Mifepristone, also known by its developmental code name RU-486, is a medication typically used in combination with misoprostol to bring about a medical abortion during pregnancy and manage early miscarriage.[5] This combination is 97% effective during the first 63 days (9 weeks) of pregnancy.[6] It is also effective in the second trimester of pregnancy.[7][8] It is taken by mouth.[5]
The more common adverse effects include abdominal pain, feeling tired, and vaginal bleeding.[5] Serious side effects may include heavy vaginal bleeding, bacterial infection, and birth defects if the pregnancy does not end.[5] If used, appropriate follow-up care needs to be available.[5][9] Mifepristone is an antiprogestogen.[5] It works by blocking the effects of progesterone, making both the cervix and uterine vessels dilate and causing uterine contraction.[5]
^"mifepristone". Mifepristone Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
^ abGoldman MB, Troisi R, Rexrode KM, eds. (2012). Women and Health (2nd ed.). Oxford: Academic Press. p. 236. ISBN978-0-12-384979-3. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2017 – via Google Books.
^Corey EJ, Czakó B, Kürti L (2012). "Mifepristone". Molecules and Medicine. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN978-1-118-36173-3. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017 – via Google Books.
^World Health Organization (2019). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 21st list 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/325771. WHO/MVP/EMP/IAU/2019.06. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
^World Health Organization (2021). World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 22nd list (2021). Geneva: World Health Organization. hdl:10665/345533. WHO/MHP/HPS/EML/2021.02.