Gourt > Health > Reproductive Health > Abortion > RU 486 and Medical Abortion
Mifepristone is a synthetic steroid with anti-progestagenic and anti-glucocorticoid effects. It is useful in humans as an abortifacient in the first two months of pregnancy, as well as medical treatment for certain endocrine conditions. During early trials, it was known as RU-486 after its designation at the Roussel Uclaf company, which designed the drug. The drug was initially made available in France, but other countries then followed suit, often amid controversy. In the United States it is made by Danco Laboratories under the tradename Mifeprex. (In the United States, at least, the drug is still commonly referred to as "RU-486".)
Chemical Description
Mifepristone is a light yellow powder, highly soluble in methanol and only poorly soluble in water. Its structural name is 11β-*-17β-hydroxy-17-(1-propynyl)estra-4,9-dien-3-one. Its empirical formula is C29H35NO2
Pharmacology
During early pregnancy, the endometrium is dependent upon progestagenic support from the corpus luteum. Mifepristone acts as a competitive inhibitor at the progesterone receptor and thus removes this basis for support. In addition, it sensitises the myometrium to the contraction-inducing activity of prostaglandins. More on [ Mifepristone ]
Mifepristone :: M
RU 486 and Medical Abortion :: Abortion
Abortion Pill: Non-Surgical / Medical Abortions - Information on non-surgical abortions at Liberty Women's Health Care of Queens in New York City, NY.
Meta Description: [ Abortion Pill: Non-Surgical Abortions with RU-486/Mifeprex or Methotrexate ]
Counselling Aspects of Pregnancy Termination with Mifegyne - Article discusses experiences in discussing the medical abortion option with patients in Austria.
Medical Abortions with Methotrexate and Misoprostol - Fact sheets about non-surgical abortion and links to U.S. providers offering non-surgical abortions.
Meta Description: [ National and international listing of abortion clinics with websites including information on abortion
procedures, patient instructions, aftercare, gynecology, birth control, emergency contraception, and medical abortion with Methotrexate and
Misoprostol. ]
Methotrexate and Misoprostol to Terminate Early Pregnancy - Abstract of original article in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Meta Description: [ Original Article from The New England Journal of Medicine -- Methotrexate and Misoprostol to Terminate Early Pregnancy ]
Mifeprex (Mifepristone) Early Option Pill - Patient guide and consent form for using this drug with misoprostol to end pregnancy. Brief discussion of investigational treatment of illnesses with the drug. From the Population Council.
Misoprostol (a.k.a. Cytotec) - Medlineplus fact sheet on misoprostol.
Meta Description: [ Misoprostol ]
Non-Surgical Abortion - Patient information sheet on non-surgical abortion with methotrexate or mifepristone at Preterm abortion clinic in Cleveland, OH
Non-Surgical Abortions with Methotrexate - Information on non-surgical abortions with methotrexate and misoprostol at BSS International in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
RU486Facts.org - Information about RU-486 (mifepristone), including effects, side effects, and costs, with emphasis on the negatives.
Meta Description: [ This website provides documented, factual information about RU-486 (Mifepristone), in an effort to clear up the confusion and misinformation. ]
SafeAbortion.com - Information on non-surgical abortion (RU486 / Mifeprex).
The Abortion Pill: Mifepristone and Misoprostol for Early Abortion - Information for patients about what to expect if you choose the abortion pill, how it works, side effects, and risks. From the Feminist Women's Health Center.
Meta Description: [ Feminist Women's Health Center provides empowering information about abortion and reproductive freedom - so women may determine their own destinies. Pro-choice.
Covers abortion, birth control, feminism, contraception, menopause, breast health, menstruation, family planning, HIV, emergency cont... ]
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