Home>drugs by ailments>Medical abortion>mifepristone

Mifepristone

Information about Mifepristone

Mifepristone Uses

Mifepristone is used in medical abortion.

How Mifepristone works

Mifepristone blocks the effects of progesterone, a natural female hormone which is needed for the pregnancy to sustain. Without this hormone, the lining of the uterus (womb) breaks down as it does during a menstrual period and stops the growth of the pregnancy.

Common side effects of Mifepristone

Nausea1a, Vomiting, Uterine cramps, Diarrhea, Infection following abortion, Uterine bleeding

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Balshine Singh Kanwar

MD, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

17 May 2021 | 09:11 AM (UTC)

We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information

Want to know more

Available Medicine for Mifepristone

Expert advice for Mifepristone

Mifepristone helps in medical termination of pregnancy.
Take it no later than 63 days after the first day of your last menstrual period.
If you vomit within 45 minutes of taking the tablet, talk to your doctor immediately. You will need to take another tablet.
Take it only as prescribed by the doctor. Miscarriages, if incomplete, may result in serious medical complications leading to hospitalization, surgery and possible infertility.
Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as it can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
It does not affect fertility. Use contraception to avoid pregnancy.
Vaginal bleeding may or may not occur after taking this medicine. Inform your doctor immediately if excessive bleeding occurs or if you suffer from severe abdominal pain.

Frequently asked questions for Mifepristone

Mifepristone

Q. What is Mifepristone and what it is used for?

Mifepristone is a medicine which helps in medical termination of the pregnancy. It works by blocking the effect of progesterone (a female sex hormone) which is required for maintenance of pregnancy. It is only used to terminate a pregnancy which should not be more than 63 days old, counting from the first day of the last menstrual period.

Q. How and in what dose should I use Mifepristone?

Mifepristone can be taken orally with a glass of water. It should be taken under the supervision of a doctor.

Q. What should I expect after taking Mifepristone?

You may or may not experience vaginal bleeding or spotting after taking this medicine. After 48 hours of taking Mifepristone, your doctor shall examine you and may prescribe you another medicine (Misoprostol) for complete termination of pregnancy. After 14 days of taking Mifepristone, your gynaecologist may run some blood tests or perform ultrasonography to confirm whether the pregnancy has been terminated or not.

Q. Can Mifepristone affect my future chances of getting pregnant?

No, studies have shown that this medicine does not impair the fertility of the women. Your future chances of getting pregnant are as equal as of those who have not taken this medicine.

Q. What are the common side effects of taking Mifepristone?

Vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping are the most common side effects of using Mifepristone. The other common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience a very heavy vaginal bleeding or if any of these side effects bother you please consult with your gynaecologist.