Mifepristone

Mifepristone — Uses and Benefits

Mifepristone is used mainly to end an early pregnancy medically, in combination with another medicine (misoprostol), under strict medical supervision.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Medical termination of pregnancy up to the gestation limit advised by your doctor
• Sometimes used before certain gynaecological procedures
• Used in some hormone-sensitive conditions as decided by a specialist

HOW IT WORKS

• It blocks the action of progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain pregnancy
• This causes the lining of the uterus to break down and the pregnancy to stop developing
• It also softens and opens the cervix, helping the uterus expel its contents, especially when followed by misoprostol

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• It is not a regular contraceptive or emergency contraceptive pill
• It is not used to treat infections
• It is not for use in advanced or ectopic pregnancy
• It should never be self-administered without medical supervision

How to Use Mifepristone

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take this medicine only as prescribed by your doctor, usually at a clinic or hospital setting
• It is generally followed by a second medicine (misoprostol) after a gap advised by your doctor
• Swallow the tablet with water; do not chew or crush unless told otherwise
• Attend all follow-up visits so your doctor can confirm the pregnancy has ended completely
• Do not repeat or self-adjust the dose

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• This medicine is usually given as a single supervised dose, so missed doses are uncommon
• If a follow-up dose is missed, contact your doctor or clinic immediately for guidance
• Do not try to take a double dose on your own

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not store leftover tablets at home; use only under medical supervision
• Dispose of any unused medicine as advised by your pharmacist

Mifepristone — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea
• Fatigue or weakness

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild fever or chills

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Heavy vaginal bleeding soaking more than two pads an hour for two hours
• Severe abdominal pain not relieved by usual painkillers
• Fever above 38°C lasting more than a day
• Signs of infection such as foul-smelling discharge
• Fainting, severe weakness, or signs of an allergic reaction like rash, swelling, or breathing difficulty

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Mifepristone — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is prescription-only in India and must be taken under medical supervision, usually at a registered clinic or hospital.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Have a confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy
• Have chronic adrenal failure
• Have uncontrolled asthma
• Have bleeding disorders or are on blood-thinning medicines
• Are allergic to mifepristone or its ingredients
• Have porphyria

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have anaemia or low haemoglobin
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have heart disease or high blood pressure
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD) still in place
• Are breastfeeding

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Corticosteroids
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken around the same time
• Certain anti-seizure medicines like phenytoin, carbamazepine
• Rifampicin and other liver enzyme-inducing medicines
• Ketoconazole and other strong CYP3A4 inhibitors

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this medicine safe to take at home without supervision?

No, it must be taken under medical supervision as part of a structured process with follow-up care.

How will I know the treatment has worked?

Your doctor will confirm completion through a follow-up visit and sometimes an ultrasound or examination.

Can I get pregnant again soon after using this medicine?

• Yes, fertility can return quickly, so discuss contraception with your doctor after treatment.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.