RU-486 is another name for mifepristone, which is one of the medications that you take to end your pregnancy. The current name of RU-486 is Mifeprex (the brand name for mifepristone). RU-486 is aimed at blocking a hormone that your body needs to continue a pregnancy. It works best in conjunction with misoprostol, which causes bleeding to empty your uterus. The RU-486 is a highly effective and safe way to end a pregnancy during the early stages.