Mifeprin Tablet: Action, Dosage, Side Effects

Mifeprin Tablet belongs to the class of medication called 'progestin antagonist' used in combination with Misoprostol to induce a medical abortion. Mifeprin Tablet is primarily used to end an early pregnancy (lasting up to 70 days or less) or an unwanted pregnancy with medication help. Let’s understand more about this medication and how it works.

How Does Mifeprin Tablet Work?

Mifeprin Tablet contains Mifepristone, which is taken in a regimen with Misoprostol to induce medical abortion or terminate a pregnancy before 70 days. It works by blocking the effect of progesterone (female hormone) needed to sustain a pregnancy. In the absence of progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down as it does every month during the menstrual cycle, and the growth of pregnancy is stopped. It takes approximately 24-48 hours for Mifeprin Tablet to show effect.

In some cases, you may experience nausea, uterine cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, infection following abortion, dizziness, and uterine bleeding. Most of these side effects of Mifeprin Tablet subside with time. But if your vaginal bleeding does not, please visit the doctor immediately, and it requires immediate medical attention.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before taking the medication, one must take care of the following factors:

• Mifeprin Tablet should not be used to end the pregnancy after ten weeks.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding after taking this medicine.
• After using Mifeprin Tablet if you start feeling sleepy, do not drive or operate heavy machinery. 
• If you use an intrauterine device (IUD), please remove it before taking the Mifeprin Tablet.
• Regular follow-up with the doctor is required for constant monitoring of abortion. 
• If medical termination does not happen or becomes unsuccessful, it should be terminated surgically as it can lead to foetal defects. 
• Your doctor will examine by performing ultrasonography to confirm if the abortion is complete. 
• St John’s Wort (herbal supplements to treat mild depression) and grapefruit juice should not be taken when taking Mifeprin Tablet as it is known to interact. 
• There can be risks involved such as incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding (which may last up to 30 days), fever, and digestive system discomfort. Also, if the medication does not work, it can lead to an unwanted ongoing pregnancy, leading to fetal defects. So, to avoid any complications, keep in regular touch with your doctor and do as advised.
• Mifeprin Tablet should not be stopped abruptly without consulting the doctor as it may lead to incomplete abortion. 
• Inform your doctor before starting Mifeprin Tablet if you have or ever had an ectopic pregnancy (when the fetus grows in the fallopian tube), using an intrauterine device, or if you are breastfeeding, have any bleeding disorder or heart problem. 
• Do not do strenuous activities like running, heavy exercise, or driving to avoid excessive bleeding. 
• The doctor will also check with ultrasound if the absorption is complete as no bleeding does not mean that abortion is complete.

Side Effects of Mifeprin Tablet 

The most common side effects of Mifeprin Tablets are:

• Weakness
• Nausea
• Uterine cramps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Infection following abortion
• Uterine bleeding

Directions for Use

Mifeprin Tablet should be taken in dose and duration as advised by the doctor, preferably with food. It would be best to take it at a fixed time every day. It is a tablet and should be taken orally with a glass of water. However, it should not be taken by women who:  

• Have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of the uterus)
• Have problems with the adrenal glands (the glands near the kidneys)
• Are currently taking corticosteroid therapy (medications)
• Have an allergic reaction to mifepristone, misoprostol or similar drugs
• Have bleeding problems 
• Are taking blood-thinning drugs

Diet & Lifestyle Advice While Taking Mifeprin Tablet

Common lifestyle changes include:

• Keep your weight under control with a body mass index (BMI) of 19.5-24.9.
• Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
• Quitting smoking and not drinking alcohol is the best strategy to lower the risk of any complications.
• Avoid chronic stress and physical exercise like running as it might increase vaginal bleeding.
• Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
• Get an ultrasound done to check if the abortion is done completely to avoid any unwanted complications.

Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.