Mifepristone

The Basics

What is Mifepristone?

Used to treat high blood sugar in people with a certain type of Cushing’s syndrome in which the body makes too much cortisol.

Brand names for Mifepristone

Korlym

How Mifepristone is classified

Contraceptives – Oral and Synthetic, Contraceptives – Postcoital, Synthetic, Hormone Antagonists, Luteolytic Agents, Menstruation-Inducing Agents, Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal

Mifepristone During Pregnancy

Mifepristone pregnancy category

Category XNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Mifepristone while pregnant

KORLYM is contraindicated in pregnancy. KORLYM can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman because the use of KORLYM results in pregnancy loss. The inhibition of both endogenous and exogenous progesterone by mifepristone at the progesterone receptor results in pregnancy loss. If KORLYM is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus. Human Data In a report of thirteen live births after single dose mifepristone exposure, no fetal abnormalities were noted. Animal Data Teratology studies in mice, rats and rabbits at doses of 0.25 to 4.0 mg/kg (less than human exposure at the maximum clinical dose, based on body surface area) were carried out. Because of the anti-progestational activity of mifepristone, fetal losses were much higher than in control animals. Skull deformities were detected in rabbit studies at less than human exposure, although no teratogenic effects of mifepristone have been observed to date in rats or mice. These deformities were most likely due to the mechanical effects of uterine contractions resulting from antagonism of the progesterone receptor.

Taking Mifepristone While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Mifepristone?

Limited information indicates that breastfeeding need not be interrupted after a single dose of mifepristone. A dose of 200 mg might be preferable to a 600 mg dose in nursing mothers

Maternal / infant drug levels

Limited information indicates that breastfeeding need not be interrupted after a single dose of mifepristone. A dose of 200 mg might be preferable to a 600 mg dose in nursing mothers

Possible effects of Mifepristone on milk supply

Based on animal data, some authors suggest that mifepristone used at term might shorten the onset of lactation, increase milk flow and increase the initial growth rate of breastfed infants.[2][3][4] However, no human data are available.

Possible alternatives to Mifepristone

None listed