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Anaesthetics

Post-operative contraceptive advice for patients receiving Sugammadex

Patient Information Leaflet

1.    Introduction

As part of a general anaesthetic, we commonly administer drugs to relax your muscles. Then, before you wake up, we administer drugs to reverse this effect.

You have been given a ‘reversal drug’ today called Sugammadex. Another name for this drug is Bridion. This drug has a unique interaction with the hormone progesterone. This is why you have been provided with this information leaflet.

Sugammadex temporarily increases your likelihood of becoming pregnant after unprotected sexual intercourse in certain situations.

2.  What should you do if you are using an ORAL hormonal contraceptive tablet/ pill?

 Types of oral hormonal contraceptive you may be using:

The effect of Sugammadex means that even if you took your pill this morning, it is the equivalent to one missed pill.

Advice: You must follow the missed pill advice in the package leaflet of the oral contraceptive.

3. What should you do if you are using any OTHER type of hormonal contraceptive?

Types of other hormonal contraceptive you may be using:

Advice: You must use a barrier method of contraceptive e.g condoms for the next seven days.

4. What should you do if you are using any NON-HORMONAL contraceptive?

Types of non-hormonal contraceptive you may be using:

Advice: No further action is required. Sugammadex only reduces the effectiveness of hormone-based contraceptives.

5.  Frequently asked questions

Will other drugs given to me as part of the anaesthetic affect my hormonal contraceptive?

 No, this interaction is not known to occur with other anaesthetic-related drugs.

6.  Where can I get more information?

For further contraceptive advice please contact your GP or local sexual health and contraceptive services.

Russells Hall Hospital cannot accept responsibility for information provided by other organisations.

Further information and support

You can contact your local sexual health clinic for further information. To find your local clinic scan the QR code below or visit.

Find a sexual health clinic – https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services/find-a-sexual-health-clinic/

References:

Bridion® Drug interaction information –

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6409/smpc

Bridion® Patient information leaflet –

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/6409/xpil/print

Sugammadex advice for women of childbearing age – https://doi.org/10.1111/anae.14176

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: H. Said. Date originated: February 2026. Review date: February 2029. Version: 1. DGH ref: DGH/PIL/02179