Rigevidon is a prescription-only combined oral contraceptive pill for birth control. It contains the hormones levonorgestrel (a progesterone) and ethinylestradiol (an oestrogen) which are the main active ingredients that work to prevent pregnancy.

Rigevidon has a 99% effectiveness when taken correctly and as guided by your doctor.

In addition to being a birth-control pill, Rigevidon can also be used to treat and regulate a range of women’s health issues, such as:

• heavy periods
• PCOS
• acne

Heavy periods

Clinical studies have shown that combined oral contraceptives like Rigevidon can alleviate symptoms in women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Combined hormone treatments like Rigevidon have been proven to alleviate symptoms of PCOS and are one of the main treatment options.

Acne

According to clinical studies, Rigevidon has also been proven to treat acne.

Superdrug Online Doctor is only able to offer the contraceptive pill for birth control, not for treating other health conditions alone.

Rigevidon does not prevent STIs. If you’ve had unprotected sex or you’re worried you’ve caught an STI (sexually transmitted infection), you should take an STI test or visit a sexual health clinic.

Rigevidon’s active ingredients are the two hormones levonorgestrel (a progesterone) and ethinylestradiol (an oestrogen). These 2 hormones work to regulate the body’s menstruation process and work to prevent pregnancy by:

• stopping the release of an egg from your ovaries (ovulation)
• thickening the fluid in your cervix which makes it harder for sperm to get through and fertilise any egg released from your ovaries
• thinning the lining of your womb, which makes it harder for any fertilised eggs to implant itself in the womb

These same effects can help improve heavy periods.

According to clinical studies, hormonal contraceptive treatment can also help if you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS. This is because the combined hormone treatment can work to suppress androgen (male hormone) production in the ovaries and improve menstrual dysfunction. If you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS and you’re unsure if Rigevidon is right for you, speak with your doctor.

How effective is Rigevidon?

If taken correctly and as instructed by your doctor, Rigevidon is over 99% effective. If you miss your dose at the time you were supposed to take it, it will not be as effective.

Be aware that the pill’s effectiveness can be disrupted if you vomit or have diarrhoea. Some antibiotics can also reduce the effectiveness of the combined contraceptive pill. Make sure that you tell your doctor about any tablets you are taking, are about to take or are thinking of taking before taking Rigevidon.

Rigevidon comes in the form of an oral pill (a coated tablet). When taking Rigevidon, you must swallow the pill whole with water. Follow these steps when taking Rigevidon:

1. Take one tablet each day for 21 days
2. Break for 7 days
3. On day 8 start your 21-day treatment again

When to take Rigevidon

You should take your Rigevidon pill once a day at the same time each day.

You may find it easier to take it in the morning, or the evening for example.

You don’t have to take your pill with food but it might help if you often get side effects like nausea (feeling sick) after taking your pill on an empty stomach.

How often to take Rigevidon

You should take your tablets as instructed by your doctor. The blister pack the pills come in should be marked with the days of the week to help you keep track. Take your pill every day for 21 days until you have completed the strip and it’s empty.

The strips that your tablets come in are designed to help you remember when to take them. Depending on what your doctor has prescribed, each pack of Rigevidon pills should contain either:

• 1 strip of 21 tablets
• 3 strips of 21 tablets

After your 21 days are up, there is a 7-day break where you do not take a pill. On day 2 or 3, you should expect to have a withdrawal bleed similar to a period.

4. Once these 7 days are up, you start to take Rigevidon again on the 8th day (even if you are still bleeding).

If you follow this pattern of taking Rigevidon, your pill will remain effective. However, if you happen to miss a pill, it can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of unwanted pregnancy.

If you are in doubt, consult the patient information leaflet that should come with your Rigevidon medication.

How long do you need to take Rigevidon for?

Rigevidon should be taken for 21 days with a 7-day break in-between. You should keep taking Rigevidon in this 28-day cycle for as long as you don’t want to get pregnant. Many people take combined oral contraceptives long-term, usually with no issues. If you have any concerns about how long you should take Rigevidon for, speak to your doctor and they should be able to give you personalised advice.

What should I do if I forget to take Rigevidon?

Taking Rigevidon late can decrease its effectiveness. What you need to do next depends on:

• how long it’s been since you were supposed to take it
• how many pills you’ve missed recently
• what stage of the 28-day cycle you’re in

If you took the first pill of your cycle on time, you’ve only missed one pill this cycle, and it’s been less than 24 hours, you can take your missed pill when you remember (even if it means taking 2 pills on the same day) and you’ll still be protected.

If it’s been more than 24 hours and you’ve missed 2 or more pills this cycle, you may not be protected from pregnancy and you might need emergency contraception if you had sex during this time.

See our guide on what to do when you forget your pill for more information.

Can I buy Rigevidon online?

Yes. You can buy Rigevidon online through reputable online doctor services like Superdrug Online Doctor. Simply fill out a quick online health questionnaire without having to wait for a face-to-face consultation and one of our doctors will review your answers to see if the medication is right for you. If it is, your pill can be delivered straight to your door. Alternatively, just 2 to 3 hours after our doctor’s approval, your pill can be sent to your local Superdrug Pharmacy to collect.

Can I buy Rigevidon over the counter?

No, Rigevidon can only be bought with a prescription. If you are looking for an over-the-counter contraceptive pill, some mini pills are available. The mini pill only contains progesterone. Examples of over-the-counter mini pills include Hana, one of the first ever over-the-counter contraceptive pills.

Other over-the-counter contraceptives besides the pill include condoms, which you can purchase from supermarkets or pharmacies.

Can I get Rigevidon on the NHS?

You should be able to get Rigevidon on the NHS but speak to your local GP to see whether or not it is possible to get Rigevidon on the NHS near you.

