Description

Uses of RU-486

Mifepristone (or RU-486 for short) is a drug used to induce abortions in the first trimester of pregnancy. From the sixth week of pregnancy forward, it is used (up to 70 days after the first day of your last menstrual period). Mifepristone prevents the pregnancy-sustaining hormone progesterone from doing its job. It is commonly used with another drug called misoprostol. In the highly unusual case of extrauterine pregnancy, mifepristone should not be taken (ectopic pregnancy). Pregnancy will be carried to term regardless of this. If an ectopic pregnancy bursts, the accompanying blood loss would be catastrophic.

 

How to use Mifepristone (RU-486) Oral?

Before beginning treatment with mifepristone, you must to read the essential Medication Guide issued by your doctor. Save the manual for future reference. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have. Please review your doctor’s Patient Agreement form before signing it. If you cannot use this medication as directed, or if you do not understand the instructions, please inform your doctor. Only a medical professional can prescribe mifepristone. There is no way to get it from a regular pharmacy.

Your therapy and necessary exams will need at least two trips to the doctor’s office. This therapy occurs exclusively in a clinical or hospital setting, under the watchful eye of a medical professional. Get specifics from your doctor about who to contact and what to do in an emergency.

 

How to ensure Pregnancy?

To ensure your pregnancy is still within your body after 10 weeks, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound (ectopic).

Mifepristone is taken orally once, per a doctor’s orders, to prevent an abortion. If your doctor prescribes mifepristone, you will be instructed to wait between 24 and 48 hours before taking misoprostol orally. Misoprostol should not be taken less than 24 hours after mifepristone or more than 48 hours after mifepristone since this could reduce the effectiveness of both drugs. Listen carefully to the advice of your medical professional. Even though there is a lot of blood in the cervix, that doesn’t mean the abortion is finished.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you shouldn’t drink grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.

Whether or not you have any side effects from using mifepristone, you should schedule a follow-up appointment 7 to 14 days following your last dose.

Surgical abortion is performed when a medical abortion does not occur or is incomplete or when there are other major medical complications. Birth deformities may arise if the treatment is unsuccessful and the pregnancy continues to term.

 

Side Effects of RU-486

Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, or dizziness. Seek emergency medical assistance if these symptoms persist beyond the first 24 hours after taking the second medicine (misoprostol).

You can count on experiencing some bleeding and cramps as a regular part of this treatment. It is common knowledge that the presence of symptoms is indicative of successful treatment. However, it is possible to be pregnant despite experiencing cramping and bleeding. You must go back to the doctor for all scheduled follow-up appointments. In the 24 hours following administering a second medicine, symptoms such as nausea and cramps may worsen (misoprostol). Some of these signs and symptoms may respond better to medications that your doctor may prescribe. Notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately if these symptoms persist or worsen.

 

Bleeding

Spot bleeding and periods heavier than usual might linger for up to 30 days. There are sporadic instances where surgical intervention is necessary to control this bleeding. If you are worried about significant bleeding or if you bleed through two thick, full-size sanitary pads per hour for two hours straight, you should see a doctor right away.

Remember that your doctor ordered this drug after carefully weighing the pros and cons and deciding that the benefits to you warrant the slight but real possibility of adverse effects. Most persons who take this drug report no significant adverse reactions.

 

Fever

Fever of 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or higher, fainting, fast heartbeat, stomach/abdominal discomfort, or soreness are infrequent but life-threatening side effects that require immediate medical attention.

Rarely do people have a really severe allergic reaction to this drug. However, get emergency medical help if you experience intense allergic response, such as a rash, acute disorientation, trouble breathing, itching, or swelling (especially in the face, tongue, or neck).

 

Precautions with RU-486

If you have an allergy to mifepristone, misoprostol, or any other progestin (including norethindrone), you should discuss alternatives with your doctor before beginning treatment with mifepristone. The inactive ingredients in a product can cause allergic reactions in some people. For more information, consult your pharmacy.

