Mifepristone in Detail
Mifepristone in Detail
Mifepristone has been used worldwide for many years and is considered a safe and well-studied medication when used correctly. It acts specifically on progesterone receptors, making it impossible for the pregnancy to continue. As taking it alone usually does not lead to a complete abortion, a second medication is administered two days later.
Potential side effects
Most patients tolerate a medical abortion well. However, the following symptoms may occur:
- Bleeding that may be heavier than a normal period, sometimes with small blood clots.
- Cramping abdominal pain.
- Nausea, occasionally vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Headaches, fatigue, or a mild fever or feeling of chills.
These symptoms usually subside within a few hours to days. However, if bleeding is unusually heavy (soaking through more than two pads per hour for two consecutive hours), you experience severe pain that does not improve, or you develop a fever over 38 °C (100.4 °F), please contact us immediately or go to a medical emergency clinic.
When a medical abortion is not possible
This method is not suitable, or only possible after special medical consultation, in the following cases:
- Suspected ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus).
- Known hypersensitivity to mifepristone or misoprostol.
- Certain adrenal gland disorders.Severe, uncontrolled asthma.
- Blood clotting disorders or the use of blood-thinning medication.
- Certain rare metabolic diseases (e.g., porphyria).
- An intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place (this must be removed beforehand).
This list does not replace an individual medical consultation. We will discuss in detail during your appointment at our practice whether you personally meet all the requirements for a medical abortion.