Mifepristone (By Mouth)

Mifepristone (mi-FE-pri-stone)

Ends a pregnancy that is less than 7 weeks along (49 days or less since the start of your last menstrual period).

Brand Name(s):

Mifeprex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to mifepristone, misoprostol, or any type of prostaglandin. You should not receive mifepristone if you have a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy, problems with your adrenal gland, bleeding disorders, or porphyria, or if you take blood thinners (Coumadin®) or have used steroids for a long time.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• This medicine is given only by your doctor. You will not be allowed to take it at home. The entire treatment requires three visits to your doctor.
• Before receiving the treatment, you will be asked to read a medication guide and sign a patient agreement form. Be sure you understand all the instructions before you sign the agreement and receive the medicine.
• At the first visit, you will be given three mifepristone tablets. Two days later at the second visit, you will be given two tablets of another medicine called misoprostol. Two weeks later at the third visit, your doctor will check to make sure you are no longer pregnant. This may include an ultrasound exam (sonogram).
• You should not have an IUD in your uterus when you receive this medicine.
• This medicine will cause you to bleed and have cramps for about 2 to 4 weeks. Call your doctor if you have little or no vaginal bleeding after receiving the medicine.
• It is sometimes necessary to have a surgical abortion to completely end the pregnancy. You may also need to have surgery if there is any tissue left in your uterus after treatment with mifepristone.

If a dose is missed:

• It is very important to take misoprostol within 2 days after taking mifepristone. You will receive misoprostol at your second visit to the doctor. Do not fail to keep this appointment.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), erythromycin, rifampin (Rifadin®), dexamethasone (Decadron®), St. John's Wort, or medicine for seizures (such as Donnatal®, Dilantin®, Tegretol®).
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are receiving this treatment.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, if you have anemia, or if you smoke.
• Your doctor will give you instructions on what to do if you have a medical emergency, such as severe bleeding. Keep all emergency phone numbers with you during the 2-week period after you receive this medicine.
• Only your doctor can tell whether your pregnancy has been completely ended. During your 2-week follow-up visit, you will be examined to make sure you are no longer pregnant. It is extremely important for you to have this examination. If the treatment has not worked, your pregnancy may continue and the baby could be born with birth defects.
• After treatment, it is possible for you to get pregnant again, even before you have your next period. Start using an effective form of birth control right away after your pregnancy has been ended with mifepristone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Heavy bleeding or severe cramping
• Fainting or unusual weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cramps or stomach pain (may be worse after you receive misoprostol at the second visit)
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain
• Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.