As part of a general anaesthetic, we often give you medication to relax your muscles to give the surgeon the best conditions for operating. Before you wake up, we give you medication to reverse this effect.
You have been given a reversal medicine called Sugammadex. Another name for this drug is Bridion®. Sugammadex may interact with your contraception due to its effect on the hormone progesterone. This may temporarily increase your likelihood of becoming pregnant after unprotected sex. This is why you have been provided with this information.
What should I do if I am using an oral hormonal contraceptive pill?
Types of oral hormonal contraceptive you may be using:
- Progesterone only contraceptive ‘mini pill’
- Desogestrel
- Levonorgestrel
- Northisterone
- Combined oral contraceptive ‘pill’
- Microgynon
- Rigevidon
- Ovranette
- Gedarel
- Microgynon
- Rigevidon
- Ovranette
- Gedarel
If you have taken your pill this morning and have been given Sugammadex, it is the equivalent to one missed pill.
We recommend to follow the missed pill advice in the package leaflet of the oral contraceptive if you do not wish to become pregnant.
What should I do if I am using another type of hormonal contraceptive?
Types of other hormonal contraceptive you may be using:
- Contraceptive implant
- Etonogestrel (Nexplanon®)
- Hormonal Intra-Uterine System (IUS)
- Levonorgestrel (Mirena® coil)
- Jaydess®
- Levosert®
- Kyleena®
- The contraceptive injection
- Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-provera)
- SAYANA® PRESS
- Noristerat®
- Vaginal ring
- The contraceptive patch (EVRA 203)
We recommend to use a barrier method of contraceptive, such as condoms, for the next 7 days and follow the advice in the package leaflet of the contraceptive product if you do not wish to become pregnant.
What should I do if I am using a non-hormonal contraceptive?
Types of non-hormonal contraceptive you may be using:
- condoms
- cervical caps
- diaphragm
- contraceptive sponge
- copper IUD
- spermicide
You do not need to do anything. Sugammadex only reduces the effectiveness of hormone-based contraceptives.
No other medication given to you as part of the anaesthetic will affect your hormonal contraceptive.
Where can I get more information?
For further contraceptive advice please contact your GP or local sexual health and contraceptive services.
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust cannot accept responsibility for information provided by other organisations.
Contact details
Rotherham Sexual Health Service
01709 427777
Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 7:30pm
Friday, 9am to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 2pm