Rigevidon - contraindications, use, indications, dosage

Rigevidon - action

Rigevidon is a combined oral contraceptive, commonly known as 'the pill'. It works by overriding the normal menstrual cycle. In a woman's normal menstrual cycle, levels of the sex hormones change throughout each month. The hormones cause an egg to be released from the ovaries (ovulation) and prepare the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. At the end of each cycle, if the egg has not been fertilised the levels of the hormones fall, causing the womb lining to be shed as a monthly period.

The daily dose of hormones taken in the pill work mainly by tricking your body into thinking that ovulation has already happened. This prevents an egg from ripening and being released from the ovaries each month.

The hormones also increase the thickness of the natural mucus at the neck of the womb, making it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb and reach an egg. They also alter the quality of the womb lining (endometrium), making it less likely that a fertilised egg can implant there.

Rigevidon is a combined oral contraceptive, often referred to as 'the pill'. It contains two types of female hormones: ethinylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen, and levonorgestrel, a progestogen. These hormones work in tandem to prevent ovulation and alter the lining of the uterus, making it less likely for an egg to be fertilized or to implant itself.

As such, Rigevidon is primarily indicated for women who wish to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, it may also be prescribed for other health conditions relating to menstrual irregularities.

• Menstrual regulation: Rigevidon can help regulate menstrual cycles, making them more predictable. This can be particularly beneficial for women who experience irregular periods.
• Menstrual pain: Some women may experience painful menstruation, known as dysmenorrhea. Rigevidon can help reduce the intensity of menstrual cramps, making periods more manageable.
• Menorrhagia: This is a condition characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding. By regulating the menstrual cycle, Rigevidon can help manage menorrhagia.
• Acne: In some cases, Rigevidon may be prescribed to manage acne. The hormones in the pill can help regulate sebum production, thereby reducing the severity of acne.

It's important to note that although Rigevidon can help manage these conditions, it's not a cure. Always consult your health care provider before starting any new medication, and discuss all potential risks and benefits.

While Rigevidon is a commonly prescribed oral contraceptive, there are certain situations and conditions in which its use is contraindicated. These contraindications should be comprehensively considered before starting the medication.

• Women who have a history of venous or arterial thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accident, should not take Rigevidon.
• Similarly, it's contraindicated in women with known, current or a history of breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestogen-sensitive malignancies.
• Rigevidon is not suitable for those with certain metabolic disorders, such as uncontrolled diabetes with vascular complications, dyslipoproteinemia and active liver disease or a history of liver disease as long as liver function values have not returned to normal.
• Women who are pregnant or suspect they might be pregnant should not take Rigevidon. It's also contraindicated during lactation.
• Lastly, it shouldn't be used by women who are allergic to the active substances or any of the other ingredients in Rigevidon.

This list is not exhaustive and it's important to discuss your medical history and current health status with your healthcare provider to determine if Rigevidon is a safe and appropriate option for you.

Rigevidon - Side Effects

Just like any other medication, Rigevidon may cause side effects for some people. It is important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects and they usually go away on their own as your body adjusts to the new medicine. However, if they persist or worsen, it is crucial to seek medical advice.

• Bleeding and spotting: This is one of the most common side effects of Rigevidon. It can cause irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting between periods. This usually subsides after the first few months of use.
• Mood changes: Some users have reported mood swings, depression, and anxiety while taking Rigevidon. If you experience severe mood changes, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Weight gain: While not common, some users might experience weight gain due to fluid retention.
• Headaches and migraines: Rigevidon can cause or worsen headaches and migraines. If you start to experience severe or persistent headaches, consult with your healthcare provider.
• Nausea and vomiting: Some people might experience nausea or vomiting when they first start taking Rigevidon, especially if taken on an empty stomach. It is recommended to take the pill after meals to avoid this side effect.

These are not all the potential side effects of Rigevidon. For a complete list, please refer to the product's information leaflet or consult with your healthcare provider.

The dosage of Rigevidon depends on the specific needs and medical conditions of the individual. It's crucial to follow the instructions given by the healthcare provider when taking this medication. However, the standard dosage for Rigevidon typically involves taking one tablet per day for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day pill-free interval.

Dosage instructions should be strictly adhered to, in order to ensure the effectiveness of the contraceptive. Missing a dose of Rigevidon can potentially increase the risk of pregnancy. In case of missed dose, it's necessary to take the pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. If more than one tablet is missed, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.

It's also important to note that the effectiveness of Rigevidon may be reduced if you have vomiting or diarrhoea within 3-4 hours of taking the pill. In such cases, it's recommended to take another pill from a backup pack or follow the instructions given in the patient information leaflet.

