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. Individuals using intrauterine devices (IUDs) must have the device removed before starting treatment.

Side Effects:

Common side effects after taking the abortion pill include cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heavy bleeding with possible clots, mild fever or chills, and fatigue. Severe pain or fainting requires immediate medical attention. If a fever persists more than 24 hours after misoprostol, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Generic RU-486 may interact with other medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider of all drugs or supplements you are taking.

How Effective is RU486:

The onset of cramping and bleeding typically begins within hours of taking misoprostol. The bleeding tends to be heavier than a normal period and may include large clots. This bleeding and cramping may continue intermittently for several days. The overall effectiveness of the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol ranges between 92% and 98%.

Medical abortion using RU-486 offers many benefits:

1. Highly effective and less invasive than surgical abortion.
2. Allows for privacy and comfort by enabling termination at home.
3. Suitable for early pregnancies.

However, there are limitations, such as contraindications in some health conditions and the need for follow-up visits. Some individuals may have ethical or moral concerns about this method.

Additional Important Information:

1. RU-486 pill does not protect against transmitted infections.
2. After a medical abortion, fertility returns quickly, so effective contraception should be considered immediately to prevent pregnancy.
3. It is recommended to avoid inserting anything into the vagina or having intercourse for at least seven days post-treatment.
4. Emotional responses following abortion vary; individuals may feel a mix of relief and sadness.

Ectopic Pregnancy:

RU-486 abortion pill is not effective for ectopic pregnancies (when the embryo implants outside the uterus).

If the RU-486 Medication Doesn’t Work

If significant bleeding does not begin within 24 hours of taking misoprostol or is unusually light, a second dose may be necessary, or a surgical procedure might be required. Always consult your healthcare provider if you suspect the medication did not successfully terminate early pregnancy.

Cost and Availability

The cost of a medical abortion varies widely depending on location, insurance coverage policies. The price is a little high if you buy an abortion pill online in the UK from OnlineAbortionPillRx.com — a trusted online pharmacy that has been helping women in need of reproductive health care for the past 10 years.

How RU-486 Differs from Emergency Contraception

RU-486 is distinct from emergency contraception drugs like Plan B. Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure and does not terminate existing pregnancies. RU-486 is used to terminate confirmed early pregnancies.