What is Mifeprex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Mifeprex overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Korlym, Mifeprex

Generic Names:

  • Mifepristone

Uses:

  • Ends a pregnancy that is less than 10 weeks along (70 days or less since the start of your last menstrual period). Also used to control high blood sugar in patients with Cushing syndrome.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiprogesterone, Antiglucocorticoid

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Mifeprex used for?

Mifeprex works by attacking the hormone that is responsible for a healthy pregnancy. It is used in the termination of pregnancy up to 10 weeks after your last period. This drug is combined with misoprostol (Cytotec) to increase its effectiveness. Mifeprex is provided only by a certified healthcare provider under a special program. You must be registered under the program and understand the risk of using this drug before taking Mifeprex.

What form(s) does Mifeprex come in

  • Tablet

What are common Mifeprex doses?

  • Tablet 200MG

How to take Mifeprex

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Korlym„¢ tablets: Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Mifeprex® tablets: The entire treatment requires 3 visits to your doctor.At the first visit, you will be given 1 mifepristone tablet. Two days later at the second visit, you will be given 4 tablets of another medicine called misoprostol. Two weeks later at the third visit, your doctor will check to make sure you are no longer pregnant. It is very important that you go to all of your appointments during your treatment. Call your doctor if you are not able to keep one of your appointments.This medicine will cause you to bleed and have cramps for about 2 to 4 weeks.

  • Korlym„¢ tablets: Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • Mifeprex® tablets: The entire treatment requires 3 visits to your doctor.At the first visit, you will be given 1 mifepristone tablet. Two days later at the second visit, you will be given 4 tablets of another medicine called misoprostol. Two weeks later at the third visit, your doctor will check to make sure you are no longer pregnant. It is very important that you go to all of your appointments during your treatment. Call your doctor if you are not able to keep one of your appointments.This medicine will cause you to bleed and have cramps for about 2 to 4 weeks.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mifeprex

Mifeprex contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to mifepristone, misoprostol, or similar medicines, or if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, endometrial cancer, a bleeding disorder, or porphyria. Patients with Cushing syndrome should not use this medicine if they are pregnant.

Mifeprex warnings

  • Korlym„¢ tablets: It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 1 month after treatment ends.Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, a bleeding disorder, heart failure, high blood pressure, or a history of heart or blood vessel disease.This medicine could cause the following problems: Adrenal insufficiencyLow potassium levels in the bloodVaginal bleedingQT prolongation (heart rhythm problem)

  • Mifeprex® tablets: Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have adrenal gland problems, a bleeding disorder, or anemia. Tell your doctor if you have an IUD.After treatment it is possible for you to get pregnant again, even before you have your next period. You may start using birth control as soon as your pregnancy ends.This medicine may cause severe infection or excessive vaginal bleeding.It is sometimes necessary to have a surgical abortion to completely end the pregnancy. You may also need to have surgery if there is any tissue left in your uterus after treatment with mifepristone.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Mifeprex interactions

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how mifepristone works. Tell your doctor knows if you are using any of the following:Aprepitant, boceprevir, bupropion, carbamazepine, conivaptan, diltiazem, fluvastatin, imatinib, mibefradil, nefazodone, repaglinide, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, St John's wort, telaprevir, or verapamilMedicine to treat HIV/AIDS (including amprenavir, atazanavir, darunavir/ritonavir, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)Medicine to treat an infection (including ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, telithromycin, voriconazole)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib)

  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

  • Do not use this medicine if you are also using a blood thinner (including warfarin), cyclosporine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, fentanyl, lovastatin, pimozide, quinidine, simvastatin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, or steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone).

Mifeprex side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Tiredness

  • Headache

  • Mifeprex® tablets: Fever, severe stomach pain, or pelvic tendernessHeavy vaginal bleeding or severe cramping

  • Korlym„¢ tablets: Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle crampsFast, pounding, or uneven heartbeatLightheadedness, dizziness, faintingShaking, trembling, sweating, hunger, confusion, weaknessSwelling in your hands, ankles, or feetTrouble breathingVaginal bleeding

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

  • Decreased appetite

  • Tiredness

  • Headache

  • Joint or muscle pain

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