Details

Mifepristone is used to cause an abortion during the early part of a pregnancy. It is used up to week 7 of pregnancy (up to 49 days after the first day of your last menstrual period). Mifepristone blocks a natural substance (progesterone) that is needed for your pregnancy to continue. It is usually used together with another medicine called misoprostol. Mifepristone must not be used if you have a rare abnormal pregnancy that is outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy). It will not cause an abortion in this case. It may cause an ectopic pregnancy to rupture, resulting in very serious bleeding.

Typical Uses

Mifepristone is used for medical termination of an early pregnancy. It is also used to control excessive blood sugar level in patients with Cushing's syndrome (a disease where the hormone cortisol rises in the body due to tumour of adrenal gland) in patients who have failed surgery or are not candidates for surgery.

Side Effects

Stop using mifepristone and inform your doctor immediately if you have nausea, unusual weakness, tired feeling abnormal vaginal bleeding a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out new or worsening medical problems low blood sugar-headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery or low potassium-confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Drug Interactions

• Mifepristone+abarelix- Using mifepristone together with abarelix can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Mifepristone+anisindione- Using mifepristone together with anisindione may increase the risk and/or severity of vaginal bleeding in women. Prolonged, heavy bleeding may require emergency medical treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
• Mifepristone+boceprevir- Talk to your doctor before using mifepristone together with boceprevir. Combining these medications may significantly increase the blood levels and effects of mifepristone. This may increase the risk or severity of side effects, particularly if you are on this medication for a prolonged period.
• Mifepristone+cobicistat- Talk to your doctor before using mifepristone together with cobicistat. Combining these medications may significantly increase the blood levels and effects of mifepristone. This may increase the risk or severity of side effects, particularly if you are on this medication for a prolonged period.

Mechanism of action

Mifepristone is an anti-progesterone hormone that acts by blocking the effects of progesterone, a hormone which is needed for pregnancy to continue.

Pregnancy Category : X