Product Description
Anti Estrogen Steroids Mifepristone
What is mifepristone? How does mifepristone work?
Mifepristone is a pill that terminates an early pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mifepristone for use within 49 days from the start of a woman's last menstrual period. Evidence suggests it may be used safely up to 63 days or 9 weeks after the first day of a woman's last period. Mifepristone ends a pregnancy by blocking the receptors of the hormone progesterone, causing the lining of the uterine walls to shed similar to during one's menstrual cycle. It also increases prostaglandin levels and dilates the cervix, facilitating abortion. When followed by administration of misoprostol, a prostaglandin that induces uterine contractions, mifepristone ends an unwanted pregnancy approximately 97% of the time.[3] In the instance mifepristone does not work, as determined by an ultrasound during a follow up visit, a woman will need to have a surgical abortion.
How does a woman take mifepristone to terminate a pregnancy?
Under the FDA approved regimen for Mifeprex (mifepristone) the following three steps are taken:
Step One: A woman first takes 600 mg of mifepristone (three 200-mg pills by mouth) given to her by her medical provider. This first administration typically occurs her doctor's office, a hospital, or a clinic. All women should be offered analgesics for pain management. The risk of infection following a medical abortion is low, therefore use of antibiotics as part of the medical abortion regimen are not necessary.
Step Two: A woman takes 400 micrograms (two 200 microgram pills) of misoprostol up to two days later. She and her medical provider will plan the location and timing of this dose, including administering it at home. It is recommended to wear a sanitary napkin at this time to help a woman keep track of her bleeding. Bleeding is usually the heaviest 4-6 hours after taking misoprostol. For more information on misoprostol click: here
Step Three: Approximately 14 days after taking the mifepristone, a woman will return to her healthcare provider for a follow-up visit, to determine with an ultrasound whether the pregnancy has been terminated. A woman may also experience light bleeding or spotting for up to four weeks after taking mifepristone and misoprostol.
Who should not use mifepristone?
Mifepristone should not be used if a woman:
is more than 63 days, or nine weeks, pregnant.
currently has an IUD. She will need to have it removed before having a medication abortion.
has an ectopic pregnancy (one outside of the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes)
has a molar pregnancy (one in which the placenta develops abnormally).
has severe adrenal gland, heart, kidney, or liver problems.
has a history of allergy to mifepristone or other prostaglandins.
has been diagnosed with a bleeding disorders or is undergoing blood-thinning therapy.
is not willing to have a surgical abortion in the unlikely case that the medicines do not end her pregnancy.
cannot come to follow-up appointments.
does not have access to a telephone, transportation, and backup medical care.