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What Does RU486 Do?
Dear Anai,
A friend and I are debating about the RU486 pill She took it saying it prevents pregnancy, and I told her it prevents a fertilised egg from
implanting. I think it's a chemical abortion method. Help clear this up please?
Thanks!
Veronica
Dear Veronica,
Mifepristone, famously known as RU-486 (also known as the abortion pill and French pill) is a steroid drug that is combined with Prostaglandin. It is considered an "early abortifacient", which literally means it is an abortion-causing substance.
RU-486 works by blocking the normal action of progesterone, thus preventing normal implantation. If the egg has successfully implanted itself in the lining of the uterus, RU-486 will cause early menses by breaking down the uterine lining and pushing the fertilised egg out with it.
RU-486 is taken between 48 hours after intercourse up to 9 weeks from the first day of last period. It is administered orally, by suppository or by injection. There are a few side effects to know about:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Contractions
- Diarrhea
- Rare: Blood loss severe enough to need transfusion
This drug also has the potential to minimise days of bleeding during menses if taken several days before expected menstrual period date. But
it is not known how safe this would be if done on a regular basis.
© Copyright 2000 Anai Rhoads.
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