Like with all medications, Rigevidon has side effects - though not everyone will get them.

Common side effects:

• vaginitis (discharge, itching, and pain)
• cervical abnormalities such as ectropion (change in cervical ectropion)
• thrush (vaginal candidiasis)
• mood changes (depression, nervousness)
• nausea
• vomiting
• lower libido (change in interest in sex)
• dizziness
• stomach ache
• acne
• breast tenderness, enlargement, discharge or pain
• painful menstruation (periods)
• vaginal secretion or discharge
• no or reduced bleeding
• weight fluctuations
• bloating

If you are experiencing any of these common side effects of Rigevidon and they are becoming a daily, bothersome occurrence, speak with your doctor.

Rare side effects include:

• signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face or tongue, and breathlessness
• yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• glucose intolerance
• reddish skin nodules (erythema nodosum)
• difficulty wearing contact lenses
• blood clots

If you think you may be experiencing rare and serious side effects of Rigevidon, dial 999 or go to A&E

For more detailed information on potential side effects from Rigevidon, see the patient information leaflet that should come with the medication. If you have any concerns about side effects before starting your Rigevidon treatment, speak to your doctor.

How long do Rigevidon side effects last?

If you experience any side effects from Rigevidon, they should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they do not go after 3 months, or become unmanageable, you should contact your doctor. They may advise that you stop taking Rigevidon and suggest you take an alternative contraceptive pill more suited to you.

It’s simple to change your contraceptive pill and it shouldn’t affect your protection if you do it with the help of a doctor.

What to do if you get Rigevidon side effects

If you get any side effects that are uncomfortable or persistent when taking Rigevidon, you should speak with your doctor.

If you experience any mild, common side effects, you should be able to manage them at home.

For these, we recommend you:

• stay hydrated – this should ease symptoms of nausea and headaches
• keep active – light stretching and exercise (such as yoga) can ease cramps
• take painkillers – as directed by your pharmacist

Remember that symptoms should ease within 3 months after starting Rigevidon as your body adapts to the medication. If you have any concerns, speak with your doctor.

You must always tell your doctor if you are taking, planning to take, or have taken any other medication before starting Rigevidon.

You must not take the combined pill when:

• pregnant
• breastfeeding

Speak to your doctor immediately if you think you may have taken Rigevidon during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Inform your doctor if you have:

• heart or blood pressure problems
• diabetes
• Crohn’s disease
• depression
• sickle cell anaemia
• varicose veins
• elevated levels of fat in the blood (hypertriglyceridaemia)
• a blood disorder (haemolytic uraemic syndrome)
• a close family member who has had issues with blood clotting
• porphyria
• lupus
• migraines

For more information about warnings and precautions for Rigevidon, look at the patient information leaflet that should come with the medication.

There are several alternatives to Rigevidon. It’s important you choose which is right for you.

Other combined oral contraceptive alternatives include:

• Microgynon
• Yasmin
• Gedarel
• Cilique
• Brevinor
• Levest

Mini pills

Mini pills are oral contraceptive tablets that contain only one hormone (progestogen) instead of a mix of two. They include:

• Cerelle
• Cerazette
• Hana
• Desomono

You can find more options for combined or mini pills on our Contraceptive Pill Treatment page.

Patches

If you don’t want the hassle of taking your pills every day, or you don’t like swallowing pills, contraceptive patches might be a good alternative for you.

We stock Evra, which can simply be applied to your skin once a week and they’re also 99% effective. Since you only have to apply them once a week you may find it easier to remember.

Non-hormonal birth control

If you are looking to control your period without hormones, there are also a range of options, for example:

• caps or diaphragms – dome-shaped devices made of silicone that can act as a barrier to stop sperm from getting past
• contraceptive coil (IUD) – a small coil device that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy
• male or female condoms – available at pharmacies or supermarkets

Choosing what contraceptive is right for you can be difficult. We have more detailed guidance on non-hormonal contraception to help you make that choice.

If you are still unsure about what option is right, submit for a contraceptive consultation with one of our doctors. Simply fill in a quick health questionnaire and one of our doctors will recommend contraceptive treatment if it’s right for you.

Does Rigevidon stop periods?

If you take Rigevidon without having a break (the 7-day break after 21 days of taking the pill), you can stop your period. Speak with your doctor before starting Rigevidon if this is something you are concerned about or want to try.

Does Rigevidon increase your risk of blood clots?

There is a small increase in your chance of developing a blood clot when you start Rigevidon, in very rare circumstances. Clinical studies have reported that about 5 to 7 out of 10,000 women taking Rigevidon are at risk of a blood clot compared to 2 out of 10,000 women who are not.

This is why it is important that you tell your doctor about your personal family health history with blood clots and information about other medications you are taking or planning to take. Other factors such as age and weight should also be considered by your doctor before prescribing Rigevidon.

Our doctors assess whether Rigevidon is right for you based on the health questionnaire that is required to be completed if you order contraception from Superdrug Online Doctor. You should also see your GP for an annual pill check, so they can check your blood pressure and other vital signs to make sure your risk of blood clots is still low.

Can Rigevidon cause acne?

Acne is a common side effect of Rigevidon, but not everyone will experience side effects from Rigevidon. If you are concerned about acne as a side effect before starting Rigevidon, speak with your doctor. In some cases, Rigevidon can actually improve your acne.

Can Rigevidon cause weight gain?

There is no clinical evidence that suggests Rigevidon can cause weight gain. However, some side effects of Rigevidon can lead to weight gain, such as water retention and changes in appetite. For more information, see our page on weight gain and the pill.

What’s the difference between Rigevidon and Microgynon?

Rigevidon and Microgynon contain the same active ingredients in the same dosages – 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 150 micrograms of levonorgestrel. There is no difference between these 2 pills and their effects, only the branding and pricing.