What to Know About RU486
Dr. Dmitriy Bronfman is an obstetrician-gynecologist in New York, New York and is affiliated with New York Methodist Hospital. He received his medical degree from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and has been in practice between 11-20 years. Dr. Bronfman accepts several types of health insurance, listed below. He... more
The medication RU486 is used to induce a miscarriage during the first trimester of pregnancy. RU486, also known as the abortion pill or Mifeprex (mifepristone), is only available by prescription.
Mifeprex, an FDA-approved method of medical abortion, is used in conjunction with Cytotec (misoprostol).
1 Mifeprex, which was first approved in 2000, works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is required for pregnancy to progress. Cytotec is a synthetic prostaglandin that causes uterine contractions(cramps) when taken 24 to 48 hours later.
When used correctly, the abortion pill is safe and effective at terminating a pregnancy in 96.7% of cases. This article explains how to use Mifeprex (RU486). It also discusses the abortion pill's side effects, precautions, drug interactions, and cost.
How to use RU486?
Using the abortion pill is a three-step process that entails taking two different medicines that work to terminate a pregnancy. It is critical to understand that the abortion pill is not the same as the morning-after pill.
If you decide to use the abortion pill, you will go through three steps:
- To begin, you will be given RU486 (mifepristone) to take orally. This can be done at a doctor's office, a medical clinic, or at home (if the pills were mailed to you).
- Following that, you will need to take a second medicine by mouth, usually at home, 24 to 48 hours after taking the mifepristone. Misoprostol is the name for it. Make sure your healthcare provider instructs you on how and when to take misoprostol.
- Finally, you will need to follow up with your healthcare provider in about two weeks. This is critical because your practitioner will ensure that the abortion pills were effective. Your doctor may advise you to have a blood pregnancy test or an ultrasound to ensure you are no longer pregnant.
If the abortion pill does not work, your doctor will discuss other options with you. To complete the abortion, you may require an additional dose of medication or a procedure.
How it works
RU486 inhibits the body's progesterone receptors. Progesterone is the hormone that causes the uterine lining to thicken and prepare for pregnancy. Because mifepristone causes the lining of your uterus to shed, your pregnancy will be terminated because the egg will have nothing to attach to.
Misoprostol will then cause uterine contractions. This allows you to empty your uterus.
Who can use it?
The FDA has approved RU486 for women up to 10 weeks pregnant or 70 days after their last menstrual period. It is safe to use in women of any age, including those under the age of 17.
Side effects of RU486
After using the abortion pill, you should expect to experience some side effects.
On the day you take the misoprostol, you may experience cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heavy bleeding (large clots in the blood), stomach pain, fatigue, and mild fever or chills.
Seek medical attention if you are in severe pain or feel dizzy. If you develop a fever after taking misoprostol, contact your healthcare provider.
Length of time and efficacy
More than half of women's pregnancies will be terminated within four or five hours of taking mifepristone. Others may need to wait a little longer, but the abortion should be completed within a few days. When this happens, you can expect to see blood clots, and the cramping may last for a few days.
When combined with misoprostol, RU486 is 92% to 98% effective at terminating a pregnancy without surgery. Mifepristone is approximately 64% to 85% effective when used alone.
Cost of RU486
Check with your private insurance provider to see if your medical abortion can be covered. Having said that, the abortion pill can cost up to $800, but it is usually less. The final cost is determined by whether you require additional tests, healthcare provider visits, and/or exams.
The price of RU486 varies depending on where you live. Many Planned Parenthood clinics stock RU486. Contact a clinic in your area to learn about its availability, pricing, and whether you are eligible for any discounts.
