RU486: Mifepristone, Mifeprex, “the abortion pill” Can I really just take some pills? Maybe. RU486 (Mifepristone, Mifeprex, “the Pain while waiting
abortion pill”) may cause an abortion on its own,
but you can’t be sure,1 so you will also have to
for the abortion
take Cytotex (Misoprostol)2. You can’t know
to happen
when you will actually abort. After waiting a few
may be hard.
weeks, you may have to have surgery if you still
have not aborted, or it is not complete.3 You will
Cleaning up
need to go to the doctor’s office at least 3 times:
once for RU486 pills, a second time for Cytotex,
after it may be
and again in 2 weeks to make sure you have
even harder. But playing a part in How does it work? your own abortion
RU486 in the U.S. must be taken within the first
may be the hardest of all.12
49 days. (7 weeks from last period, 5 weeks
from conception)5 By this time, the early heart of the embryo is beating6 and unique human DNA is Warnings: “FDA [Food and Drug Administra-
present to determine future hair color, gender,
tion] is aware of four women in the United
skin color - all the characteristics for the rest of
States who died . We do not know if using
life. 7 Mifepristone works by interfering with
support to the developing embryo, causing it to
deaths.”13 The combination of these drugs is
die.8 Once this has happened, the dead embryo designed to cause side effects and nearly all and the lining of your uterus must get out of
will have at least one adverse reaction.14
your body. If early cramping and bleeding
These may include heavy bleeding, passing
caused by the RU486 is not strong enough to
clots, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
cause you to pass them, the second drug, Cyto-
dizziness, fatigue and back pain. Bleeding is
tex, will cause stronger contractions.9 There is
expected for 9 to 16 days; 8% bleed more
even research warning that patients may feel
than 30 days; 1% more than 90 days, requir-
more pain with RU486, and they may be affected ing transfusions or surgery.15 by what they see while cleaning up.10 Does it really work? RU486 causes a complete abortion 91% of the time, BUT 7.9% of patients will still need surgery
to complete the abortion, control bleeding, or abort an ongoing pregnancy .11
BIBLIOGRAPHY AVAILABLE AT WWW.HDRC.ORG Human Development Resource Council www.hdrc.org. For educational purposes only. This information should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. HDRC grants permission for this document to be photocopied or reprinted unedited and in its entirety for use in organization or classroom, provided they are distributed free of charge. Written by HDRC staff, physician reviewed. AbortPillFSEnL1008 F A C T , N O T O P I N I O N
The medical information you need to help you know all the facts. Provided by the Human Development Resource Council.
RU486 Mifepristone, Mifeprex, “the abortion pill” BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. “[Effects of an Anti-Progestin Steroid in Women: Interruption of
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the Menstrual Cycle or Early Pregnancy (Author’s Transl)].
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Herrman W, Wyss R, Riondel A, Philibert D, Teutsch G, Sakiz E,
10 June 2006 <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/search/
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logical Responses Following Medical Abortion (Using Mifepris-tone
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necol Scand. 73 (1994): 812-818. Entrez PubMed. National Li-
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FDA. July 2005. FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
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Happens During the First Trimester?” Mayo Clinic.Com. 25 July
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22 June 2006 <http://www.fda.gov/CDER/drug/InfoSheets/patient/
June 2006 <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prenatal-care/
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PAGE 2 OF 2 Human Development Resource Council www.hdrc.org. For educational purposes only. This information should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. HDRC grants permission for this document to be photocopied or re-printed unedited and in its entirety for use in organization or classroom, provided they are distributed free of charge. Written by HDRC staff, physician reviewed. AbortPillFSEnL1008
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