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RU-486 (Mifepristone) for Medical Abortion: You Need to Know

RU-486, also called mifepristone, is an FDA-approved medication used together with misoprostol to safely terminate early pregnancies, specifically those less than 10 weeks (70 days) along. It is often referred to as the abortion pill or Mifeprex and is available online. How RU-486 Works Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is essential for maintaining the uterine lining during pregnancy. Without progesterone, the uterine lining breaks down, making it impossible for the pregnancy to continue. After taking the (mifepristone) RU486 abortion pill, a second medication called misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later. Misoprostol induces uterine contractions, causing the uterus to expel the pregnancy tissue. When used correctly, this combination successfully terminates pregnancy in about 96.7% of cases. Medical Abortion Process The medical abortion process generally consists of three steps: 1. Mifepristone: Taken orally at home to block the progesterone hormone.2. Misoprostol: Taken orally or vaginally 24-48 hours later to trigger uterine contractions. Eligibility: RU-486 tablet is approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy and can be used safely by women of all ages, including adolescents under 17. It is not suitable for everyone, especially those with ectopic pregnancies, bleeding disorders, or allergies to the medications.... View Article