Reproductive Health Information

About RU-486

RU-486: What is it and how does it work?

In September of 2000 the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its approval of mifepristone, also known as RU-486.

Photo of Mifiprex product. Distributed by Danco Laboratories, Mifeprex™, the trade name for mifepristone, is now available to Maine women. The Family Planning Association of Maine has long recognized the importance for women to have comprehensive reproductive health care options, particularly given the barriers for obtaining surgical abortions in Maine, and views the FDA’s approval as an important early option for women who have decided to end their pregnancies.

An important feature of mifepristone is its early effectiveness. Additionally, by avoiding the use of surgical instruments, the risk of medical complications to the cervix or to the uterus are reduced. Another benefit that mifepristone may offer is privacy. Administered orally, mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone that is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. The drug can be taken to end a pregnancy through the first seven weeks.

While having the advantage of early administration (at about six weeks), this method requires multiple visits to your provider.

Where do I get RU-486?

Call your local family planning clinic or doctor to find out where RU-486 is available in your area. If you live in Maine, go to our family planning centers page for phone numbers of Maine clinics.

What is the difference between Emergency Contraception and RU486?

ECPs vs. RU486 (pdf)
(Adobe Acrobat is needed to view this document.)

More Information:

NARAL's page on RU-486

Choice.org - RU-486 information

www.earlyoptionpill.com

Plan B: Levonorgestrel - An alternative to Mifepristone: www.go2planb.com