Mifepristone tablets

What is Mifepristone tablets?

Mifepristone is a medication classified as an antiprogestin. It works by blocking the action of progesterone, a hormone essential to maintain pregnancy. By doing this, Mifepristone helps terminate an early pregnancy or prepare the uterus for expulsion of pregnancy tissue.

It is commonly used as the first step in medical abortion protocols, followed by a prostaglandin (such as Misoprostol) to complete the process.

What is the Use of Mifepristone Tablets?

Mifepristone Tablets are used for:
✅ Medical termination of early intrauterine pregnancy (up to 63 days gestation)
✅ Softening and dilation of the cervix before surgical abortion procedures
✅ Management of missed miscarriage (in some cases, under medical advice)
✅ Treatment of Cushing’s syndrome (at higher doses, under specialist care)

Benefits of Mifepristone Tablets

✅ Non-surgical approach – Helps avoid anesthesia and invasive procedures
✅ High effectiveness – Over 95% success rate when used in combination with Misoprostol
✅ Convenient dosing – Usually taken as a single oral tablet
✅ Well-established safety profile – Extensively studied and approved for medical use

Side Effects of Mifepristone Tablets

Like any medicine, Mifepristone may cause side effects. Common reactions include:

• Mild to moderate abdominal cramps

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue or dizziness

• Headache

• Mild vaginal bleeding or spotting (which becomes heavier after Misoprostol)

In rare cases, serious side effects may occur, such as:

• Severe or prolonged bleeding

• Infection

• Allergic reaction

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience excessive bleeding (soaking >2 pads per hour for 2 hours), fever over 100.4°F (38°C) lasting more than a day, or severe abdominal pain.

Important Precautions

• Do NOT use if you have an ectopic pregnancy, bleeding disorders, adrenal failure, or allergy to Mifepristone.

• Use only under supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

• Avoid strenuous activity until your doctor confirms the abortion is complete.

• Follow-up care is essential to ensure the pregnancy has ended fully.

1. What are Mifepristone Tablets used for?
   Mifepristone is primarily used for medical termination of early pregnancy (up to 63 days or 9 weeks gestation).

2. How does Mifepristone tablets work?
   Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain pregnancy. This causes the pregnancy tissue to detach from the uterine wall.

3. Is Mifepristone used alone to terminate pregnancy?
   No. For a complete medical abortion, Mifepristone is usually followed by Misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy.

4. How do I take Mifepristone Tablets?
   Typically, you take one tablet of Mifepristone orally, then after 24–48 hours, take Misoprostol as instructed by your doctor.

5. How effective is Mifepristone for abortion?
   When combined with Misoprostol, it is more than 95% effective in ending early pregnancy.

6. Can I take Mifepristone tablets without medical supervision?
   No. Mifepristone must be used under the supervision of a registered medical professional after confirming pregnancy location and duration.

7. What are the common side effects of Mifepristone tablets?
   You may experience:

   • Vaginal bleeding or spotting

   • Abdominal cramps

   • Nausea or vomiting

   • Headache

   • Dizziness

8. How soon does bleeding start after taking Mifepristone tablets?
   Some women have mild bleeding after Mifepristone alone, but heavier bleeding typically begins after taking Misoprostol.

9. Can I eat and drink normally while taking Mifepristone tablets?
   Yes. You can eat a light meal and drink fluids, but avoid alcohol.

10. What should I do if I have very heavy bleeding?
    If you soak more than 2 sanitary pads per hour for 2 hours or feel dizzy/faint, seek emergency medical care immediately.

11. Does Mifepristone tablets cause pain?
    You may have mild cramps after Mifepristone tablets and stronger cramps after Mifepristone. Your doctor can recommend pain relief.

12. Can Mifepristone be used for ectopic pregnancy?
    No. Mifepristone does not work for ectopic pregnancies, which are medical emergencies.

13. Is Mifepristone tablets safe for future fertility?
    Yes. Using Mifepristone does not affect your ability to become pregnant in the future.

14. How do I know if the tablets abortion is complete?
    You must have a follow-up appointment (ultrasound or exam) 7–14 days later to confirm the pregnancy has ended.

15. Can I use tablets during breastfeeding?
    Small amounts may pass into breast milk. Discuss risks and timing with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.