What is Mifepristone
MifepristoneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryMifepristone is a medication used to treat high levels of the hormone cortisol in people with Cushing Syndrome, and is also used to induce abortion. It works by blocking the effects of progesterone and cortisol, which can cause bleeding during the luteal phase and in early pregnancy. Mifepristone is available in two forms: Mifeprex (200mg) and Korlym (300mg). It is also being studied as a treatment for psychotic depression.
Korlymis the brand name
Mifepristone Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Korlym
Mifepristone
2012
3
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Mifepristone, also called Korlym, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses including Medically induced abortion and High Blood Sugar .Medically induced abortion
Used to treat Medically induced abortion in combination with Misoprostol
High Blood Sugar
Helps manage Hyperglycemia
Cushing Syndrome
Helps manage Cushing's syndrome, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypercorticolism
Therapeutic procedure
Used to treat Pregnancy termination therapy in combination with Misoprostol
Effectiveness
How Mifepristone Affects PatientsMifepristone is a synthetic steroid drug used to end pregnancies up to 49 days. It works by blocking the effects of progesterone, which helps the uterus to contract, and by blocking the activity of glucocorticoid and weakly blocking androgen activity. Doses of 10-25 mg/kg in rats, or 4.5 mg/kg in humans, can cause a rise in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels.
How Mifepristone works in the bodyMifepristone works by preventing progesterone from binding to its receptor sites. This stops the body from using progesterone, which can lead to the termination of pregnancy. In the treatment of Cushing's syndrome, mifepristone blocks cortisol from binding to its receptor, but does not reduce cortisol production. Instead, it reduces the effects of excess cortisol, such as high blood sugar levels.
When to interrupt dosage
The amount of Mifepristone is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder, such as Cushing Syndrome, High Blood Sugar and Medically induced abortion. The required dosage is stipulated in the table below, based on the method of administration (e.g. Oral or Tablet).Condition
Dosage
Administration
Medically induced abortion
300.0 mg, , 200.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, , Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral, Tablet - Oral
Therapeutic procedure
300.0 mg, , 200.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, , Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral, Tablet - Oral
Cushing Syndrome
300.0 mg, , 200.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, , Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral, Tablet - Oral
High Blood Sugar
300.0 mg, , 200.0 mg
Oral, Tablet, Buccal; Oral, Kit; Tablet, , Kit; Tablet - Buccal; Oral, Tablet - Oral
Warnings
Mifepristone has five contraindications and should not be consumed for the conditions cited in the table below.Mifepristone ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Endometrial Carcinoma
Do Not Combine
Endometrial Hyperplasia
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
unexplained vaginal bleeding
Do Not Combine
Common Mifepristone Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The serum concentration of Abemaciclib can be decreased when it is combined with Mifepristone.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be increased when combined with Mifepristone.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be increased when combined with Mifepristone.
Alpelisib
Major
The metabolism of Alpelisib can be increased when combined with Mifepristone.
Aminophylline
Major
The metabolism of Aminophylline can be increased when combined with Mifepristone.
Mifepristone Toxicity & Overdose RiskMost women who take mifepristone report side effects, and many will experience more than one. The most common side effects from taking misoprostol on day three are heavier bleeding than a normal period, abdominal pain, cramps in the uterus, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Mifepristone Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Mifepristone?
33 active studies are examining the potential of Mifepristone in providing Therapeutic interventions, relieving Cushing Syndrome symptoms and inducing Medically-induced abortions.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Therapeutic procedure
0 Actively Recruiting
Cushing Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
Medically induced abortion
0 Actively Recruiting
High Blood Sugar
35 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1
Mifepristone Reviews: What are patients saying about Mifepristone?
5Patient Review
8/30/2021 The process was easy and painless. I took the four tablets as instructed, and within a few minutes I started to feel relief from my abdominal pains. The pain medication given by the nurse afterwards helped even more, and I'm feeling much better now.
5Patient Review
9/21/2012 I felt very safe taking this medication.
4.7Patient Review
3/1/2016 Yesterday I took the first step of the treatment, which is the "mifepristone" pill along with the antibiotic. Overall it was a good experience except for some sensitivity in my eyes and feeling agitated and anxious. Those effects faded by bedtime though. This morning I feel fine and in a few hours I'll be taking the second step. Good luck to everyone else going through this!
4.7Patient Review
8/5/2016 I would recommend Mifepristone or RU486 to any woman who wants to terminate her pregnancy up to 9 weeks. I took this from abortionpill24.com and was very pleased with the results. It is definitely a very effective method with heavy bleeding being the only side effect, which is to be expected.
4.7Patient Review
4/20/2016 Yesterday was my first day taking this medication, and I only experienced mild side effects. I felt a bit sluggish, and there were very light cramps. Overall, it wasn't bad at all.
4.7Patient Review
7/13/2016 I was pregnant as a teenager and didn't want to go to the chemist for RU486 Mifepristone Kit. So, I ordered it online instead. Although there are some risks associated with this abortion pill, I found it to be safe and helpful in my case.
4Patient Review
5/23/2022 I experienced some nausea with the first pill, but nothing too severe. The second pill gave me cramps, which were mostly manageable except for my lower back and stomach. Ibuprofen and a heating pad did the trick. I'm just glad it's over!
2Patient Review
6/5/2022 I took the pill today to see if it would help with my cramps and bleeding. I'm curious to know how long it will take before the medication kicks in, as well as what sorts of foods I should avoid while taking it.
Patient Q&A Section about mifepristone
How long does it take for mifepristone take to work?
"The first day of taking mifepristone, some vaginal bleeding may occur. It is similar to a menstrual period. The bleeding usually starts 1 to 2 days after taking mifepristone, but some women may start bleeding earlier." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What class of drug is mifepristone?
"Mifepristone is a drug thatblocks the effects of progesterone, a hormone that is needed for pregnancy to continue. It also blocks the effects of another hormone, cortisol, which is involved in the stress response." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
How does mifepristone stop pregnancy?
"Mifepristone (which used to be called RU486) is a pill that you swallow. It causes abortions by preventing the hormone progesterone from being able to support a pregnancy. Misoprostol is another pill that you swallow. It makes the cervix soft and the uterus contract so that the pregnancy is expelled." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What happens after taking mifepristone only?
"First, you take a pill called mifepristone. This medicine stops the pregnancy from progressing. Some people feel nauseous or start bleeding after taking mifepristone, but this is not common. Your doctor or nurse may also give you antibiotics to take to prevent infection." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer