mifepristone + prostaglandin analogue

**Mifepristone + prostaglandin analogue** is a combination regimen used for the medical termination of intrauterine pregnancy and for the medical management of early pregnancy loss. Mifepristone is an antiprogestational steroid that blocks the activity of progesterone, causing decidual necrosis and increased sensitivity of the myometrium to prostaglandins. The prostaglandin analogue (typically misoprostol, but also others like gemeprost) then induces uterine contractions and cervical ripening, resulting in expulsion of the uterine contents. This regimen is significantly more effective than prostaglandin analogue alone, and is recommended by major medical organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, World Health Organization, and others for medication abortion up to 70 days gestation (and off-label, at later gestational ages). The main developer of mifepristone was Roussel Uclaf. The main indication is medical abortion, but also includes medical management of early pregnancy loss and selected other gynecologic uses.