Is Mifepristone compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Mifepristone?

Mifepristone

July 23, 2016 (Low Risk)

Antiprogestin which derives from Norethisterone that is used for abortion, both as an abortifacient and induction of labor.

Its high plasma protein-binding capacity explains that excretion into breast milk is clinically non-significant. It achieves very low levels in breast milk at a maternal dose of 600 mg or undetectable at maternal dose of 200 mg.

Mifepristone does not interfere with the secretion of Prolactin. Some authors found that it may facilitate the early initiation of breastfeeding.

As in addition it is usually used for short periods, stopping breastfeeding is not required.

When used with semi-experimental purposes due to its anti-androgenic and antiglucocorticoid properties a continuous administration and / or large doses is required. There is no experience in connection with breastfeeding.
Those pathologies in which it is often used on a continuous basis by themselves are not compatible with breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Mifepristone.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Mifepriston
  • RU-38486
  • RU-486

Writings

  • μιφεπριστόνη (Greek)
  • ميفيبريستون (Arabic)
  • Мифепристон (Cyrillic)
  • 米非司酮 (Chinese)
  • ミフェプリストン (Japanese)
  • C29H35NO2 (Molecular formula)

Drug trade names

References

  1. AEMPS. Mifepristona. Ficha técnica. 2015 Full text (in our servers)
  2. Sääv I, Fiala C, Hämäläinen JM, Heikinheimo O, Gemzell-Danielsson K. Medical abortion in lactating women--low levels of mifepristone in breast milk. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2010Abstract
  3. Castinetti F, Fassnacht M, Johanssen S, Terzolo M, Bouchard P, Chanson P, Do Cao C, Morange I, Picó A, Ouzounian S, Young J, Hahner S, Brue T, Allolio B, Conte-Devolx B. Merits and pitfalls of mifepristone in Cushing's syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol. 2009Abstract
  4. Hapangama D, Neilson JP. Mifepristone for induction of labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009Abstract
  5. Grunberg SM, Weiss MH, Russell CA, Spitz IM, Ahmadi J, Sadun A, Sitruk-Ware R. Long-term administration of mifepristone (RU486): clinical tolerance during extended treatment of meningioma. Cancer Invest. 2006Abstract
  6. Weingertner AS, Hamid D, Baldauf JJ, Nisand I. [Present and potential uses of mifepristone in gynecology, obstetrics and other medical specialties]. J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 2004Abstract
  7. FDA. Mifepristone. Drug Summary. 2004 Full text (in our servers)
  8. Baird DT. Antigestogens. Br Med Bull. 1993Abstract