RU-486

Running head : RU-486

RU-486

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Abstract

Termination of pregnancy or abortion is sometimes indicated in certain circumstances . There are different methods by which abortion can be carried out . These can either be medical or surgical approaches . This essay discusses the use of RU-486 as one of the medical abortion techniques . It discusses the mechanism of action of this drug , its safety and use in the United States

Introduction

This drug has provided a better option to the usually surgical technique

of abortion . It leads to early abortion in women during pregnancy . In pregnancy , progesterone hormone is usually very important for the maintenance of the pregnancy . The mechanism of action of RU-486 is to block the receptors of this hormone (it is antiprogesterone . This is through competition with progesterone for its receptor attachment sites Its inhibition effect is both with exogenous and endogenous progesterone (National Abortion Federation , 2008

It works best in the early stages of pregnancy (about 0 to 50 days . It is most commonly combined with prostaglandins at minimal dose to make it more effective and reduce the side effects . Therefore , after taking the oral single dose , gemeprost (prostaglandin ) is administered intravaginally . Prostaglandins usually stimulate and increase the contraction of the uterine muscles . Mifepristone will cause sensitization of the uterus muscles (myometrium ) to the gemeprost . It also softens and enhances the dilatation of the cervix . These events will lead to termination of the pregnancy . Research in most pregnant women (about 90-95 ) has proved the effectiveness...