What is "mifepristone"

n. (context steroid drug English) A steroid pharmaceutical used to induce abortion, or as an emergency contraceptive.

Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, is a medication typically used with misoprostol to bring about an abortion. This combination is more than 95% effective during the first 50 days of pregnancy. It is also effective in the second trimester of pregnancy. Two weeks after use effectiveness should be verified. It is taken by mouth.

Common side effects include abdominal pain, feeling tired, and vaginal bleeding. Serious side effects may include heavy vaginal bleeding, bacterial infection, and a malformed baby if the pregnancy does not end. If used, appropriate follow up care needs to be available. Mifepristone works by blocking the effects of progesterone and causing contractions of the uterus.

Mifepristone was developed in 1980 and came into use in France in 1987. It became available in the United States in 2000. It is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system. Mifepristone was approved by Health Canada in July 2015 and is expected to become available in Canada in July 2016. Cost and availability limits access in many parts of the developing world. In the United States it costs more than a dose.