Mifepristone and Misoprostol

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: Canada

Mifegymiso

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to end a pregnancy.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Adrenal gland problems, anemia, asthma, bleeding problems, heart or blood vessel disease, kidney or liver problems, poor nutrition, or porphyria.
• If you have a pregnancy that is not inside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
• If you have an IUD (intrauterine device) in place.
• If you are not able to follow what your doctor tells you for treatment to end your pregnancy or you are not able to get to an ER (emergency room) if you need one.
• If you are not sure how long you have been pregnant.
• If you are not able to learn or follow the Patient-Physician contract.
• If you are taking a blood thinner or are on a long-term steroid, such as prednisone.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug.
• If the patient is a child who has not started puberty yet.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you.
• Have your blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• If you drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit often, talk with your doctor.
• This drug is not for frequent or regular use to prevent pregnancy. If you need to use emergency birth control often, talk with your doctor.
• This drug is not approved for use if you are going through or have been through menopause.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or blurred eyesight.
• Bleeding a lot (soaking 2 pads per hour).
• Very bad vaginal irritation.
• Pelvic pain.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Feeling confused.
• Fast breathing.
• Shortness of breath.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Change in how much urine is passed.
• Dry mouth.
• Unusual thirst.
• Seizures.
• It is normal to have vaginal bleeding after taking this drug. Most of the time, bleeding lasts for about 11 days. It is also normal for vaginal bleeding to be heavier than normal for 2 to 3 days. Call your doctor right away if vaginal bleeding continues, if you have heavy vaginal bleeding that does not go away, or if you are worried about your vaginal bleeding.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Vaginal bleeding.
• Headache.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up.
• Stomach pain or cramps.
• Tender breasts.
• Flushing.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Be sure you know when and how to take misoprostol after you have taken the mifepristone. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
• Most people will pass the pregnancy within 2 to 24 hours after taking misoprostol. During this time, you will have bleeding and cramping that will most likely be heavier than your normal period. Be sure that you take the misoprostol in a proper place so you are ready. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2022-07-11

Copyright

© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.