Mifepristone

This form:

Pronounced

"miff-eh-PRIH-stone"

Uses

Mifepristone (also known as RU 486) is used to end a pregnancy during the early part of a pregnancy. It is used up to week 10 of pregnancy (up to 70 days after the first day of your last menstrual period). Mifepristone blocks a natural substance (progesterone) that is needed for your pregnancy to continue. It is usually used together with another medicine called misoprostol.

Mifepristone must not be used if you have a rare abnormal pregnancy that is outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy). It will not end the pregnancy in this case. It may cause an ectopic pregnancy to rupture, resulting in very serious bleeding.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your doctor before you start using mifepristone. Keep the guide to reread if needed. Read and sign the Patient Agreement form provided by your doctor. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

You must visit the doctor's office at least 2 times to complete your treatment and important examinations. This treatment is only given under direct medical supervision. Learn about who to call and what to do in case of an emergency.

Your doctor may order an ultrasound to make sure your pregnancy is less than 10 weeks and is not outside the womb (ectopic).

Take mifepristone by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually as a single dose. After taking mifepristone, your doctor should direct you to wait 24 to 48 hours before taking another medication (misoprostol) by mouth as a single dose. The medications may not work well if you take misoprostol sooner than 24 hours after taking mifepristone or later than 48 hours after taking mifepristone. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Heavy vaginal bleeding does not mean that the pregnancy has ended.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

It is important that you return for a follow-up visit within 7 to 14 days after taking mifepristone, even if you are not having any problems.

If the pregnancy has not ended, or there are serious medical problems, surgery may be needed. If the treatment fails and the pregnancy continues until birth, there is a risk of birth defects.

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