RU486 Dosage and Safety for Early Pregnancy Termination

The doctor prescribed six pills of RU486 to take at home?

On January 7th, it was discovered that my girlfriend was over 7 weeks pregnant.
On January 9th, the original physician at the hospital referred us to another obstetrics and gynecology clinic, where we underwent another urine test and ultrasound, confirming that she was indeed over 7 weeks pregnant (with a heartbeat).
After discussing with the doctor, he mentioned that since she was over 7 weeks, he increased the dosage of RU486.
Initially, she took one round pill in front of the doctor, and then the doctor provided us with six additional RU486 pills to take home.
Since my girlfriend had an exam the next day, we scheduled to take the medication on January 11th, Friday.
The doctor explained how to take it in detail: she should have a full lunch before noon, and then start taking one pill every hour from 1 PM, totaling six pills (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).
She would not be able to have dinner until 7 PM.
I would like to ask the doctors if this dosage, timing, and method of administration are correct.
I am really worried about my girlfriend's physical tolerance and also concerned about her safety.

Patrick, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/10

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the methods for using medication for abortion vary and are also related to the physician's practices.
If you have any questions, it is recommended to discuss them with your prescribing physician, who will assess your situation in detail and provide appropriate guidance.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2019/01/10

More Info

RU486, also known as mifepristone, is a medication approved for medical abortion and is typically used in combination with another medication called misoprostol (often referred to as Cytotec). It is crucial to understand the proper dosage, administration, and safety considerations when using RU486, especially for early pregnancy termination.

Dosage and Administration
The standard regimen for RU486 involves taking a single dose of mifepristone, followed by misoprostol taken 24 to 48 hours later. The typical dosage of mifepristone is 200 mg, which is usually administered orally. Misoprostol is typically given in doses of 800 micrograms, either orally or vaginally, depending on the healthcare provider's recommendation.
In your case, it appears that your girlfriend was prescribed a higher number of RU486 tablets than the standard regimen. While some healthcare providers may adjust dosages based on individual circumstances, it is essential to follow the specific instructions provided by the prescribing physician. Taking six tablets of RU486 in one day, especially in a short time frame, is not standard practice and could potentially lead to increased side effects or complications.

Safety Considerations
1. Medical Supervision: It is imperative that RU486 is taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. This ensures that any potential complications, such as heavy bleeding or incomplete abortion, can be managed promptly. If your girlfriend experiences severe pain, heavy bleeding (soaking through two or more pads in an hour), or any other concerning symptoms, she should seek medical attention immediately.

2. Monitoring for Side Effects: Common side effects of RU486 include cramping, bleeding, nausea, and fatigue. While some discomfort is expected, severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Pain management can be provided, but it is essential to discuss this with the doctor, as certain pain medications may interfere with the effectiveness of the abortion process.

3. Follow-Up Care: After taking RU486 and misoprostol, follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure that the abortion is complete and to monitor for any complications. Typically, a follow-up visit is scheduled within one to two weeks after taking the medications.

4. Understanding Risks: While RU486 is generally safe when used as directed, there are risks involved. These include the possibility of incomplete abortion, which may require surgical intervention, and the potential for infection. Additionally, if the pregnancy is beyond the recommended gestational age (usually up to 10 weeks), the effectiveness of RU486 decreases, and the risk of complications increases.

5. Future Pregnancies: After using RU486, it is generally advised to wait for at least one menstrual cycle before attempting to conceive again. This allows the body to recover and ensures that any potential complications from the abortion are resolved.

Conclusion
In summary, while RU486 can be an effective method for early pregnancy termination, it is vital to adhere to the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines. The safety of your girlfriend is paramount, and any concerns regarding her health or the effectiveness of the medication should be discussed with her healthcare provider. Always prioritize medical supervision and follow-up care to ensure a safe and effective process. If you have any doubts or questions about the treatment plan, do not hesitate to reach out to the healthcare provider for clarification and guidance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding RU-486: Uses, Effects, and Risks in Abortion Care

RU-486, also known as mifepristone, is an abortion medication. It is typically used within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. After taking it, patients may experience symptoms such as cramping and bleeding as the body expels the pregnancy. The primary difference between RU-486 an...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. RU-486 is an abortion pill, that is correct. 2. It is used within seven weeks of pregnancy. 3. It causes bleeding and miscarriage. 4. Compared to other methods, it does not require surgery. 5. Sometimes, there may be incomplete expulsion of the fetus or heavy bleeding, so it m...

Understanding RU486 Dosage: What You Need to Know for Safe Use

After the obstetrician performed the ultrasound, they mentioned that the size corresponds to approximately 5 weeks and 1 day, and asked me to take one RU486 in their presence. Later, I researched online and found that the normal dosage should be three pills. Will taking only one ...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Ms. Wang: Hello, RU486 (mifepristone) can be used in doses of 1-3# for early miscarriage, and it is recommended to continue monitoring and follow-up examinations. Hualien Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, cares about your health.

Can I Still Use RU486? Understanding Its Use After May 30th

I would like to ask if I can still use the medication RU486? My last menstrual period was on May 30th!

Dr. Chen Changfu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dear users: Hello! The use of RU-486 for abortion is generally considered safe for intrauterine pregnancies that are less than seven weeks along. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist to confirm that the intrauterine pregnancy is within s...

Understanding Medication Options for Early Pregnancy Termination

Hello Doctor, my girlfriend recently took a pregnancy test and it showed two lines. We went to the hospital to inquire about medical abortion methods. The most common approach is using RU486 (mifepristone) combined with misoprostol, but the doctor we consulted recommended using m...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, inquirer: The success rate of medical abortion varies depending on the gestational age and the physical condition of the pregnant individual. Additionally, the determining factors are not only related to the probability of success but also to subjective feelings and expect...