Qlaira pill vs Rigevidon

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Qlaira pill

£From £0.40/day

Rigevidon

£From £0.19/day

Overview

Rated 3.4

19 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.5

556 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Qlaira pill ingredients

Main hormones in Qlaira pill

Androgenicity unknown


Rigevidon ingredients

Main hormones in Rigevidon

Androgenic progestogen

Medium oestrogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

42% no impact on mood

42% spotting

42% lost sex drive

68% no impact

47% no impact on skin

Cycle return

50% in 1 month

41% very negative

48% lighter periods

45% lost sex drive

46% no impact

37% improved skin

Cycle return

43% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Try it now

£From £0.40/day

Try it now

£From £0.19/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Qlaira pill reviews

19 reviews

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Qlaira pill  

I was prescribed this by a gynecologist to treat PMDD. It has worked amazingly, my mood has been very stable since I started it 10 months ago. My symptoms are gone, my energy levels are normal, I’ve been more patient with the kids. The only issues are hair loss when I started (which sorted itself out after a few months), low sex drive (but it was low any way). The only issue is the slight clotting risk due to oestrogen, it fills me with fear. It is supposed to be lower than other combined pills but due to my age and other risk factors it concerns me. I am considering trying Slynd to see if it has a similar effect, but I’d happily go back to this if need be. A very good pill!

Read more

Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4th Oct 24

Qlaira pill  

I initially wanted a pill that would help decrease my light acne, address mood swings, and alleviate awful cramps. I also hated using pads as it made my skin irritated. In the first month, it was all fine; shortly after, my acne was pretty much gone with just a few pimples left at the end of the month due to PMS. My period almost stopped completely, and my cramps were significantly lowered. After 2 months of usage, I noticed a pattern: 3 weeks with constant anxiety and depression, and then in the fourth week, I felt normal, a few days before the end of the pills. It proceeded to be this way for 5 months. Then I started to feel nauseous, and my awful cramps were back, alongside the increased breakthrough bleeding. I'm now trying to find a combined pill that meets my needs and doesn't give me severe anxiety and depression for 3 weeks of the month. My advice is: if you are like me and naturally have long PMS, I don't recommend this pill. I've tried other birth control pills before, but none were worse than this one. My doctor said it happened due to the fact that Qlaira tries to imitate the natural flow by altering the hormone quantity throughout the month, and keeps up the promise, but when you naturally have bad mood swings, it is not a good thing.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  9th Aug 24

Qlaira pill  

This pill has been really great for me with regards to my severe PMS and mood swings. I came on the pill as I was suffering with severe PMS and cyclical insomnia. So far, this has been a game changer for me. Pros: -Bioidentical oestrogen, meaning no thrush (I used to get this on every single combined pill in the past, and it was impossible to eradicate). -Bioidentical oestrogen also means no large, swollen, painful breasts. No change here (although mine are tiny so could have done with a boost!) -Only a two day break from any hormones. Mood swings are vastly decreased. I only have mild ones on the final two days. -The constant supply of oestrogen means my insomnia is virtually gone. I still struggle on the last four days of my cycle on this pill (where oestrogen is at 1mg for two days, then none for the next two), but it's only four days out of the month. I will take that over the 14 I was having pre pill. -My very early (I'm only 34) peri-menopausal symptoms have gone. Cons: -I have permanent breakthrough bleeding from around days 15-28. I use a pantyliner though and it doesn't stop me going about my day, or reduce sexual activity. -My sex drive has decreased somewhat - I have a very high sex drive naturally, but this has significantly dropped. However, I don't see this as a huge con, since my partner's sex drive is significantly lower than mine. So it's helped to even out any differences and arguments we were having around this.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
33 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Qlaira pill  

I was prescribed this by a gynecologist to treat PMDD. It has worked amazingly, my mood has been very stable since I started it 10 months ago. My symptoms are gone, my energy levels are normal, I’ve been more patient with the kids. The only issues are hair loss when I started (which sorted itself out after a few months), low sex drive (but it was low any way). The only issue is the slight clotting risk due to oestrogen, it fills me with fear. It is supposed to be lower than other combined pills but due to my age and other risk factors it concerns me. I am considering trying Slynd to see if it has a similar effect, but I’d happily go back to this if need be. A very good pill!


