In April 2023, a federal judge in Texas issued a ruling to suspend mifepristone’s FDA approval.
RU486 is a medication used to induce a miscarriage in a pregnancy less than 10 weeks along.
Better known as the abortion pill or Mifeprex (mifepristone), RU486 is only available with a prescription.
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It also details the side effects, precautions, drug interactions, and cost of the abortion pill.
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How Do You Use RU486?
It is important to note that the abortion pill isnot the same thingas the morning-after pill.
You may need an additional dose of medication or a procedure to complete the abortion.
How It Works
RU486 blocks the progesterone receptors in your body.
Progesterone is the hormone responsible for causing the uterine lining to build up and prepare for pregnancy.
Then, the misoprostol will cause uterine contractions.
This allows your uterus to be emptied.
Who Can Use It?
It can be used safely in women of any age, including those under 17 years old.
RU486 Side Effects
You should expect to feel some side effects after using the abortion pill.
These can include:
If you have severe pain or feel faint, get medical attention.
And if you have a fever after the day you take the misoprostol, call your healthcare provider.
The medication is also contraindicated for people with:
Interactions
Mifeprex can negatively interact with certain medications.
Also, know that RU486 does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
The bleeding after your abortion marks the start of a new menstrual cycle.
This means that your normal period should return in four to eight weeks.
Keep in mind that you may have all types of feelings after a medical abortion.
Because of the sudden change in your hormone levels, you may become more emotional.
How Much Does RU486 Cost?
you might check with your private insurance to see if they cover medical abortion.
That being said, the abortion pill may cost up to $800, but it usually costs less.
The final cost depends on whether or not you need additional tests, healthcare provider visits, and/or exams.
The cost of RU486 can also vary depending on your state.
RU486 is available at many Planned Parenthood clinics.
Bleeding typically begins two to four hours after Cytotec (misoprostol), the second medication in the series.
In some cases, a second dose of Cytotec may be needed.
This means you’re able to drive yourself to your appointment and home again.
It is also safe to drive after taking Cytotec (misoprostol).
However, the second medication commonly causes cramping and heavy bleeding.
Many women prefer to stay home and rest.
Plan B is not an abortion pill and it will not work if you are already pregnant.
RU486 is a medical abortion option that is taken by mouth and used when a woman is already pregnant.
No, Mifeprex (mifepristone/RU486) is not approved to treat an ectopic pregnancy.
Studies show it is not effective in expelling an ectopic pregnancy.
RU486 is the proprietary trade name for Mifeprex (mifepristone).
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2018;190(22):E688.
doi:10.1503/cmaj.180047
Food and Drug Administration.Mifeprex (mifepristone) label.
Food and Drug Administration.Questions and answers on Mifeprex.
Food and Drug Administration.Questions and answers on mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy through ten weeks gestation.
Planned Parenthood.The Abortion Pill.
