Mifepristone is an antiprogesterone medication used in medicine for a variety of purposes. It is most commonly used in combination with misoprostol for medical abortion (the termination of a pregnancy) up to 10 weeks of gestation. It is also used for the treatment of Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by excessive production of the hormone cortisol, and can be used to treat certain types of cancer, such as advanced breast or endometrial cancer. Mifepristone is a synthetic steroid with antiprogesterone activity, meaning it blocks the effects of progesterone.
Mifepristone is a medication most commonly used in combination with another drug, misoprostol, to medically terminate an early pregnancy. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
Type: Antiprogestational steroid [1, 2]
Function: Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is essential for maintaining a pregnancy [1, 2]. It essentially prevents the lining of the uterus (womb) from supporting a fertilized egg and stops the pregnancy from progressing.
Applications:
- Medical Abortion: Primarily used in combination with misoprostol to end an early pregnancy, typically within 70 days (10 weeks) of the first day of your last menstrual period [1, 3].
Important Considerations:
- Mifepristone is a prescription medication and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor qualified in medical abortion procedures [1, 3].
- It's not effective in all cases, and follow-up with a healthcare provider is necessary to ensure complete termination of the pregnancy [3].
- Mifepristone can cause side effects like cramping, bleeding, nausea, and vomiting [2, 3].
- There may be risks or limitations for women with certain medical conditions, so consulting a doctor beforehand is crucial [3].
Alternative Uses:
- In some cases, mifepristone may be used off-label for other purposes, such as:
- Emergency contraception (morning-after pill) in high doses [4]
- Treatment of certain types of Cushing's syndrome (hormonal disorder) [5]
- Management of uterine fibroids (noncancerous tumors in the uterus) [5]
Note: Off-label uses require careful evaluation by a doctor and may not be as widely practiced or recommended.
Brand Names:
- Mifepristone is marketed under the brand name Mifeprex in the United States [1].
Additional Information:
- Mifepristone is typically taken as a single tablet by mouth, followed by misoprostol at a later time [3].
- Laws and regulations regarding access to mifepristone for medical abortion can vary depending on the location.