Mifepristone
Mifepristone is a drug used for abortion of early-stage pregnancy. Other brand names of Mifepristone include Mifeprex, Korlym, and RU486.
Mifepristone is used if the pregnancy is up to 10 weeks ( this is about 70 days after the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period).
How does Mifepristone stop pregnancy?
For a pregnancy to survive and grow, it needs a natural substance referred to as progesterone. So, Mifepristone blocks this substance from performing its function. It therefore stops the continuation of the pregnancy.
Mifepristone is not used alone to have an abortion. It is usually used alongside another medicine called misoprostol.
It is advised that a woman with a rare abnormal pregnancy should not take this drug. For instance, someone with ectopic pregnancy can’t have an abortion using Mifepristone. It will only make the ectopic pregnancy rupture, which will lead to severe bleeding.
How Mifepristone 200 Mg Tablet Abortifacients used?
You should read the Medication Guide provided by your doctor before taking this drug. Medical practitioners even advised that you reread the guide if needed or consult your doctor or pharmacists for clarification.
Since the drug is only sold legally by doctors, a patient is advised to visit the doctor’s office at least twice to complete treatment and necessary examinations. This type of treatment must only be done under direct medical supervision in a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.
In case of emergence, it is important to have clear instructions from your doctor to know who to call.
Before taking this drug, a doctor must do an ultrasound to ensure that your pregnancy is less than ten weeks and not outside the womb (ectopic).
Mifepristone is taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, and it is usually a single dose. The patient is also told to wait till after 24 to 48 hours after taking mifepristone before taking another one.
A patient is also advised to return for another check-up within 7 to 14 days after taking mifepristone, even if there is no problem.
Note that this is not also a type of drug that you can get on the counter. A doctor recommends it, and you must read and sign the Patient Agreement form provided before using it.
Originally, Cytotec, which is a trade name for the misoprostol, is meant for inducing labor and slow post-partum bleeding at a lower dose, but it has been widely used in Nigeria.
It has now become a drug used for self-induced abortions in Nigeria.
An event occurred in Nigeria where a lady bought ten pills Cytotec needed to induce abortion without a prescription for 1,100 Naira.
In a situation where abortion does not occur or is not complete, there might be severe medical problems that may require surgery.
In a situation where the abortion was unsuccessful and the pregnancy continues until birth, there might also be birth defects.
How much is Mifepristone sold in Nigeria?
It ranges from 1,100 Naira to 1,500. But remember that this drug is sold legally by doctors who recommend them.
Misoprostol is available under the brand names Cytotec, Miso-fe and Vanaprazol – 200
Mifepristone is available as a combipack under the brand name Mifepack.
Note: Misoprostol is only registered in Nigeria for the treatment of Post-Partum hemorrhage (PPH), however it can also be safely used for a medical abortion within 10 weeks following proper dosage and use. Many pharmacists do sell Misoprostol without a prescription, however they do not often provide proper instructions on eligibility, dosage and usage for a medical abortion.
