GENERIC NAME: MIFEPRISTONE - ORAL (miff-eh-PRIH-stone)
BRAND NAME(S): Mifeprex
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: If mifepristone does not cause a complete abortion (fetal death), surgery may be necessary. Read the Medication Guide and Patient Agreement, and consult with your doctor regarding any questions. You must be given clear instructions regarding whom to call and what to do in case of an emergency (e.g., severe bleeding). See also Side Effects section.
USES: This medication, also known as RU 486, blocks a hormone (progesterone) which is needed for your pregnancy to continue. When used together with another medicine called misoprostol, mifepristone usually causes an abortion to occur. Use of this treatment must occur within the first 49 days of pregnancy (where day one of pregnancy is defined as the first day of your last menstrual period). Mifepristone is not used if your pregnancy is outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy); it will not cause an abortion in this case. In fact, it may cause an ectopic pregnancy to rupture, resulting in very serious internal or external bleeding.
HOW TO USE: Before taking this medication, you must read and sign the "Patient Agreement" form, and read the Medication Guide. Mifepristone is taken by mouth as a single dose, as directed by your doctor. Two days later, if abortion has not occurred, you take misoprostol by mouth as a single dose. You must visit the doctor's office three times to complete your treatment and important examinations. This treatment is only given under direct MD supervision, in a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital. Be sure to have clear instructions from your doctor regarding whom to call and what to do in case of an emergency. Avoid grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. If this medication treatment fails to work, abortion surgery is generally performed.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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