What is Mifeprex - Essay Example

Mifeprex Mifeprex is a drug utilized to terminate early pregnancy, which is considered to be 49 days since the last menstrual period started. The drug is the only non-surgical option approved by the FDA for early abortion. Studies have demonstrated that it is 92-96% effective for ending early pregnancy. Mifeprex has undergone rigorous testing as well as review prior to being approved (Jacob 182). Mefiprex’s tablets are supposed to be stored at room temperature of 15 0C - 30 0C with an optimal storage temperature of 25 0C (77 F) (Hazra and Pore 287).

Mifepristone works by blocking the actions of hormones required to maintain a pregnancy. Mifeprex is a synthetic steroid with antiglucocortid and antiprogestorne outcomes (Jacob 186). Progesterone is a female hormone responsible for preparing the uterus to receive and sustain a fertilized egg. It is also crucial in sustaining the pregnancy. Mifeprex works by blocking progesterone’s activities at the progesterone receptors. It stimulates the uterus to contract, thus preventing the formation of pregnancy (Ogbru and Marks).

Besides that, the drug can also be used as a medication for type 2 diabetes adjunct in Cushing’s syndrome. People with Cushing syndrome produce a lot of cortisol that is responsible for high sugar levels in the blood. Mifeprex minimizes the levels of blood glucose in thse people by blocking the activity of cortisol (Jacob 186). The drug is among the list of essential drugs of the World Health Organization. According to Crosse 4(7), mifeprex is only prescribed for the termination of intrauterine pregnancy through the 49th day of pregnancy.

People should avoid taking Mifeprex if: it has been more that 7 weeks since the most recent menstrual period started; you have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place; you have problems of bleeding; you have taken steroid medications; you are allergic to prostaglandins, mifeprex, or any other medicine that contains misoprotosol; you have chronic adrenal failure; the healthcare provider has informed you that you the pregnancy has formed outside the uterus; for the following two visits you cannot return (Danco Laboratories 2)Mifeprex has various side effects.

Even though Jacob argues, “There is no medical evidence that Mifepristone presents a special risk of infection,” (182), possible side effects of using the drug has been reported. It can cause birth defects in the unborn baby if the treatment procedure does not result in the full termination of the pregnancy. Other side effects consist of the following: bleeding, which is slightly heavier that the normal period; severe vomiting, nausea, vomiting, and weakness; cramps; dizziness; back pain; a fever higher than 280C (100.

4 degrees F); no vaginal bleeding after taking mifepristone; swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue (Christin-Maitre, Bouchard, and Spitz. 947-955).Various drugs may interact with Mifeprex. For example, itraconazole, erythromycin, and ketaconazole may lead to an increase in blood levels of mifeprex by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme tasked with breaking down mifepristone. Additionally, dexamethasone, phentoin, carbamazephine, and Phenobarbital, as well as rifamin may reduce mifepristone’s blood levels by enhancing the enzymatic action in the breakdown of mifepristone, thus reducing the effectiveness if mifepristone.

Mifepristone may also prevent the action of liver enzymes that metabolize drugs leading to increased levels of blood of these drugs (Ogbru and Marks).In my opinion, Mesiprex should not be available in the United States. First, even though bleeding and cramping are an expected part of ending a pregnancy, serious and potentially life-threatening bleeding, infections, or any other problems may can occur after taking the medicine. Sometimes people do not know how to manage these side effects. Second, the drug raises a lot of ethical issues which relate to abortion making it not to be used for religious purposes.

Works CitedChristin-Maitre, S., Bouchard, P., and Spitz, M. "Medical termination of pregnancy". New England Journal of Medicine 342.13 (2000): 946–956.Crosse, Marcia. Food and Drug Administration: Approval and Oversight of the Drug Mifeprex. New York: Diane Publishing, 2009. Print.Danco Laboratories. Medication Guide. . 2009. Web. 13 February 2015.Hazra, G, and Pore, S. "Mifepristone (RU-486), the recently developed antiprogesterone drug and its analogues," J Indian Inst Sci. 81(2001): 287–98.

Jacob, Krista. Abortion under attack: Women on the challenges facing choice. New York: Seal Press, 2006. Print.Ogbru, Omudhome and Jay Marks. Mifepristone, Mifeprex. . 30 October 2014. Web. 13 February 2015.