RU-486 Mifepristone

A healthcare provider may prescribe mifepristone (Mifeprex®, Korlym™) to a woman who is seven weeks pregnant or less and wants to terminate her pregnancy. Mifepristone is sometimes called "the abortion pill." When it was being developed, it was referred to as RU-486.
Mifepristone comes as a tablet and is taken as a one-time dose in a healthcare setting, such as a healthcare provider's office or clinic. It may be a good option for women trying to avoid a surgical abortion.
Mifepristone works by blocking the action of progesterone, which causes the lining of the uterus to become soft and break down. When the lining sheds, it causes the pregnancy to end. Possible side effects of the drug include nausea, cramping, and headaches.
(Click Mifepristone to learn more about when and how this abortion pill is given, dosing instructions, and details on the drug's safety precautions.)
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
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