RU-486 (Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and Misoprostol)

• Mifepristone is given orally during your first office visit. Mifepristone blocks progesterone from the uterine lining, causing the fetus to die. This alone may cause contractions to expel the fetus.
• Misoprostol tablets are given orally or inserted vaginally during the second office visit which occurs 36 to 48 hours later.
• You will return home where the misoprostol will start contractions and expel the fetus. This may occur within a few hours or in some cases up to two weeks after taking the misoprostol.
• A physical exam is given two weeks later to ensure the abortion was complete and that there are no immediate complications.

Risks and Side Effects:

• The procedure is unsuccessful approximately 8-10% of the time, thus requiring an additional surgical abortion procedure to complete the termination.
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Heavy bleeding
• Infection
• Not advised for women who have anemia, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, seizure disorder, acute inflammatory bowel disease, or use an intrauterine device (IUD)

Fetal Development: Week 5-9  

• Development of brain and spinal cord
• Heart begins to beat
• Hands and feet are forming
• Every essential organ has begun to form
• Bones begin to form, muscles can contract

American Pregnancy Association (2004).  Medical Abortion Procedures.  Retrieved from: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/unplannedpregnancy/medicalabortions.html

Mayo Clinic (2011).  Fetal Development – The first trimester.  Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prenatal-care/PR00112