A woman has gone viral after sharing her horror at a leaflet detailing the potential health risks and side-effects associated with the contraceptive pill.
Georgia Shaw, 20, from Leicestershire, posted a picture showing the double-sided leaflet that came inside her packet of Rigevidon, admitting she was 'scared' about taking it.
The student wrote: "Started a new pill today and wanted to show men on here what women have to go through so you don't have to wear a bit of rubber. This is the info leaflet next to a pen for size reference. Yes it's double sided."
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The leaflet, last revised in March 2020, lists an increased risk of developing a blood clot as one of the potential side effects. It also listed 'malignant tumour of the liver' and gallbladder disease among the very rare side effects.
An increased risk of cervical cancer in long-term users of the pill was mentioned but it stated that it remains 'uncertain' whether this increased risk is due to the pill or other factors.
Georgia added: "I'd just been put onto Rigevidon and when I opened the packet and looked at the leaflet I thought 'oh my God', I'd never seen a leaflet that big before.
"I just felt quite scared and quite nervous about what I was putting into my body if that was the massive list of things it might do to me.
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"I'd been on the Microgynon pill before but only for three weeks because I couldn't hack it."
Georgia decided to switch from Microgynon due to the effect it had on her mood.
"I found myself feeling so down, crying over nothing and I became quite a nasty person to be around on Microgynon," she explained.
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"It caused a lot of arguments because I was so irritable and not in the best mood at all."
According to the NHS, minor side effects from the combined oral contraceptive pill include mood swings, nausea, breast tenderness and headaches, but Georgia said she'd been fortunate so far.
"Despite a lot of people warning me against taking it, at the moment I feel completely fine," she said.
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"My skin has cleared up a little bit and the only change I've noticed is my appetite, I've just been craving a lot of fatty foods.
"It's a kick in the teeth that the side effects that the male contraceptive was cancelled over are side effects that women have to deal with every single day."
A spokesperson for Bayer, who manufacture Microgynon, said: "At Bayer, we take the safety of our products very seriously and we continuously review the safety profiles of our products.
"Bayer investigates reports on side effects thoroughly and collaborates closely with regulatory authorities concerning the use, benefits and risks of all products. Bayer strongly encourages all patients and healthcare professionals to report adverse events to the company directly or to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
"Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), like Microgynon, are among the most systematically studied and widely used medical products available today. Based on a thorough assessment of the available scientific data by regulatory authorities, outside independent experts and Bayer scientists, Microgynon is considered effective and overall, has a favourable benefit-risk profile when used appropriately.
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"Depressed mood and depression are well-known undesirable effects of hormonal contraceptive use, affecting more than one in 100 women. Depression can be serious and is a well-known risk factor for suicidal behaviour and suicide. Women should be advised to contact their physician in case of mood changes and depressive symptoms, including shortly after initiating the treatment.
"Similarly, a woman should discuss their own medical history and known risk factors with her healthcare professional to weigh the potential side effects against the need for contraception and determine the contraceptive method best suited for their individual circumstances. All adverse events should be reported to Bayer."
The manufacturers of Rigevidon have been contacted for comment.
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