Sometimes we have to make very sensitive and difficult decisions in life. One such situation is when we have to terminate an early pregnancy for medical reasons or personal reasons. Mifepristone is a drug that is used under medical supervision in such cases. It is something that should be used very carefully and only on proper medical advice. So, today we will talk about this in detail, in a simple way that you can understand.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine called Mifepristone is used to terminate the early stages of pregnancy. Progesterone is a key hormone in our body that helps maintain pregnancy. Think of this progesterone hormone as like the water that a plant needs to grow. This progesterone water is essential for the plant called pregnancy to grow.
Mifepristone stops the action of the progesterone hormone. It's like stopping watering a plant. Then the pregnancy can no longer continue, the walls of the uterus change, and the pregnancy ends.
This medication is usually given to the patient along with another medication (often Misoprostol). This entire process should only take place under the supervision of a qualified physician.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. This is because it can be dangerous to use this medicine with certain medical conditions. Therefore, if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation that may apply to you | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If it has been more than 70 days (10 weeks) since your last period | This medicine is only effective and safe during early pregnancy. |
| If there is a suspicion of an ectopic or tubal pregnancy | This is a very dangerous condition. This medicine does not work for it. It requires separate medical treatment. |
| If you have an IUD (Intrauterine Device) inserted | The IUD must be removed before taking this medicine. |
| If you are taking blood-thinning medications (e.g. warfarin, apixaban) | Mifepristone may increase the risk of excessive bleeding. |
| If you continue to use steroid medications like Prednisolone | These may interfere with the action of mifepristone. |
| If you have a bleeding disorder or low adrenal gland function | These conditions carry a risk of serious complications. |
| If you have an allergy to Mifepristone, Misoprostol or any other ingredients | It is essential to inform this to prevent a severe allergic reaction. |
| If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a baby | You should talk to your doctor about breastfeeding and get advice. |
| If you cannot easily come for follow-up tests or if you cannot get to a hospital quickly in an emergency | This is very important because if a complication occurs, prompt treatment is needed. |
How to use the medicine and what to be careful about
This medicine should be taken by mouth, in the prescribed dose, as directed by your doctor. You will be given a special leaflet (MedGuide) when you are given this medicine. Read it carefully, as it contains very important information for your safety.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason. It can be very dangerous.
What if the medication dose increases?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications, herbs, and even foods can interact with Mifepristone and cause problems. So it's very important to tell your doctor about every medication you take, even vitamins.
| What can cause problems? | Description |
|---|---|
| Never take Mifepristone with these | |
| Certain medications that prevent blood clotting | Medicines like warfarin, enoxaparin, and rivaroxaban. These greatly increase the risk of excessive bleeding. |
| Steroids taken long-term | Drugs such as prednisone and dexamethasone can interfere with the effectiveness of Mifepristone. |
| These can also cause problems - tell your doctor. | |
| Antifungal drugs | Medications such as ketoconazole and itraconazole. |
| Some antibiotics | Medicines such as clarithromycin and erythromycin. |
| Grapefruit juice | This can increase the level of the drug in the body. |
| St. John's Wort | This herb may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. |
Dangerous symptoms that require immediate medical attention
There are some things you should be very careful about after taking this medicine. If you have any of these, it could be an emergency.
Heavy Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is normal after taking the pill. But heavy bleeding is a dangerous sign. Be very careful about this.
Go to the hospital immediately: If you are bleeding heavily for two hours, soaking two thick, large sanitary pads in one hour, you should go to the emergency room (ETU) immediately without delay.
Other emergencies
- Severe allergic reaction: skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Severe fever: The presence of a high fever.
- Severe stomach pain, unusual weakness, vomiting, diarrhea: If these symptoms are accompanied by a persistent fever, it could be a sign of an infection.
If you notice any of these signs, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately. Also, don't forget to take the MedGuide leaflet you were given when you go to the hospital.
Common side effects
These are usually not serious, but if they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor.
- Stomach cramping
- Headache (headache)
- Dizziness
- Feeling cold (chills/chills)
The most important thing is that if the pregnancy does not end completely after using this medicine, surgery will be required to complete it. Therefore, it is very important for your safety to attend the follow-up days given by the doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Mifepristone is a medication that should only be used under the supervision of a doctor and with great caution.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all your health conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of signs of heavy bleeding (wetting 2 pads per hour). If this occurs, go to an emergency room (ETU) immediately.
- Attending follow-up examinations provided by your doctor on time is essential for your safety.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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