rigevidon pack of 3x21 tablets

Delivery options

Delivery method Cost Estimated delivery

You will choose your delivery option at the checkout. Delivery options may vary depending on the pack size and dosage chosen.

Rigevidon

from

rigevidon pack of 3x21 tablets

Rigevidon is one of the most widely-used combined contraceptive pills in the UK.  When taken correctly it’s over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Rigevidon is also recommended if you get very painful or heavy periods.


Request Treatment

To place an order, fill in a brief questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order and prescribe a suitable treatment. You will only be charged if treatment is prescribed.


3 month course £14.99
6 month course £19.99

Prices include delivery and prescription.

Prices | FAQs | Reviews | About

In a hurry? Choose Click and Collect and pick up your order after just 2 hours from a Superdrug Pharmacy.

Delivery options

Delivery method Cost Estimated delivery

You will choose your delivery option at the checkout. Delivery options may vary depending on the pack size and dosage chosen.

Fully trusted and UK-regulated

✔ Regulated by the CQC

✔ GPhC-registered pharmacies

Rigevidon is a combined oral contraceptive pill, which contains man-made versions of the hormones oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progesterone (levonorgestrel). These hormones stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Most women take Rigevidon as a contraceptive, but it is also a treatment for heavy or painful periods.

Rigevidon contains 150mcg of levonorgestrel and 30mcg of ethinylestradiol, which is the same dosage as many other contraceptive pills, like Microgynon, Ovranette and Levest.

You can buy Rigevidon online through Superdrug Online Doctor, even if you’ve never taken it before. All you need to do is fill in a short online assessment, which is reviewed by one of our doctors. Once they assess that Rigevidon is safe and appropriate for you, we will then send it to you in the post, or to a Superdrug store of your choice. All of our treatments are delivered in discreet and unmarked packaging to protect your privacy.

How much does Rigevidon cost?

Pack Size Price
3 months

£14.99

6 Months

£19.99

Start Order for Rigevidon

Can you get Rigevidon over the counter?

No, you cannot get Rigevidon over the counter. Rigevidon is a prescription-only medication, so you will need a prescription from a doctor before you can buy it from a pharmacy. You can get a prescription online with Superdrug Online Doctor.

Can you get Rigevidon on the NHS?

You may be able to get Rigevidon for free on the NHS, but this will depend on your individual situation and local guidelines. To find out if you can get it for free, book an appointment with your GP or an NHS-partnered sexual health clinic

Yes, if you have been prescribed Rigevidon then it is safe for you There have been some reports of women getting side effects when taking Rigevidon, but these reports do not suggest that it is less safe than other contraceptive pills.

Just like many other contraceptive pills, Rigevidon works by releasing and regulating the hormones ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. These hormones prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg each month, so that you stop ovulating when you are taking Rigevidon. 

These hormones also increase the thickness around the neck of the womb, making it more difficult for the sperm to reach an egg. They also thin the lining of the womb, making it difficult for an egg that does become fertilised to implant itself there.

How long does Rigevidon take to work?

If you start taking Rigevidon on days 1-5 of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy straight away. If you start taking Rigevidon after this time, then it will not work and you will need to use protection for 7 days.

How effective is Rigevidon?

When taken correctly, Rigevidon is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. In reality, this is closer to 91% because missing pills, being sick, diarrhoea and taking certain other medicines can make Rigevidon less effective.

Rigevidon comes in a pack containing 21 tablets. Each tablet is marked with the day of the week it should be taken on. 

Swallow 1 tablet whole with water every day for 21 days. Try and make sure it’s around the same time every day.

After taking 21 tablets over 21 days, you take a 7 day break. During this time, you will get a ‘withdrawal bleed’, which is similar to your period. You’re still protected from pregnancy during the 7 day break if you took all your Rigevidon pills as instructed in the week before your break.

After the 7 day break, start a new strip. You should start each strip on the same day every time.

When should I start taking Rigevidon?

You can start taking Rigevidon at any point during your menstrual cycle, though you may not be protected straight away depending on when you take it. If you start taking Rigevidon on day 1-5 of your period, then you’ll be protected from pregnancy straight away, so you won’t need to use other contraceptives, like condoms. If you take it after day 1-5 of your cycle, you’ll need to keep using protection for 7 days.

Can I take Rigevidon without a break?

Yes, you can take your pill every day without a break. This may help some women with reducing the side effects of painful periods. #

What happens if you miss a Rigevidon pill?

If you miss a pill, or start your new pack a day late, take the pill you missed as soon as possible. You should take the missed pill even if it means taking two pills at once. You should still be protected from pregnancy, so you won’t need to use protection or take the morning after pill, and can continue taking the rest of your pack as normal.

