the Lack of Response After Taking RU486: What to Expect

After taking RU486, there has been no reaction?

Hello Doctor, I took the first dose of medication in the obstetrics and gynecology department on December 11th around 3 PM.
The doctor also provided me with two additional packets of medication to take on the 12th and 13th.
However, I took the last packet yesterday, December 13th, at 5 PM, and now it’s the 14th, and my body has shown no reaction at all; I haven't seen any bleeding and I don't feel nauseous.
I called the doctor to inquire, and he suggested that I wait a few more days to see if there is any bleeding.
He mentioned that if there is no response, I may need to undergo a minor surgical procedure.
Since I have had two children before, he said it’s possible that my previous pregnancies could be causing a lack of response to the medication.
During the ultrasound, nothing was visible, and the urine test only showed a faint line.
Additionally, before I went to the hospital, I called the clinic to ask about the medication prices, and they quoted me between 5,600 to 6,600 depending on the size of the embryo.
However, when I arrived, they changed the price to 6,800.
After I asked if they could lower the price, they agreed to charge me 6,000, explaining that the medication prescribed was a stronger formulation.

Yiyi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/14

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, please continue to follow up with the obstetrics and gynecology department for further management.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/12/14

More Info

When it comes to understanding the lack of response after taking RU486 (mifepristone), it is essential to consider several factors that may influence the effectiveness of the medication and the subsequent expected outcomes. RU486 is primarily used in medical abortions, often in combination with another medication called misoprostol. The process typically involves taking RU486 first, followed by misoprostol a few days later to induce uterine contractions and facilitate the expulsion of the pregnancy tissue.

In your case, you mentioned taking the first dose of RU486 on December 11, followed by two additional doses on December 12 and 13. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience varying responses to the medication. Some may experience bleeding and cramping shortly after taking the medication, while others may not see any immediate effects. The absence of bleeding or other symptoms such as nausea can be concerning, especially if you are expecting a response.

There are several reasons why you might not have experienced any bleeding or other side effects after taking RU486:
1. Individual Variation: Each person's body reacts differently to medications. Factors such as hormonal levels, the presence of uterine tissue, and individual health conditions can all influence how effectively the medication works.

2. Timing: The timing of when you take the medications can also impact their effectiveness. If the medications were taken too early or too late in the pregnancy, it might affect the expected response.

3. Previous Pregnancies: As your doctor mentioned, having had previous pregnancies can sometimes influence how your body responds to medical abortion medications. The uterine lining and hormonal environment may be different, potentially affecting the medication's efficacy.

4. Ultrasound Findings: The ultrasound you mentioned did not show any signs of pregnancy, which could indicate that the pregnancy was not viable or that the medications may not have been effective in terminating the pregnancy.

5. Dosage and Medication Strength: The strength of the medication and the specific regimen prescribed can also play a role. If a higher dose of RU486 was used, it might lead to a more pronounced effect, but it can also depend on individual tolerance and response.

Given that you have not experienced any bleeding or other symptoms after taking the medication, it is crucial to follow your doctor's advice. They suggested waiting a few days to see if any bleeding occurs, which is a standard recommendation. If you do not experience any changes, your doctor may recommend further evaluation or a surgical procedure to ensure that the pregnancy has been effectively terminated.

In terms of what to expect moving forward, it is essential to monitor your body for any signs of bleeding, cramping, or other symptoms. If you do not see any changes in the next few days, it is advisable to return to your healthcare provider for further assessment. They may perform another ultrasound to check for any remaining tissue or signs of pregnancy.

In conclusion, while it can be distressing to not see the expected response after taking RU486, individual variations in response, timing, and previous pregnancies can all play a role. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and follow their recommendations for further evaluation and care.

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