What Journalists Should Know About Mifepristone

Mifepristone is a medication that blocks progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy. When combined with another drug called misoprostol, it is used to terminate pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation (70 days or less from the first day of the last menstrual period).

The approved dosing regimen for mifepristone is as follows: On day one, 200 mg of mifepristone is taken orally. Then, 24 to 48 hours after taking mifepristone, 800 mcg of misoprostol is taken buccally (placed in the cheek pouch) at an appropriate location for the patient. Finally, a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider is scheduled about seven to fourteen days after taking mifepristone.

Mifepristone is safe when used as directed and in accordance with the Mifepristone Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program. The FDA approved Mifeprex over 20 years ago after a thorough review of scientific evidence, determining it to be safe and effective for its intended use. Since 2016, mifepristone has been approved for medical termination of pregnancy up to 70 days of gestation.

The FDA’s periodic reviews of post marketing data for Mifeprex and its approved generic versions have not identified any new safety concerns for its use within this timeframe. The FDA continues to closely monitor post marketing safety data to ensure the ongoing safety of mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy.

There are possible drawbacks a patient needs to watch out for. The less common side effects that require immediate medical attention include excessive vaginal bleeding and unusual tiredness. The less common side effects that are not dangerous and simply something to keep tabs on include anxiety, cough, fainting, flu-like symptoms, acid or sour stomach, heartburn, headache among a number of others so it is advised for the patient to do their own research as well when going on mifepristone. These symptoms will likely go away on their own, but a doctor should be notified of any changes.

In terms of the more common side effects, the symptoms that are also likely to go away are back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and nausea or vomiting. There are also symptoms where the incidence is unknown, such as confusion, chest pain or discomfort, fast and weak pulse, lower back/side pain, and fever or chills. These fall under the category of symptoms to be taken very seriously to ensure that the patient is getting the benefits of mifepristone without going through significant discomfort in the process that could lead to more needlessly dangerous medical emergencies.

Currently, 14 states have banned abortion, with others imposing restrictions between six and 22 weeks. Telehealth restrictions for medication abortion exist in 12 of the 36 states where abortion is permitted. Activists have established support networks to aid access, especially amidst legal challenges. Networks like Aid Access and Plan C provide abortion pills across all states, irrespective of local restrictions.

Post-Roe v. Wade, telemedicine requests for medication abortion have surged, underscoring the role of services like Hey Jane and online pharmacies in facilitating access where traditional methods are restricted. Shield laws in states such as Washington and California aim to safeguard providers and seekers from legal repercussions in anti-abortion states, boosting access to abortion care.

Journalists covering Mifepristone should focus on its mechanism of action and approved usage for terminating pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. They should explain how Mifepristone blocks progesterone, which is vital for maintaining pregnancy, and its combination with misoprostol for medical abortion. Making sure to note the FDA's rigorous approval process reinforces the medication's safety and efficacy after thorough review. Safety concerns should also be mentioned as well as addressing the issues of access and possibly even delving into some of the history of the abortion pill to give context and clarity on what led to the current persistent issues around them.