If your pack ends in the 6 days after you missed your pill, you should skip your 7 day break and continue with the next pack instead.

If it has been longer than 2 days since you missed your pill, you may not be protected from pregnancy any more. Continue to take your pill as normal, but do not have unprotected sex for the next 7 days. If you’ve had unprotected sex since you missed your pill, you’ll need to use emergency contraception.

Can I take Rigevidon to delay my period?

Yes, Rigevidon is a monophasic pill, which means each pill releases the same amount of progesterone throughout the cycle. So if you skip your break and start your next strip immediately, you will skip your period.

Can I use Rigevidon as emergency contraception?

Rigevidon can not be used as an emergency contraceptive. If you are not using contraception and have had unprotected sex, then you should take the morning after pill or insert a copper coil within 5 days.

Rigevidon is one of the most common contraceptive pills in the UK, and many women who take it will not experience any side effects. However, just like any medication, some women will get temporary side effects when taking Rigevidon. Here is a list of possible Rigevidon side effects, listed from common, to rare:

Common side effects:

  • Feeling sick
  • Tummy pain
  • Headaches
  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Slight bleeding or spotting between periods
  • Lighter periods or no periods at all

Uncommon side effects:

  • Mood changes
  • Fluid retention

Rare side effects:

  • Changes in sex drive
  • Rise in blood pressure
  • Skin reactions, such as rashes
  • Blood clots in veins or arteries

For information on Rigevidon side effects, you can read the the patient information leaflet that is provided with your medication.

What should I do if I think I’m getting Rigevidon side effects?

It’s important to note that side effects are common in the first three months as your body gets used to the hormonal changes of Rigevidon. These initial temporary side effects should go away or get more manageable after three months.

However, if the side effects do not go away or they begin to worry you, book an appointment to speak to your GP. They may suggest you stop taking Rigevidon, or suggest you take an alternative contraceptive that may cause fewer side effects.

Does Rigevidon stop periods?

Yes, Rigevidon stops periods if you take it continuously without a break. If you stop taking it, your period will begin as normal again, although it may take up to 6 months after stopping the contraceptive pill to return to your normal pattern of bleeding.

Does Rigevidon increase your risk of blood clots?

Yes, but the risk is incredibly small. Each year, 5-7 women out 10,000 taking Rigevidon will get a  blood clot, compared with 2 women out of every 10,000 who are not taking the pill.

Is it normal to bleed on Rigevidon?

Yes, some light spotting while taking Rigevidon is a common side effect.

Can Rigevidon cause acne?

Yes, this is a known side effect of taking Rigevidon.

Can Rigevidon cause depression?

No. There is no evidence that Rigevidon causes depression, but it can cause mood changes.

Can Rigevidon cause anxiety?

No. There is no evidence that Rigevidon causes anxiety, but it can cause mood changes.

Can Rigevidon cause infertility?

No. Rigevidon does not have any lasting effects on your fertility.

Can Rigevidon cause weight gain?

No. There is no evidence that Rigevidon causes weight gain, but it can increase fluid retention.

Although Rigevidon is widely used, it may not be suitable for some women. If Rigevidon or other combined contraceptive pills aren’t right for you, you may want to try the mini-pill.

You should not take Rigevidon if you:

  • Are over 35
  • Are a smoker
  • Are overweight, with a BMI over 35

Drug interactions

There are a few medications that are known to have negative interactions with Rigevidon:

  • Epilepsy medicines, such as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine
  • Medicine for HIV, such as cobicistat, efavirenz, nevirapine or ritonavir
  • Modafinil for narcolepsy
  • Antibiotics for tuberculosis
  • St John's Wort

Rigevidon risks

There are some risks are associated with taking Rigevidon, but these risks are small:

  • Blood clots: oestrogen in the pill may cause blood to clot more quickly
  • Cancer: the pill can slightly increase your risk of developing breast cancer and cervical cancer

Can I drink while taking Rigevidon?

Yes, alcohol does not affect the effectiveness of Rigevidon. However, it’s important to remember that while alcohol doesn't make rigevidon less effective, it can impair your judgement when it comes to safe sex, or may even cause you to forget to take your pill.

Can I take painkillers when taking Rigevidon?

Yes, painkillers do not affect the effectiveness of Rigevidon.

Can I take Rigevidon when I’m breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding, you're not advised to take the combined pill until 6 weeks after the birth. After this, you are safe to take Rigevidon while breastfeeding.

On Trustpilot, our customers rate our service 4.9 out of 5 stars. This includes the process of ordering and delivering Rigevidon from Superdrug Online Doctor as well as how customers rate Rigevidon itself.

