Mifepristone

Mifepristone is a synthetic steroid that is used as a drug. It can be used to cause a medical abortion in the first two months of pregnancy. It can also be used as an emergency contraceptive. It is often known as RU-486, the name it had in early tests. It was discovered by Roussel Uclaf in France in 1980.

When it is used for an abortion, it is usually combined with another drug. It is delivered as a pill that is taken by mouth. When it is used as a form of emergency contaception, the dose is usually lower.

Where it is legal, it is usually sold as a prescription drug. Before taking it, people often need to see a doctor, who can check that the drug is safe to take. In some cases, the drug also needs to be taken while under the supervision of a pharmacist or a doctor.

Other than to end a pregnancy, the drug is also used for peope with Cushing's syndrome. These people produce too much Cortisol, and the drug can act against that.