Key takeaways

  • Mifepristone is a generic medication that can be used to help manage blood sugar in people with Cushing syndrome. It can also be used for medical termination of pregnancy.
  • Mifepristone is available as an oral tablet. Strengths may vary depending on the condition being treated.
  • Mifepristone is typically taken once per day when used to help manage blood sugar in people with Cushing syndrome.

The dosage of mifepristone may vary depending on the condition the drug is being used to treat. Learn more about the recommended dosages and how to take the drug.

Mifepristone is used for medical termination of pregnancy. It is typically used in combination with misoprostol.

The recommended dose of mifepristone is 200 milligrams (mg) as a single dose. It is followed by a dose of 800 micrograms (mcg) of misoprostol 24 to 48 hours later.

Mifepristone is used to help manage high blood sugar in people with Cushing syndrome. The recommended starting dose is 300 mg once daily.

If needed, this dose may be increased in 300-mg increments, up to a maximum of 1200 mg once daily. The maximum dose may be lower for certain people. For example:

  • People with kidney impairment: maximum dose of 600 mg once daily
  • People with mild to moderate liver impairment: maximum dose of 600 mg once daily
  • People taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: maximum dose of 900 mg once daily

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For people taking mifepristone to help manage high blood sugar in people with Cushing syndrome, it should be taken once daily by mouth. It is recommended to take this dose with a meal.

What can I do today?

When you start a new medication, it can be difficult to make it part of your routine. To help with taking your medication, you can try:

  • Pairing with a habit, such as taking it every morning with breakfast.
  • Setting a reminder on your phone, using an app or an alarm.
  • Keeping your medication in a visible place, such as the kitchen.
  • Using a pill organizer, so you can see when you are close to needing a refill.

Read more: I can’t remember whether I took my medication, what do I do?

For people taking mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy, it is a single dose (one tablet) taken by mouth.

Taking more of a medication, such as mifepristone, can cause harmful effects.

If you take more mifepristone than is recommended, you can reach out to Poison Help at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if symptoms are serious, call 911 (or local emergency number) or go to the emergency room.

Mifepristone has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Risk of loss of pregnancy

When mifepristone is used to help manage high blood sugar in people with Cushing syndrome, it has a boxed warning for the risk of loss of pregnancy. Because of this risk, for people who can become pregnant, your doctor will order a pregnancy test before starting you on treatment with mifepristone.

Risks of serious infections and serious bleeding

When mifepristone is used for medical termination of pregnancy, it has boxed warnings for the risk of serious infection and serious bleeding.

  • Mifepristone may cause a serious bacterial infection, including fatal septic shock in rare cases. Your doctor will monitor you for symptoms of infection during your treatment with mifepristone.
  • Bleeding may occur with mifepristone. But prolonged heavy bleeding may be serious and a sign of incomplete abortion or other complications that require immediate medical attention.

For this use, mifepristone is offered through a REMS program, which means it has to be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional.

Talk with your doctor to see if mifepristone is the right medication for you. They can help answer any questions about your specific medication dosage.

Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.