For the best results, Rigevidon should be taken at the same time each day, and it is best consumed with water. It can be taken with or without food, but should not be crushed or broken before swallowing.

Rigevidon is primarily used as a contraceptive pill to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It contains two types of female hormones: levonorgestrel (a progestogen) and ethinylestradiol (an estrogen). These hormones work in combination to prevent ovulation, alter the cervical mucus to make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg, and change the lining of the womb to prevent an egg from being implanted.

It's important to take Rigevidon as directed by your healthcare provider to ensure its effectiveness. It should be taken every day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day pill-free break. During this break, a withdrawal bleed similar to a period should occur. The next pack should be started after the 7-day break, even if the bleeding hasn't stopped. If taken correctly, Rigevidon offers protection against pregnancy throughout the entire menstrual cycle, including the pill-free week.

It's crucial to note that Rigevidon does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it should be used in conjunction with condoms or other barrier methods to prevent STIs. Additionally, certain medications can interfere with the effectiveness of Rigevidon, so it's important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.

When it comes to the precautions related to the use of Rigevidon, several points should be thoroughly considered. It's crucial to adhere to these cautionary steps to ensure safe and effective usage of the medication.

• First and foremost, Rigevidon should not be used in the presence of certain health conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or a history of heart disease. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting the medication.
• Additionally, it's critical to avoid smoking while taking Rigevidon as it can increase the risk of serious heart side effects.
• The medication should be used with caution in women over 35 years of age, particularly those who have certain risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Moreover, Rigevidon may increase the risk of developing benign hepatic tumors and liver diseases. Regular monitoring of liver function is advised.
• It's also advised to inform the doctor about any other medications or dietary supplements being taken, as Rigevidon may interact with them and alter their effectiveness.
• Lastly, the medication should be discontinued immediately if any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat occur.

Interactions refer to the way in which substances, such as other medications or food, may affect the way Rigevidon works. It is crucial to know these interactions to prevent undesirable effects or inefficacy of the medicine.

Firstly, certain medicines may decrease the effectiveness of Rigevidon or increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding. These include but are not limited to medications used for the treatment of epilepsy (e.g., primidone, phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine), tuberculosis (e.g., rifampicin), HIV infections (e.g., ritonavir, nevirapine) or other infectious diseases (antibiotics like ampicillin, tetracyclines), and herbal medicines containing St. John's Wort.

On the other hand, Rigevidon can also affect the efficacy of other medicines. For instance, it can increase the blood levels of ciclosporin (used in organ transplantation) or the anti-epileptic lamotrigine (this could increase the risk of seizures).

Moreover, some laboratory tests may also be influenced by Rigevidon as the contraceptive can alter the results of blood tests, including liver, kidney, or thyroid function, coagulation, and lipid levels.

It is vital to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medicine you take concurrently or have recently taken, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Additionally, always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication while taking Rigevidon.

The cost of Rigevidon can vary significantly depending on several factors. It's important to remember that pricing can change and what you pay could be different based on where you live or the pharmacy you use.

Rigevidon is usually covered under prescription plans, so the out-of-pocket cost for consumers can often be quite low. However, without insurance, the price for a one-month supply of Rigevidon can range from $20 to $50. These prices are subject to change and could be higher or lower depending on the pharmacy and its pricing policies.

There may also be additional costs associated with using Rigevidon, such as doctor's visits for prescription renewals and potential side effects management. It's important to consider these factors when evaluating the total cost of using this medication.

Some pharmacies may also offer generic versions of Rigevidon, which can be more cost-effective than the branded version. However, not all generic versions are equivalent to the brand name, so it's important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before switching to a generic.

Many countries also have patient assistance programs to help reduce the cost of Rigevidon for those who can't afford it. The eligibility for these programs varies, but they generally require proof of financial need or lack of insurance coverage.

It's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before filling a prescription. Also, ask your doctor or pharmacist about any possible savings programs or coupons that may be available to help reduce the cost of your medication.

Rigevidon, a combined oral contraceptive, may not be suitable for every individual. In such cases, there are alternative contraceptives that can be considered as substitutes. These substitutes have a similar mechanism of action and can provide similar contraceptive protection.

Here are a few substitutes for Rigevidon:

• Microlite: This is a low-dose contraceptive pill containing the hormones ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, the same active ingredients as Rigevidon.
• Microgynon: Another contraceptive pill that contains the same active ingredients as Rigevidon. It is also commonly prescribed as an alternative.
• Loestrin: This pill contains a different form of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a different progestogen (norethindrone), but it serves the same purpose as Rigevidon.
• Cilest: Cilest is a combined pill like Rigevidon. It contains ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate.

It is important to note that the effectiveness and side effects of these alternatives can vary from person to person. Therefore, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before switching to a different contraceptive pill.