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Mifepristone: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor antagonist with two distinct, approved indications that use different strengths and dosing regimens: 1.

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About Mifepristone

Indications of Mifepristone

Mifepristone is a progesterone receptor antagonist with two distinct, approved indications that use different strengths and dosing regimens:

1. Medical Termination of Early Intrauterine Pregnancy (established, guideline-supported combination therapy)

Mifepristone (200 mg) is indicated, in a regimen together with misoprostol, for medical termination of an intrauterine pregnancy through 70 days (10 weeks) of gestation, calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. Mifepristone alone is not adequate for reliable termination and must be followed by misoprostol as directed within an approved protocol.

2. Hyperglycemia in Cushing's Syndrome (established, separate indication)

Mifepristone (300 mg strength) is indicated to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in adult patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome who have type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance and have failed surgery or are not candidates for surgery. This indication uses a markedly different, chronic daily-dosing regimen and is unrelated to the pregnancy-termination use.

Off-label / other use

Use of Mifepristone for menstrual regulation or early pregnancy management outside approved combination regimens and outside licensed, monitored programs is not recommended; it should be used only under direct medical supervision within an approved protocol.

Dosage & Administration of Mifepristone

Medical Termination of Pregnancy (up to 70 days of gestation)

StepRegimen
Day 1Mifepristone 200 mg taken orally as a single dose.
24-48 hours laterMisoprostol administered as directed per approved protocol, unless expulsion has already occurred.
Follow-upClinical or ultrasound confirmation of complete termination approximately 7-14 days after Mifepristone administration is required.

Hyperglycemia in Cushing's Syndrome

ParameterRegimen
Starting doseMifepristone 300 mg orally once daily, taken with a meal.
TitrationMay be increased gradually based on clinical and glycemic response, without exceeding the maximum dose specified in approved product labeling.
DurationContinued long-term as prescribed, with regular monitoring.

Mifepristone must only be dispensed and administered under the supervision of a qualified physician within an approved, monitored program; for the pregnancy-termination indication, patients must have access to emergency care throughout treatment. See Precautions and Warnings.

Side Effects of Mifepristone

Common effects with the pregnancy-termination regimen include vaginal bleeding/spotting (an expected effect), uterine cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and fever/chills. With the Cushing's syndrome regimen, common effects include fatigue, nausea, headache, low blood potassium, joint pain, vomiting, peripheral swelling, and endometrial thickening or abnormal vaginal bleeding due to the antiprogestin effect.

Serious but less common effects include heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding, infection, and incomplete termination requiring further intervention. Seek urgent medical care for heavy bleeding, fever lasting more than 24 hours, severe abdominal pain, or signs of infection after taking Mifepristone.

Contraindications of Mifepristone

  • Known hypersensitivity to Mifepristone or any component of the formulation.
  • Confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy (must be excluded before use of Mifepristone for pregnancy termination).
  • Presence of an intrauterine device (IUD) in place - must be removed before Mifepristone is administered.
  • Chronic adrenal failure.
  • Concurrent long-term corticosteroid therapy.
  • Inherited porphyria.
  • Hemorrhagic disorders or concurrent anticoagulant therapy.

Other cautions, such as the need for follow-up and bleeding monitoring, are precautions rather than absolute contraindications; see Precautions and Warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mifepristone

What is Mifepristone used for?

Mifepristone is used, together with misoprostol, for medical termination of an early intrauterine pregnancy (up to 70 days of gestation), and separately, at a different dose, to control high blood sugar caused by excess cortisol in adults with Cushing's syndrome. The two uses have different dosing and must never be confused.

Can I buy Mifepristone without a prescription?

No. Mifepristone is a prescription-only, tightly regulated medicine. For pregnancy termination, it must be dispensed and administered under the direct supervision of a qualified, certified physician within an approved program, not purchased or used independently.

Is bleeding after taking Mifepristone normal?

Some vaginal bleeding and spotting is an expected part of the Mifepristone/misoprostol regimen and can last for one to two weeks. However, soaking through more than two large sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours, or bleeding that does not slow down, is not normal and needs urgent medical attention, since serious and rarely fatal bleeding has occurred with Mifepristone use.

Do I need a follow-up visit after using Mifepristone?

Yes. A follow-up visit approximately 7 to 14 days after taking Mifepristone is required to confirm that the pregnancy has been completely terminated. If termination is incomplete, further treatment, which may include a surgical procedure, will be needed.

Can Mifepristone be used if I have an IUD in place?

No. An intrauterine device (IUD) must be removed before Mifepristone is used, and an ectopic pregnancy must first be ruled out by a physician, since Mifepristone is not effective for ectopic pregnancy and delaying its correct diagnosis and treatment can be dangerous.

Is Mifepristone safe while breastfeeding?

Data on Mifepristone passing into breast milk are limited. Breastfeeding should generally be avoided during treatment unless a physician determines the benefit outweighs the potential risk, in which case use should occur only under direct medical supervision.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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