RU-486, which is being sold under the brand name Mifeprex, is an early medical alternative to a surgical abortion. Women can take the prescription drug up to seven weeks after the start of their last menstrual period, provided they meet the guidelines. The regimen calls for women to take several Mifeprex pills by mouth. Two days later, another drug called misoprostol is taken. Women visit their doctor's office or clinic at least three times in two weeks while they use the abortion pill.
Women typically bleed and experience cramping as part of the process.
Other side effects include nausea, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. One in 100 women taking the drug experience bleeding severe enough to need surgery. The Danco representative says the company is filling orders to both private doctors' offices and community clinics, such as those operated by Planned Parenthood. But at the time of the announcement, federal regulators said there still were details to be addressed. It would be another seven months until the approval came on Sept. 28.