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Ubayd Ali

Authored by

Ubayd Ali

Superintendent Pharmacist

Registration Number: 2219322

NHS Pharmacist and founding member of HEBA, with years of experience in healthcare across innovative organisations.
Sufyan Tahir

Reviewed by

Sufyan Tahir

Clinical Governance Lead

Registration Number: 2221275

Review Date 23 March 2026
Next Review 23 March 2028
Published on 23 March 2026
Last Update 23 March 2026

Treatment Details

What is Rigevidon and what is it used for?

Rigevidon is a combined oral contraceptive pill (often called "the pill") used to prevent pregnancy. It contains two types of synthetic female hormones: levonorgestrel (a progestogen) and ethinylestradiol (an oestrogen). When taken correctly, Rigevidon is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Rigevidon is a monophasic pill, which means all 21 active tablets in each pack contain the same amount of hormones. This makes it straightforward to use and easy to remember.

Rigevidon works in three complementary ways to prevent pregnancy:

Prevents ovulation: The hormones stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month, so there's no egg available to be fertilised by sperm.
Thickens cervical mucus: The pill makes the fluid at the entrance to your womb (cervix) thicker, making it much harder for sperm to travel through and reach an egg.
Thins the uterine lining: Rigevidon reduces the buildup of the womb lining (endometrium), making it less likely that a fertilised egg could implant and develop.

Side Effects

As with any medication, Rigevidon may cause some people to experience side effects. Not everyone will experience side effects, and for most people, any side effects are mild and temporary. Common side effects The most commonly reported side effects of Rigevidon include:

  • Nausea: Feeling sick, particularly in the first few weeks
  • Abdominal cramps: Stomach discomfort or cramping
  • Headaches: Mild to moderate headaches
  • Breast tenderness: Soreness or sensitivity in the breasts
  • Weight gain or fluid retention: Some users notice slight weight increase
  • Mood changes: Including low mood or mood swings
  • Changes in sex drive: Either increased or decreased libido
  • Irregular bleeding: Spotting or breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first few months
  • Increased blood pressure: Your blood pressure may increase slightly When side effects improve Most side effects, particularly nausea, breast tenderness, and irregular bleeding, tend to improve after the first 2-3 months as your body adjusts to the hormones. If side effects persist beyond this time or are troublesome, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Signs of a blood clot: Severe pain or swelling in your leg, sudden chest pain, breathlessness, severe headache, vision problems, or slurred speech

Directions

Rigevidon is designed to be simple and straightforward to use. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure maximum protection against pregnancy.

  • Take one tablet daily: Swallow one tablet whole with water at approximately the same time each day for 21 consecutive days.
  • Follow the pack: Start at the top row of your blister pack, taking the tablet marked with the current day of the week. Follow the direction of the arrows printed on the pack.
  • Take a 7-day break: After you've taken all 21 tablets, have a 7-day pill-free break. During this week, you should have a withdrawal bleed (similar to a period).
  • Start your next pack: Begin your next pack on the same day of the week as you started the previous pack, even if you're still bleeding.

Starting Rigevidon for the first time

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

  • Start on day 1 of your period (the first day of bleeding). You will be immediately protected against pregnancy and won't need additional contraception.
  • Starting after day 1: If you start Rigevidon on any other day of your cycle, you must use additional barrier contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days.
  • Switching from another combined hormonal contraceptive:
    From another combined pill: Start Rigevidon the day after taking your last active pill from your previous pack. Do not have a pill-free break. You'll be immediately protected.
  • If you take your break first: If you wait and have your usual 7-day break before starting Rigevidon, you must use additional barrier contraception for the first 7 days.
  • From vaginal ring or contraceptive patch: Start Rigevidon on the day you remove your ring or patch, or on the day your next application would have been due. Use additional contraception for 7 days.
  • Changing from a progestogen-only pill (POP), injection, implant, or IUD:
    From a progestogen-only pill: You can switch on any day. Stop taking the POP and start Rigevidon the next day.
  • From an injection: Start Rigevidon on the day your next injection would be due.
  • From an implant or IUD: Start Rigevidon on the day of removal.
    Important: In all these cases, you must use additional barrier contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days.

After having a baby:

  • You can start taking Rigevidon between 21 and 28 days after giving birth. If you start during this time, you'll be immediately protected.
  • If you start after day 28, use additional barrier contraception for the first 7 days.
    Note: If you're breastfeeding, combined pills like Rigevidon are not usually recommended. Speak to your doctor about progesterone-only alternatives such as Desogestrel.

What to do if you miss a pill:

Missing a pill may reduce your protection against pregnancy. What you need to do depends on how late you are:

  • Less than 12 hours late:
    Take the missed pill as soon as you remember
    Take your next pill at the usual time
    You're still protected against pregnancy
    No additional contraception needed
  • More than 12 hours late:
    Take the missed pill as soon as you remember (even if this means taking two pills in one day)
    Continue taking your pills at the usual time
    Use additional barrier contraception (condoms) for the next 7 days
    If you've missed multiple pills or pills at the beginning or end of a pack, you may be at higher risk of pregnancy. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice, especially if you've had unprotected sex. 

More Information

Patient Information Leaflet

NHS UK - Combined Contraceptive Pill

Verified customer reviews

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Rigevidon and how does it work?

    Rigevidon is a combined oral contraceptive pill containing two active ingredients: levonorgestrel (a synthetic progestogen) and ethinylestradiol (a synthetic oestrogen). It works by preventing ovulation (stopping the release of an egg from the ovaries), thickening cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the uterus, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation. When used correctly, Rigevidon provides 99% protection against pregnancy.

  • Who is Rigevidon suitable for?

    Rigevidon is suitable for women over 18 years old who are looking for a reliable combined hormonal contraceptive. It's particularly beneficial for those seeking additional benefits beyond contraception, such as lighter and more regular periods, reduced menstrual pain, and potential protection against conditions like ovarian cysts and fibroids.

  • How effective is Rigevidon?

    When taken correctly, Rigevidon is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so additional barrier methods may be needed for STI protection.

  • What are the additional benefits of taking Rigevidon?

    Besides preventing pregnancy, Rigevidon may help reduce acne, make periods lighter and more regular, reduce menstrual pain, and offer protection against conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease

  • How do I take Rigevidon?

    Take one tablet at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days, following the arrows on the pack starting from the top row with the correct day of the week. After finishing the 21 tablets, take a 7-day pill-free break during which you will have a withdrawal bleed. Start your next pack on the same day of the week as you started the previous one.

  • What should I do if I miss a pill?

    If less than 12 hours late: Take the missed pill immediately and continue with your next pill at the usual time. You'll still be protected against pregnancy.
    If more than 12 hours late: Take the missed pill as soon as you remember (even if this means taking two pills in one day) and continue with your regular schedule. Use additional barrier contraception (such as condoms) for the next 7 days. You may be at risk of pregnancy, especially if pills are missed at the beginning or end of a pack.

  • What are the common side effects of Rigevidon?

    Common side effects include nausea, abdominal cramps, headaches, breast tenderness, weight gain or fluid retention, mood changes, changes in sex drive, irregular bleeding, and increased blood pressure. These side effects are usually mild and often improve after the first few months. If you're concerned about any side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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