How Does Mifeprex Work?

Know about Mifeprex action mechanism along with that of Misoprostol/Cytotec:

·       Mifeprex: As a progesterone blocker, this 200mg pill separates the pregnancy portions from the uterus wall by shedding the endometrial lining. It discontinues the pregnancy. To complete the termination, the pregnancy must be expelled, which needs use of Misoprostol prostaglandin pills.

·       Misoprostol: This medication helps complete the abortion. It results in uterine contractions to purge the pregnancy tissues. Heavy vaginal bleeding expels the pregnancy. Misoprostol also dilates the cervix so that the pregnancy portions effortlessly exit the body.

How to Take Mifeprex Pill?

Here are details about Mifeprex and Misoprostol abortion pill dosage:

·       On the first day of the procedure, take Mifeprex (Mifepristone) 200mg by swallowing it whole with water.

·       After 24 to 48 hours, use 4 x 200mcg Misoprostol pills vaginally by inserting the pills in your vagina. You should lie down while doing so and rest for 30 minutes for the pills to get absorbed.

·       You may choose to take Misoprostol sublingually by keeping the pills under your tongue. The medicines dissolve in 30 minutes, melted contents are ready to be consumed orally.

·       Or, you may opt to consume Misoprostol buccally. Take two pills and place those in one cheek pouch. Do the same with the remaining 2 pills for the other cheek pouch. The pills will melt in half an hour and you can ingest the contents.

What Are the Common Side Effects?

Mifeprex may not cause any immediate side effects. However, after using Misoprostol you may encounter the following:

·       Nausea and vomiting – use antiemetic medication for relief.

·       Abdominal cramps and pain resulted from uterine contractions. Take pain-relief medicines, apply a hot water bag or heating pad for extra comfort.

·       Headache, stomach upset, tiredness, and dizziness. Drink enough water and electrolyte-based drinks for relaxation. Rest well and do not make any sudden movements.

·       Do not consume too much of caffeinated drinks. Avoid alcohol consumption and heavy meals. Take nutritious food during and after the procedure until recovery.

Is a Follow-Up Important After Abortion?

While a medical abortion has a success rate of 95% to 98%, it is not foolproof. After two weeks following the abortion pill dosage completion, visit a doctor for ultrasound scan of the whole abdomen and a general follow-up. The scan detects if the uterus is empty or has any pregnancy remains.

What Are the Precautions for Mifeprex?

Here are a few Mifeprex precautions to observe.

·       Note the warning signs. Seek medical help immediately if you experience foul-smelling vaginal discharge, a high fever 100.4°F/38°C or more over 24 hours, severe pain that is not reduced by pain meds, or if you soak over 2 large sanitary pads every hour for consecutive 2 hours.

·       Avoid vaginal intercourse while bleeding to restrict infection risk. Also, follow hygiene. Do not douche.

·       When sexually involved, remember to use birth control to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

·       Keep in mind the interactions and avoid those. These include grapefruit juice, ketoconazole, erythromycin, and other CYP3A4 inhibitors. Immunosuppressants, blood thinners, seizure meds, and dexamethasone. CYP3A4 inducers like rifampin, phenytoin, St. John’s wort, etc.

Who Should Not Use Mifeprex?

In certain circumstances, seek an alternative to Mifeprex and abortion pills:

·       If you are on long-term corticosteroid therapy, have an intrauterine device inserted that’s not removed before the abortion.

·       If your pregnancy exceeds 12 weeks. If the pregnancy location is outside the uterus, such as an ectopic pregnancy.

·       If you are hypersensitive to Mifeprex and Misoprostol (Cytotec) pills.

·       If you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, undiagnosed adnexal mass, artificial heart valve, adrenal insufficiency, severe kidney/heart/liver disease, anemia, or serious asthma.