You should not use this drug if you have any preexisting diseases or other health issues. Suppose you have a bleeding disorder (such as coagulopathy). In that case, a blood disorder (such as inherited porphyrias), an intrauterine device (IUD), a pregnancy that is more than 10 weeks along, a proven or possible abnormal pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy), or You shouldn’t use this medication until your doctor says to if you can’t see them in 7-10 days.

Before starting mifepristone therapy, an intrauterine device (IUD) should be removed.

If you have a low blood count (anemia) or smoke more than 10 cigarettes daily, you should discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist before using this drug.

You should only use this medication if you have ready access to quality emergency medical care.

Fetal demise is typically the result of using mifepristone. Birth malformations are possible if you continue to be pregnant following therapy, though this is highly unusual.

It is possible to become pregnant again before your period resumes after undergoing this abortion procedure. If this treatment is successful, contraception can be initiated immediately.

Breast milk contains these drugs. Due to the lack of information on the safety of mifepristone for newborns, breastfeeding mothers may want to discuss with their doctors whether they should stop producing breast milk for a few days after receiving this medication.

 

Restrictions

Do not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you can do so without endangering yourself.

This medicine may make you lightheaded. The effects of alcohol and cannabis (marijuana) on vertigo are amplified.

During its usage, one must avoid Alcohol consumption. If you are smoking marijuana, you should discuss it with your doctor (cannabis).

If you have a low blood count (anemia) or smoke more than 10 cigarettes daily, you should discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist before using this drug.

Interactions of RU-486

Medication interactions can affect how well they perform or boost your risk of dangerous side effects. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know everything you’re taking, whether it’s a prescription pill, over-the-counter medicine, or herbal supplement. Never adjust the dose or stop taking a medication without seeing your doctor.

Medications that can cause bleeding, long-term corticosteroid therapy (such as prednisone), and azole antifungals like itraconazole/ketoconazole (an antifungal), macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin (an antibiotic), dexamethasone (a steroid), rifamycins like rifabutin (a rifamycin), St. John’s wort (an herbal supplement), and specific anti

When used with aspirin, this medicine may increase bleeding risk. If your doctor has prescribed low-dose aspirin (typically 81-162 mg daily) to prevent heart attack or stroke, you should keep taking it unless your doctor tells you to stop.

 

If you take Mifepristone while using other drugs, the effectiveness of other drugs may fade away. Some statin pharmaceuticals (including fluvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin), cyclosporine, and ergot alkaloids (including dihydroergotamine and ergotamine), fentanyl, pimozide, quinidine, and warfarin are just a few examples of medications that fall into this category.

 

Overdose of RU-486

If you suspect an overdose and the victim is experiencing life-threatening symptoms, including loss of consciousness or difficulty breathing, dial 911 immediately. If this isn’t the case, directly contact a poison control center. The national poison hotline number in the United States is 1-800-222-1222. For poison control in Canada, local provinces have their own hotlines. Severe vaginal bleeding is one possible overdose symptom.

 

Notes:

You should periodically check your health with laboratory and/or medical testing (including ultrasound) before and after usage of RU-486. Don’t miss any of your doctor’s visits (at least 2 visits).

 

Neglected Dose

To get the best results from treatment, you must take your medication at the prescribed times and attend all of your doctor’s appointments. You should get in touch with your doctor without delay if you have to cancel an appointment.

 

 

Storage

Your doctor is the sole source of his medication. Your should keep Mifepristone (RU-486) at a temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a dry place and out of direct sunlight. Short-term storage is acceptable between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Put medications in a secure, out-of-reach location, away from the reach of youngsters and pets.

 

Never dispose of medication by flushing the toilet or pouring it down the sink unless directed. When you no longer need it or it expires, please dispose of this item responsibly. Responsibly act on your local pharmacy or waste management facility for further information about proper disposal methods.

 

Takeaway

It is well within a woman’s rights to decide to have an abortion. No need to get approval from anyone before beginning an abortion procedure, even yourself or your loved ones. But it’s important to talk about your worries with your doctor.

Don’t hesitate to contact our support staff if you have any questions; they’ll be happy to offer some quick pointers.