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RU486 Protocols

RU-486, commonly called "the medical abortion pill," refers to the drug mifepristone --- trade name Mifiprex --- which is used to terminate pregnancies within the first 49 days of gestation in the United States. Mifiprex attained approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Sept. 28, 2000, amid much controversy. RU-486 is given along with another drug, misoprostol, which is used increase effectiveness, softening the cervix and inducing uterine contractions

  1. Physician Requirements

    • Licensed doctors dispensing RU-486 must be qualified to perform surgery, date pregnancies precisely, have the ability to diagnose ectopic pregnancies and have access to a medical facility in the case of emergency. Doctors must provide patients with essential information regarding the procedure, including its risks. Patients must be given the FDA Medication Guide and the patient agreement form to sign before the drug regimen is started.

    Approved Regimen

    • Mifepristone has been approved for use to end pregnancies no more than 49 days after conception, and it can be dispensed only by licensed physicians, or, in certain states, nurse practitioners and nurse midwives. The drug cannot be legally obtained online, nor is it in pharmacies. The FDA-approved regimen of administration is as follows: On the first day in the office, the patient is to receive three tablets, 200 mg each, by mouth. The patient must be informed about the procedure, including the side effects and risks involved. On Day 3, the patient is to come back to the office to take the misoprostol tablets. Two tablets of 200 micrograms each are given orally.

    Follow Up

    • Follow up is to occur on the 14th day. The purpose of the follow-up appointment is to be certain that a complete termination of the pregnancy has occurred. The FDA recommends the use of the surgical termination procedure if the medication regimen has not produced a completed abortion. The aforementioned is the only regimen that has been approved by the FDA. It is important to keep all scheduled appointments.

    Side Effects

    • Certain adverse reactions have been reported to the FDA in association with RU-486 medical abortions, including infection and death. Of the women who died, a few of them had taken misoprostol vaginally, but the medication has not been approved for vaginal use. As with any type of abortion procedure, infection is a risk. The patient must contact a medical professional overseeing her care if chills, severe pelvic pain, fever above 100.4 Fahrenheit, fainting, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea occurs. Heavy bleeding also might occur; if soaking more than two thick sanitary pads in one hour, contact a doctor immediately.

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