Is there a best contraceptive pill?

Lots of different pills are available, and they are all slightly different. There is no “best contraceptive pill”, but certain pills may work better for you than others, and some may not be suitable for you at all. Each pill contains slightly different hormones, sometimes in different amounts, so finding the best pill for you may involve some trial and error, with the guidance of a doctor. For advice on getting the right pill for you, read our doctors’ guide on how to find the best contraceptive pill.

Can Rigevidon make me bleed between periods?

Bleeding between periods is a possible side effect of some of the contraceptive pills, especially the mini pill. Apart from discomfort and inconvenience, this is not usually a sign of something wrong and isn’t harmful to your health. However, bleeding between periods is usually a temporary side effect, and typically gets better in the first few months as your body gets used to the pill. So if it doesn’t stop after a couple of months, or is very heavy or worrying, you should see your doctor straight away to rule out any other causes. For more information, you can read our doctors’ advice on how the pill can affect your bleeding.

I didn’t get my period while taking Rigevidon. Am I pregnant?

The pill is over 99% effective, so if you are taking it correctly then you are very unlikely to get pregnant. If you miss your period, it does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant. Some pills, especially the mini pill, can cause you to delay or skip your period, or stop having them at all. Read our doctors’ advice on how to tell if you are pregnant on the pill, and what you can do about it.

Can I switch to a different pill?

There are lots of different contraceptive pills, so if you find that the pill that you are on isn’t right for you, then there are plenty of other options to choose from. However, before switching to a different pill, you should talk with a doctor about which pill to switch to, and how to switch pills safely. For more information, read our doctors’ advice on how to switch contraceptive pills.

Does Rigevidon cause weight gain?

While some women report they gained weight whilst taking the pill, there is no clinical evidence that pill causes weight gain. However, oestrogen can cause you to retain more water, progesterone can increase your appetite, both of which can lead to weight gain. For more information, read what our doctors have to say about weight gain and the pill.

How long will it take to get pregnant after taking Rigevidon?

Taking the contraceptive pill has no long term impact on your fertility, so your fertility levels should return to normal shortly after stopping the pill. It is possible to get pregnant as soon as you stop taking the pill, though some women may find it takes a few months for their periods to return to normal.

How do birth control pills work?

While there are many different types of pill, they all work to prevent pregnancy in the same way. The hormones in the contraceptive pill prevent pregnancy by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation), increasing the thickness of the fluid around the neck of the womb to prevent sperm from reaching an egg, and making the lining of the womb thinner to make it harder for any fertilised eggs to implant. Read for more information on how the pill works.

How effective is Rigevidon?

All contraceptive pills are equally effective, and are more than 99% effective in protecting you against pregnancy. However, things like missing a pill, and vomiting or having diarrhoea shortly after taking it can make it less effective. Taking this into account, the pill is about 91% effective in practice.

What should I do if I miss a Rigevidon pill?

If you miss a pill, the first thing you should do is take it as soon as you remember and take your next pill as normal, even if it means taking two pills at the same time. Depending on the type of pill you are taking (combined or mini pill), or where in your cycle you missed a pill, you may not be protected from pregnancy any more and would need to use additional contraception. Read our doctors’ guide on what to do if you miss a pill.

Can I take antibiotics on Rigevidon?

Most antibiotics don’t interact with the pill, and won’t make it less effective. However, there are a few less common antibiotics that do, so you should always tell your doctor that you are taking the pill if they prescribe you antibiotics. In addition, some antibiotics can have an indirect impact on the effectiveness of the pill, such as causing vomiting or diarrhoea. If you are taking antibiotics regularly, or are planning on taking them, then speak to your doctor first to make sure they do not interact. For more information, read our doctors’ guidance if you should take the pill and antibiotics.

Consilient Health Ltd (2019). Rigevidon coated tablets. [online] EMC. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4212 [accessed 20 December 2019].

Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (2019). Combined Hormonal Contraception. [online] Available at: https://www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/combined-hormonal-contraception/ [accessed 20 December 2019].

Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (2019). UK MEC Summary Table Hormonal And Intrauterine Contraception. [online] Available at:https://www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/ukmec-2016-summary-sheets/ [accessed 20 December 2019].

About Online Doctor

We're a service that helps you order treatments online from UK-registered doctors with free, discreet, to-your-door deliveries.

See our About Us page to learn more.

Reviewed by: Dr Louisa Draper in line with the Superdrug Online Editorial Process.

GMC no. 6149137

Dr Draper studied at the University of Oxford and finished her training to become a doctor at University College London, with a special interest in innovation in medicine, online and digital medicine, improving access to healthcare and reducing inequalities in health and well-being.

Last reviewed on: 25/02/21