Mifepristone is used to terminate a pregnancy in its earliest stages.

 

What is Mifepristone?

 

Mifepristone is a synthetic steroid. It acts by blocking the action of progesterone, the hormone needed to continue a pregnancy.

 

How should Mifepristone be taken?

 

Mifepristone is administered orally in the form of tablets. Typically, the treatment involves the subsequent intake of another drug, called Misoprostol.

 

Side effects associated with Mifepristone

 

Among the possible adverse effects of Mifepristone are included:

 

  • Back ache
  • Chills and tremors
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Pain or abdominal cramps
  • Fatigue
  • Bleeding or vaginal discharge
  • Vomiting

 

It is important to contact a doctor immediately if taking Mifepristone triggers any of the following symptoms:

 

  • Rash
  • Urticaria
  • Itching
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Tightness in chest
  • Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
  • Fainting
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Fever (38°C or more)
  • Strong vaginal bleeding
  • Pain or tenderness in the pelvis
  • Severe dizziness, light headedness or headaches
  • Nausea, vomiting or severe or persistent diarrhea
  • Strong stomach pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unusual weakness
  • Discomfort, itching or unusual vaginal discharge

 

Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Mifepristone

 

Mifepristone must not be taken along with anticoagulants or corticosteroids or if you are using a spiral. It is also contraindicated in case of ectopic pregnancy, adrenal problems, Addison's disease, blood disorders or bleeding disorders or the presence of an unknown nature of masses in the abdomen.

 

Grapefruit and its juice can increase the adverse effects of the drug. Moreover, alcohol and certain drugs may aggravate dizziness that make taking the medication incompatible with driving and the use of dangerous machinery.

 

Lastly, before taking the Mifeprostone it is important to tell your doctor if:

 

  • You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other drugs (particularly to misoprostol) or any food or substance
  • You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, especially anticoagulants, corticosteroids, azole antifungals, erythromycin, anticonvulsants, dexamethasone, rifampin and St. John's wort
  • You suffer (or have suffered) from respiratory, heart, liver, lung or kidney problems, anemia or high blood pressure
  • You are over 35 and you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day
  • You are planning a surgery under general anesthesia
  • You are breastfeeding