Mifepristone

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Mifeprex, Korlym, ru486

  • Antiprogestins; 
  • Cortisol Receptor Blockers

Synthetic steroid with potent antiprogesterone and antiglucocorticoid activity; derivative of the synthetic progestin norethindrone
One product is used with a prostaglandin (e.g., misoprostol) as an abortifacent regimen via a restricted access program (Mifeprex)
Another product (Korlym) is used to treat hyperglycemia in adults with Cushing’s syndrome and is available via a limited distribution program since use is contraindicated during pregnancy

Indicated for pregnancy termination in combination with misoprostol, through 70 days (10 weeks) gestation dated from the first day of the last menstrual period.
For the treatment of hyperglycemia secondary to endogenous Cushing’s syndrome in patients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance and have failed surgery or are not candidates for surgery.
For emergency postcoital contraception.

Known hypersensitivity to mifepristone, misoprostol, or other prostaglandins

  • Abdominal pain, cramping (96%)
  • Uterine cramping (83%)
  • Nausea (43-61%)
  • Headache (2-31%)
  • Vomiting (1-26%)
  • Diarrhea (12-20%)
  • Dizziness (1-12%)
  • Fatigue (48%)
  • Nausea (48%)
  • Headache (44%)
  • Endometrial hypertrophy (38%)
  • Hypokalemia (34%)
  • Arthralgia (30%)
  • Vomiting (26%)
  • Peripheral edema (26%)
  • Hypertension (24%)
  • Dizziness (22%)
  • Decreased appetite (20%)
  • Abnormal thyroid function test (18%)
  • Xerostomia (18%)
  • Back pain (16%)
  • Dyspnea (16%)
  • Myalgia (14%)
  • Pain (14%)
  • Sinusitis (14%)
  • Nasopharyngitis (12%)
  • Extremity pain (12%)
  • Diarrhea (12%)

Drug contraindicated in pregnancy because use results in pregnancy loss; there are no data that assess risk of birth defects in women exposed to drug during pregnancy

Drug is present in human milk, however, there are no data on amount of mifepristone in human milk, effects on breastfed infant, or on milk production during long term use of mifepristone; developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with mother’s clinical need for Korlym and any potential adverse effects on breastfed child from drug or from the underlying maternal condition

Adults

200 mg PO as a single dose is the FDA-approved maximum dose for termination of pregnancy; 1,200 mg/day PO for Cushing’s syndrome and not to exceed 20 mg/kg/day PO; otherwise maximum dose is dependent on the indication for use.

Geriatric

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Adolescents

200 mg PO as a single dose is the FDA-approved maximum dose for termination of pregnancy; safety and efficacy have not been established for Cushing’s syndrome.

Children

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Infants

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Neonates

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Mifepristone

tablet

  • 200mg (Mifeprex)
  • 300mg (Korlym)

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