RU-486 & Morning After Pill
What is RU-486?
The abortion pill RU-486, otherwise known as Mifeprex, is a pill that blocks a hormone necessary to sustain pregnancy. When followed by another medicine, misoprostol, Mifeprex ends the pregnancy. The regimen includes use of Mifeprex for ending early pregnancy up to 49 days from a woman's last menstrual period.
How does it work?
Mifeprex is a pill that blocks progesterone, a naturally produced hormone that prepares the lining of the uterus for a fertilized egg and helps maintain pregnancy. Without progesterone the pregnancy cannot continue and the lining of the uterus softens, breaks down and bleeding begins. Mifeprex is followed by a prostaglandin misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and helps to complete the process. 5-8% of women will need a surgical procedure to end the pregnancy or stop heavy bleeding. Day One: 3 tablets of Mifeprex administered orally. Day Three: 2 tablets of misoprostol administered orally. About Day 14: A follow-up visit confirms that the pregnancy has ended.
Are there any side effects
I should know about?
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Tiredness
- Serious infection has resulted in death in a very small number of cases; in most of these cases misoprostol was used in the vagina.
What is the Morning After Pill?
The Morning After Pill, commonly known as Plan B® is marketed as "emergency contraception" - a backup method of preventing pregnancy - and is not for routine use. It can reduce the chance of pregnancy when taken as directed up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex (if your regular birth control method fails, or if you've had sex without birth control).
How does it work?
Plan B® contains two pills taken 12 hours apart that contain a higher dose of levonorgestrel, a hormone found in many birth control pills that healthcare professionals have been prescribing for more than 35 years. Plan B® works in a similar way to prevent pregnancy. Plan B® will not affect an existing pregnancy.
Are there any side effects
I should know about?
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Heavier Menstrual Bleeding
- Lighter Menstrual Bleeding
- Dizziness
- Breast Tenderness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
The choice is yours. Choose to know.
Sources:
- http://www.earlyoptionpill.com/section/faq/ accessed June 3, 2009
- http://www.go2planb.com/plan-b-faq.aspx accessed June 3, 2009