Rigevidon tablets are monophasic i.e. they have the same dose of hormones in them. It is a 21-day pill pack, meaning you take 21 tablets consecutively once daily roughly at the same time (starting on day 1 of your menstrual cycle), followed by a 7 day, pill-free break. Within this time, the levels of hormones in the blood will drop, resulting in a withdrawal bleeding that is similar to your normal menstrual period but this is generally lighter. During this 7-day period, you are still protected from pregnancy.

The tablets come in a calendar pack with markings of the days of the week for easy remembering that you have to take the pill each day for the next three weeks, followed by a week off. You are still protected from pregnancy during the pill-free week as long as you took all the pills correctly and you start the next packet of the medicines on time.

If the pill is started between day one and day five of the start of your menstrual cycle, the pill provides immediate protection. If started after this point, additional barrier methods of contraception (i.e. condoms) should be used for at least 7-days. If you have a very short menstrual cycle, you will not be protected from pregnancy if you will start taking the pills on the fifth day of your period.

There are other ways to take the pill, such as taking the pill continuously or taking a pill every day for 21 days and only taking a 4-day break afterwards. For further information, talk to our clinical team about the best way for you to take Rigevidon and follow their directions for use.

If you miss taking a combined pill, the action you take will depend on how many you have missed and where you are in your cycle:

• You missed a dose but are not more than 12 hours late, you should take it as soon as you remember. Have your next dose as normal, even if this means taking two tablets within 24 hours. You will still be protected against pregnancy and do not require any extra precautions.
• You have started a new pack one day late: take your pill as soon as possible (even if it means taking 2 in the same 24-hour window). Continue your month as normal from this point onwards. You will still be protected against pregnancy and do not require any extra precautions.
• You have missed two or more tablets or have started the new pack two or more days late: take the last missed pill as soon as possible (even if it means taking 2 in the same 24 hour window). You will need to use additional barrier methods of contraception or avoid intercourse until you have started your next pack.
• If there are six or fewer tablets left in the pack, finish the pack as normal, and start the new pack the next day without having a 7-day break. Use additional barrier methods of contraception or avoid sex until you have started your next pack after the seven-day break.
• If there are seven or more tablets left in the pack: finish the pack as normal and take your 7 day break before starting the next pack. Use additional barrier methods of contraception or avoid sex until you have started your next pack after the seven-day break.
• If you vomit within two hours of taking a pill, the medicine may not be fully absorbed into the bloodstream. Take another pill as soon as you feel better and take the next pill at your usual time. You will still be protected against pregnancy.

Rigevidon will not protect you against sexually transmitted infections. You need to use condoms for protection against sexually transmitted infections.

If you think you are at risk of being pregnant while taking this contraceptive you should speak to a doctor for advice as soon as possible.

Always use this medication exactly as your clinician has told you. Check with our clinical team or your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Common side effects of this pill include:

• Bleeding between periods
• Breast pain
• Headache
• Decreased libido
• Fluid retention
• Weight changes
• Nausea
• Mood swings

Most of these symptoms are mild and often with time they go away with continued use of the pill.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, or you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned in the patient information leaflet whilst taking this medication, please contact our clinical team or speak to your GP.

Women who are using Microgynon for the first time may experience irregularity in menstruation such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding or missed period. Consult your doctor if you experience persistent bleeding. If you don’t have a withdrawal bleed for two consecutive months, use a pregnancy test before you start the next month’s contraceptive cycle.

There are more severe side effects associated with oral contraception like abdominal pain, severe headaches and/or blurry vision and swelling or aching in the legs. You should stop taking the pill immediately if you experience any of these symptoms and consult your doctor.

Taking a combined oral contraceptive can slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer. This risk appears to decrease once contraception is stopped. Whilst taking this type of pill you should also make sure to regularly inspect your breasts, paying attention to any abnormalities. If you do discover any, seek immediate medical attention immediately as this will require investigation.

You should also be aware of the symptoms of blood clots (thrombosis). These include pain or cramping in the legs, red and dark skin around the painful region, swollen or painful veins, trouble breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms you should treat them as a medical emergency and contact your GP immediately.

You should not take Levest if you:

• Have a blood clot
• Have heart conditions
• Have liver conditions
• Are having a stroke
• Suffer from migraines
• High blood pressure
• High levels of fat in your blood
• Ever had breast cancer or cancer of the genital organs

You should not take combined pills during pregnancy. If you think you have become pregnant while taking any oral contraceptive you should speak to a doctor for advice. Oral combined pills are not suitable during breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to this medication. These include:

• Hives
• Dizziness
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Wheezing
• Difficult breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are currently taking. You must also tell us about any other medical conditions that you currently have (or had in the past). This will help us ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you to take.

For full information on warnings, medication interactions and contraindications, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform our clinical team or your GP of medicines you are taking or intend to take.