More Than Abortion! The Little Known Uses of Mifepristone

For abortions, Mifepristone is taken at a dose of 200mg. But did you know there is a Mifepristone registered at 300mg in the USA under the name of Korlym? This particular dosage is only registered for Cushing's Syndrome and has (unsurprisingly) escaped the abortion debate altogether. This is especially interesting, as doctors commonly use products off-label (meaning for indications other than it was initially registered for). 

Cushing's Syndrome is rare, but Mifepristone is one of its' many treatments. 

Mifepristone also offers a temporary solution for uterine fibroids by reducing their size and alleviating symptoms. It is also showing promise of contraceptive use by taking 25mg once a week to prevent pregnancy, excluding the week of menstruation. It can also serve as an emergency contraceptive when taken at 25-50mg within 5 days after unprotected intercourse.

Discussing and educating others about these additional uses for Mifepristone can help reduce the stigma surrounding it and acknowledge the value it holds in the medical field. Misoprostol, the follow-up pill to Mifepristone in the abortion process, also has a multitude of uses, which we'll cover in the near future!

References:

Uterine Fibroids: International Journal of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2024, Vol. 8, Issue 3, Part A