevidon, but here is what may occur:

Common: Affecting 1-10% of users

• Inflammation or irritation in the vagina
• Changes in mood including depression
• Change in sex drive
• Acne
• Nervousness, dizziness, feeling sick and being sick
• Abdominal pain,
• Breast pain or breast enlargement
• Painful menstruation, Irregular bleeding, or no/reduced bleeding
• Abnormality of cervix
• Vaginal secretion or discharge
• Fluid retention
• Changes in weight

Uncommon: Affecting 0.1-1% of users

• Changes in appetite
• Higher blood pressure
• Stomach cramps and feeling bloated
• Skin rashes
• Chloasma, which are yellow-brown skin patches
• Extra hair growth or hair loss
• Changes in blood fats, like higher triglycerides

Rare: Affecting 0.01-0.1% of users

• Severe allergic reactions
• Glucose intolerance
• Eye irritation when wearing contact lenses
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• painful reddish skin nodules

You should read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects. Always report any side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of a blood clot such as:
  • Pain in the leg when standing or walking
  • Increased warmth in the leg
  • Change in colour of the skin
  • Breathlessness or rapid breathing
  • Sudden cough which may be blood stained
  • Dizziness, light-headedness, loss of balance or coordination
  • Change in heartbeat
  • Pain in the stomach
  • Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision
  • Chest pain, pressure, heaviness or general discomfort
  • Discomfort in the upper body radiating to the stomach, back, arm, throat and jaw
  • Sweating, nausea, vomiting
  • Anxiety, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  • Weakness of the body
  • Sudden severe headache
  • Loss of consciousness or fainting

Does Rigevidon cause weight gain?

The patient information leaflet list changes in weight as a potential side effect of taking this medication; however, according to the NHS website “There is no evidence that the pill will make you gain weight”.

Do not use Rigevidon if you:

• Have an allergy to any of the ingredients in Rigevidon.
• Have a blood clot or history of blood clots, or if you have a blood clotting disorder.
• Are about to have surgery or stay inactive for a while.
• Have heart problems.
• Have migraine with aura.
• Have severe diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Are using specific medications for hepatitis C.
• Have liver problems or a history of liver problems.

Rigevidon may interact with certain medications, making it less effective. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist of any medication you are taking, so that they can check for interactions.

The main interaction of Rigevidon are with:

• Antivirals containing dasabuvir, ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir
• St. John’s Wort

Can I use Rigevidon if I am breastfeeding?

Avoid using Rigevidon if you are breastfeeding. Rigevidon is an oral contraceptive pill which provides 99% protection against pregnancy when taken correctly.

• https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14657/smpc
• https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/combined-pill/