Very positive mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4th Oct 24

Qlaira pill  

I initially wanted a pill that would help decrease my light acne, address mood swings, and alleviate awful cramps. I also hated using pads as it made my skin irritated. In the first month, it was all fine; shortly after, my acne was pretty much gone with just a few pimples left at the end of the month due to PMS. My period almost stopped completely, and my cramps were significantly lowered. After 2 months of usage, I noticed a pattern: 3 weeks with constant anxiety and depression, and then in the fourth week, I felt normal, a few days before the end of the pills. It proceeded to be this way for 5 months. Then I started to feel nauseous, and my awful cramps were back, alongside the increased breakthrough bleeding. I'm now trying to find a combined pill that meets my needs and doesn't give me severe anxiety and depression for 3 weeks of the month. My advice is: if you are like me and naturally have long PMS, I don't recommend this pill. I've tried other birth control pills before, but none were worse than this one. My doctor said it happened due to the fact that Qlaira tries to imitate the natural flow by altering the hormone quantity throughout the month, and keeps up the promise, but when you naturally have bad mood swings, it is not a good thing.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
34 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  9th Aug 24

Qlaira pill  

This pill has been really great for me with regards to my severe PMS and mood swings. I came on the pill as I was suffering with severe PMS and cyclical insomnia. So far, this has been a game changer for me. Pros: -Bioidentical oestrogen, meaning no thrush (I used to get this on every single combined pill in the past, and it was impossible to eradicate). -Bioidentical oestrogen also means no large, swollen, painful breasts. No change here (although mine are tiny so could have done with a boost!) -Only a two day break from any hormones. Mood swings are vastly decreased. I only have mild ones on the final two days. -The constant supply of oestrogen means my insomnia is virtually gone. I still struggle on the last four days of my cycle on this pill (where oestrogen is at 1mg for two days, then none for the next two), but it's only four days out of the month. I will take that over the 14 I was having pre pill. -My very early (I'm only 34) peri-menopausal symptoms have gone. Cons: -I have permanent breakthrough bleeding from around days 15-28. I use a pantyliner though and it doesn't stop me going about my day, or reduce sexual activity. -My sex drive has decreased somewhat - I have a very high sex drive naturally, but this has significantly dropped. However, I don't see this as a huge con, since my partner's sex drive is significantly lower than mine. So it's helped to even out any differences and arguments we were having around this.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments


Rigevidon reviews

556 reviews

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Rigevidon  

To be honest I’ve been on this before, but I took packets back to back so I wouldn’t get a period which worked, but now months later I’ve started it again, because my cycle was irregular from August due to plan b usage, and I now bleed on my pill free break, it gives me a sense of reassurance I’m not sexually active anyways it’s been like that for a month now, but atleast I know my cycle is more regular, only thing I would say is around day 4 of me being on the pill free break aka my first day of bleeding I experienced cramps and very bad breast pain PMS syndromes but it went down and it went from heavy bleeding to light bleeding.


Somewhat positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1st Oct 24

Rigevidon  

I have been on the combined pill for over 5 years now. I went on it at 16 and I am now 21 years old, whilst I have been on it it’s served me well no horrific side effects. However, over the years my sex drive has got worse and worse and I feel unless I’m on my pill break my mind doesn’t feel clear. I am scared to come off it as I do not know what other best alternative but I think I may change to the copper coil to natural cycles to let my body have a natural cycle. I just feel forcing your body to not ovulate cannot be good for it, I need my natural cycle back for peace of mind.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  19th Sep 24

Rigevidon  

Was put onto Rigevidon after being on the mini pill and not agreeing with it due to constant breakthrough bleeding and UTIs/vaginal dryness. Rigevidon was great for nearly a year and really liked how regular my periods were and had no breakthrough bleeding as long as I did 21 days on, 7 days off rather than taking back to back packs. After a while my mood declined to the point I felt numb and libido declined. I switched to a lower Oestrogen but then after another round at the mini pill as well went back onto Rigevidon as it had been the best one for me and wanted to try it again but I do suffer from migraines but never with aura so I had been deemed safe to use the combined pill as long as I was aware of symptoms to watch out but suddenly developed aura with my migraines so came off Rigevidon and have been fine since.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Rigevidon  

To be honest I’ve been on this before, but I took packets back to back so I wouldn’t get a period which worked, but now months later I’ve started it again, because my cycle was irregular from August due to plan b usage, and I now bleed on my pill free break, it gives me a sense of reassurance I’m not sexually active anyways it’s been like that for a month now, but atleast I know my cycle is more regular, only thing I would say is around day 4 of me being on the pill free break aka my first day of bleeding I experienced cramps and very bad breast pain PMS syndromes but it went down and it went from heavy bleeding to light bleeding.


