Mifegymiso – Mifepristone and Misoprostol

Description

How Does This Medication Work?

This medication contains two different medications that are taken at different times. They are misoprostol and mifepristone.

Mifepristone is part of a class of medications that are called progesterone receptor modulators.  It works by changing the way the hormone progesterone works in the body.

Misoprostol is part of the medication group prostaglandins. It works by relaxing the opening of the cervix, contracting the muscles of the uterus, and shedding the endometrium (the lining of the womb).

Up to 49 days from the start of your last menstrual period, Mifepristone – misoprostol is used to terminate a developing pregnancy.

Every month, progesterone is made by the entire body to organize the endometrium to get a fertilised egg to implant. The human body stops producing progesterone when no egg attaches to the walls of the womb (this is when bleeding happens). Progesterone is still created, to aid the developing embryo when a fertilised egg attaches to the walls of the uterus. It prevents the result of the progesterone, causing the endometrium to breakdown and bleeding to start when mifepristone is obtained.

There are many different forms and multiple brand names of this medication. Some forms or brands of this medication may not be available where you live or may not be suitable for certain conditions. It is important to consult your doctor before taking anything.

Your doctor will be able to determine the right medication for you depending on the information he/she knows about you. The doctor will refer you if you need to see a specialist. If you are unsure or have any questions about this medication, make sure you consult your doctor before making any decisions.

If you and your physician decide this is the right medication for you, do not change the dosage amount or stop taking the medication before consulting your doctor again.

Do not give the medication to anyone else even if they have similar symptoms to yourself. It can be extremely harmful if given to the wrong person without them consulting a doctor first. This medication can only be used if prescribed by a doctor for a particular patient.

What Forms Does The Medication Come In?

• Mifepristone 200 mg
• Misoprostol 200 µg

The products come in two different boxes but are packed together because they need to both be taken for the medication to work.

Mifepristone 200 mg

The tablet is round and white to off white in color and the biconvex tablet has a “MF” embossed on one side and contains 200 mg of mifepristone.

Nonmedicinal Ingredients:

• povidone K30
• maize starch
• magnesium stearate
• microcrystalline cellulose
• colloidal silica anhydrous

1 tablet is packaged in a aluminum blister with a green box

Misoprostol 200 µg

This medication is round and white and has “200” debossed on one side and “ML” on the other side.  It contains 200 µg of misoprostol.

Nonmedicinal Ingredients:

• sodium starch glycolate
• hydrogenated castor oil
• hypromellose
• microcrystalline cellulose

The misoprostol tablets are packaged in a dual-faced aluminum blister pack. There are 4 tablets in the orange box.

How To Take This Medication?

It is extremely important to take the medication exactly as the doctor has prescribed. Do not change from the instructions given to you by your doctor. If you are confused ask your doctor again.

Usually, you will take the 200 mg tablet of mifepristone as a single dose at the doctors office.

After 24 to 48 hours, 4 tablets of misoprostol 200 µg will be taken in a single dose. They should be placed in between the gum and cheek for 30 minutes. Allow it to dissolve naturally and after 30 minutes the rest can be swallowed with water.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you forgot to take the medication or don’t take it within 48 hours you should contact your doctor before doing anything.

Do not dispose of any medication in wastewater (ie: down the sink or the toilet). Make sure to ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of medication no longer needed or expired.

Who Should NOT Take This Medication?

People who have or experience any of the following:

• uncontrolled asthma
• a intrauterine device (IUD) in place
• chronic adrenal failure
• allergic to misoprostol, mifepristone, or any other ingredients in the medications
• inherited porphyria
• a bleeding disorder
• an ectopic pregnancy
• medication to prevent blood clots
• are taking long-term corticosteroids

In addition, do not take this medication if you do not know exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Possible Side Effects of taking this medication

All medications have the possibility of causing side effects. Some of these side effects can be mild, severe, temporary or permanent.

If you have any concerns about side effects of taking this medication, make sure you speak with your doctor.

Below are some of the side effects that may occur when taking this medication. However, this may not be a complete list. Please contact your doctor to further details about possible side effects.

• fatigue
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• chills
• nausea
• headache
• dizziness
• breast tenderness
• hot flashes

Although the side effects listed below don’t happen often, it is still important to mention them. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away:

• low blood pressure (eg: fainting and dizziness)
• prolonged heavy vaginal bleeding
• bronchospasms or worsening asthma symptoms
• hemorrhagic shock

In addition, any signs of:

• infection after 24 hours from taking misoprostol (eg: unusual weakness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)
• severe skin reaction
• severe allergic reaction
• toxic shock syndrome
• infection of the uterus lining

Precautions and warnings

Before using this medication, make sure to tell your doctor all of your medical conditions so they give you the right medication and advice.

Make sure to mention if you have any of the following:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Heavy bleeding
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Any infections
• Unhealthy kidney function
• Liver issues
• Seizures
• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding

Please note this is note a full comprehensive list and you should disclose all medication information with your doctor.

This medication should not be taken by children 15 years of age or younger, as the safety of this medication has not been tested at that age.

What other medications could interact with this medication?

The medications listed below may interact with mifepristone – misoprostol. If you have any questions make sure that you contact your doctor.

Please note this is note a full comprehensive list and you should discuss all medication information with your doctor.

If you are taking this medication and have any questions or concerns, make sure you speak with your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Depending on what is happening, your doctor may wish to:

• leave everything as is
• change one of the medications you are taking
• stop taking one of the medications
• change one or both of the medications

Make sure that you tell your doctor all of the medications you are currently taking, including herbal medications. This helps your doctor understand your full medical history so they can accurately prescribe the right medication for you.