Contragestion with late luteal administration of RU 486 (Mifepristone)

The efficacy and tolerance of RU 486 prescribed as a late luteal contragestive agent have been evaluated in 139 women at risk of pregnancy. They were given 400 or 600 mg of RU 486 once on the day before the expected menses. Among these women, 48 (34.5%) were pregnant (positive plasma beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, [beta-hCG]) at the time of RU 486 intake. Bleeding occurred in all but six women. An ongoing pregnancy after treatment was found in nine cases (failure rate, 9/48, 18.8%), which was subsequently terminated by surgical procedure in all cases. There was no disturbance in the menstrual cycle, and the tolerance was very satisfactory. In conclusion, this method is acceptable for women at risk of pregnancy in whom other usual postcoital contraceptive methods cannot be prescribed.