Somewhat positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1st Oct 24

Rigevidon  

I have been on the combined pill for over 5 years now. I went on it at 16 and I am now 21 years old, whilst I have been on it it’s served me well no horrific side effects. However, over the years my sex drive has got worse and worse and I feel unless I’m on my pill break my mind doesn’t feel clear. I am scared to come off it as I do not know what other best alternative but I think I may change to the copper coil to natural cycles to let my body have a natural cycle. I just feel forcing your body to not ovulate cannot be good for it, I need my natural cycle back for peace of mind.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  19th Sep 24

Rigevidon  

Was put onto Rigevidon after being on the mini pill and not agreeing with it due to constant breakthrough bleeding and UTIs/vaginal dryness. Rigevidon was great for nearly a year and really liked how regular my periods were and had no breakthrough bleeding as long as I did 21 days on, 7 days off rather than taking back to back packs. After a while my mood declined to the point I felt numb and libido declined. I switched to a lower Oestrogen but then after another round at the mini pill as well went back onto Rigevidon as it had been the best one for me and wanted to try it again but I do suffer from migraines but never with aura so I had been deemed safe to use the combined pill as long as I was aware of symptoms to watch out but suddenly developed aura with my migraines so came off Rigevidon and have been fine since.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  22nd Aug 24

Rigevidon  

I had quite a negative experience with the pill . I was prescribed it in 2020 after being diagnosed with PCOS , I was given this to lighten my flow which was very heavy and clear up my skin which had broken out in under the skin cystic acne at the time. Although my periods became more regular they still fluctuated quite a bit. My periods were also incredibly painful and even when I wasn't on my period I began to experience chronic abdominal, pelvic and back pain (I've recently been diagnosed with endometriosis). I also experience horrendous mood swings and had to go on an anti depressant to manage them. I would not try this pill again. I also had suicidal ideation and thoughts when I was on the pill.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  27th Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I’ve tried microgynon and ceracette to manage my heavy and painful periods before being put on rigevidon. Although, my period is generally lighter, there are major side effects that make me want to stop this pill. My mental health has been at its lowest - one minute I’m fine, the next I’m hysterically crying for no reason. I get irritable extremely quickly and I lash out with very little consideration of what I say and do. It’s damaging. I’m not sure whether this is related to the low mood or the pill itself but I’ve experienced a huge decrease in appetite. The thought of eating makes me nauseous. I also feel extremely fatigued and tired all the time but that can also be due to my anaemia and vitamin deficiencies. My breasts also feel tender and fuller. I am considering changing as it is beginning to affect my day to day and the relationships with people around me. I just do not feel like myself.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

1 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  10th Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I used this pill continuously but my body rejected it. I had 2 breakthrough spotting bleeds every 6 months but after 1 and a ½ years I had a full blown period while on the pill. So I had to come off it. Had no issues on it other than that because I have endometriosis, the pain built up and during self pleasure I'd get debilitating cramps. This stopped after coming off the pill. However no one talks about how hard it is to come off the pill. Your hormones are bring shifted and changed and the emotional toll is so harsh. I've had the worst anxiety and paranoia and it's really hard.


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3rd Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I was weary to go on Rigevidon after switching from a mini pill which caused non stop bleeding and decreased sex drive however, I was positively surprised. For me I found the side effects minimal if not positive: clearer skin and slightly bigger boobs. I take it without a break which means I only bleed every few months and find it a convenient method of contraception.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I was put on Rigevidon to help my pms and OCD symptoms which worsened the week before and during my period. I was on this pill for a month only and had to stop because of the side effects; the first day I took it i vomited in the middle of the night and every time I took this pill i would feel some sort of nausea. It made my mood much worse, I was uncontrollably sobbing almost every day and would frequently get very annoyed and shout at my family. It also worsened my OCD a lot which was triggered by my mood. I felt a lot better coming off of it.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  30th Jun 24

Rigevidon  

I took it for 3 months. It gave me a lot brain fog initially which either cleared or I just got used to it. I also had very sore breasts and period like cramps for the first few weeks. I had quite a bit of breakthrough bleeding, and couldn’t take it pack to pack. I don’t think it affected my mood too much. The main thing that made me stop was I was getting recurrent UTIs. They only started when i began this pill and have stopped since I started taking a different pill (fingers crossed).


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  17th Jun 24

Rigevidon  

This pill helped me so much mentally , it helped me regulate my mood better and focus on tasks so mentally it was great, physically however not so much. On this pill I was much hairier, oilier, sweatier and spottier than I naturally am and when I stopped taking it all of the above cleared up.It did however give me regular and much lighter manageable periods.


Very positive mood

2 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

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