Mifepristone Drug: Medical Abortion Medication
Mifepristone also known by the brand name RU-486 is a medication used to terminate pregnancy in combination with misoprostol.
- It is a non-surgical safe and effective procedure for medical abortion.
- It is also used in a different form to treat Cushing’s syndrome, a hormonal disorder.
How it works: The process begins with the administration of mifepristone usually taken orally.
- It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is needed to maintain pregnancy. By blocking progesterone, mifepristone prevents the lining of the uterus from supporting a fertilised egg and inhibits its growth.
- The patient is advised to wait 24 to 48 hours after taking mifepristone before taking misoprostol.
- Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analog, induces uterine contractions, expulsion of pregnancy tissue, heavy bleeding, and cramping that lasts for several hours.
- Effectiveness: It is highly effective after misoprostol, with a success rate of over 97% during the first 63 days of pregnancy.
Eligibility and Precautions: It is approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days after the first day of your last menstrual period).
- It is important to note that state laws regarding abortion may vary, so It’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider or a trusted resource like Planned Parenthood.
- This method may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions like bleeding disorders or severe anemia.
- Patients with known drug allergies to mifepristone or misoprostol, taking blood thinners, or long-term corticosteroids should not use this method.
- It is not effective for ectopic pregnancies.
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
Side effects: Include cramping, bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. These are similar to the symptoms of miscarriage.
Risks and complications: While medical abortion is generally safe, there are some potential risks and complications should be aware of.
- Failure to respond to medication, resulting in continued pregnancy
- Heavy bleeding or infection
- Infection of the uterus
- Allergy to medications
- Persistent pregnancy symptoms after the procedure