Ginepristone tablets are an effective means of emergency contraception. Abortion drug "Ginepristone": reviews, application features and composition

One of the main functions of using various protections during sexual intercourse is to prevent unplanned pregnancy. But what to do if contraceptives were not at hand or they turned out to be of poor quality? In these cases, the solution may be so-called post-coital contraceptives, that is, drugs taken after unprotected intercourse. One of the most effective and proven drugs of this type is Ginepristone.

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Description of the drug and its benefits

Ginepristone is a synthetic steroid drug with a pronounced antigestagenic effect. Its essence lies in blocking the interaction of the hormone progesterone and the receptors that capture it. Due to this, the fertilized egg cannot attach to the endometrium and is soon excreted from the body. If the period of ovulation has not yet occurred, the drug prevents its onset.

Compared to other contraceptives of this kind, the drug has clear advantages. The main thing is the non-hormonal nature of the drug, which avoids problems with the endocrine system when using it. That is, the drug has a milder, but no less effective effect, which has been confirmed by practice.

Important! Another important detail is the absence of gestagenic activity, that is, the use of Gynepristone does not affect the ability to become pregnant in the future.

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of the contraceptive allow it to achieve maximum serum concentration within 2 hours when taking a single dose of 600 mg. At the same time, the connection with proteins is almost 100%. The half-life is about 18 hours. In particular, a decrease in concentration by half occurs between 12 and 72 hours after administration (depending on the organism). The remaining metabolites leave the body much faster - in 7-12 hours.

Indications for use and use

When and how to take postcoital contraceptive? The main indication for use of the drug is emergency contraception after unprotected sexual intercourse or in case of ineffectiveness/damage of other means (for example, perforation (rupture) of a condom). In these cases, to prevent unplanned pregnancy, it is necessary to take Ginepristone as soon as possible, no more than 3 days after coitus.

It is advisable to check the dose with your gynecologist, but in most cases one tablet (10 mg of mifepristone) is sufficient. To achieve the desired effect, it is recommended to avoid eating 2 hours before taking the tablet and for 2 hours after. The dosage can be increased depending on the phase of the cycle. The main reason for this is that ovulation has already occurred. The instructions for use indicate that the maximum safe dose that can be taken is 2 g, but such decisions should be made solely by the supervising physician.

The dosage of the drug should be checked with a gynecologist.

Contraindications and side effects

Like any drug, Ginepristone has a number of contraindications. Among them:

• renal failure;
• liver failure;
• long-term therapy with glucocorticosteroids;
• disruption of the endocrine system associated with the production of estrogen;
• chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

In addition, the contraceptive should be taken with caution if you have problems with the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure or arrhythmia. The medicine is taken under supervision in case of impaired blood clotting, diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or problems with blood pressure.

When using the drug Ginepristone, side effects may also occur. They are mainly caused by a violation of the dosage or dosage regimen. Such conditions include:

• migraine;
• elevated temperature (sometimes up to 39°C and above);
• general weakness;
• nausea, sometimes with vomiting;
• profuse bleeding from the genitals;
• hives;
• menstrual irregularities;
• pain and other manifestations of discomfort in the pelvic area.

Important! When using Gynepristone during lactation it is necessary stop breastfeeding for a period of at least 2 weeks.

Overdose may cause disruption of the adrenal glands. In these cases, mandatory consultation with a specialist and symptomatic treatment are necessary.

Advantages of the drug

Features of use and storage

How often can I use the drug? The use of Gynepristone as postcoital contraception on an ongoing basis is strictly not recommended. Otherwise, the effectiveness of its action is reduced, initially amounting to 98.8%. In addition, the development of adrenal insufficiency and various liver and kidney dysfunctions may be a consequence. During use, driving vehicles and other machinery is permitted.

Important! The drug is used only as a solution to the issue of unwanted pregnancy - it does not function as a barrier to sexually transmitted diseases.

If we talk about the compatibility of the drug with other drugs, the simultaneous use of Ginepristone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, ibuprofen, diclofenac) is not recommended. If such a “neighborhood” is necessary, the dose of NSAIDs must be adjusted. One of the burning questions for female representatives is: “Is Gynepristone sold by prescription or not?” Yes, purchase of the drug requires a prescription, so you should ensure its availability in advance.

The drug belongs to list A. It should be stored in a dark, dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 30° C. The maximum shelf life is 36 months.

To purchase the drug, you must take a prescription from a doctor.

Analogues and comparison with them

Below is a list of the most common analogues of Ginepristone and their relative comparison with it:

1. Agesta. It is a complete analogue, that is, it has an absolutely identical composition. Consequently, it has all the advantages and disadvantages of the drug in question. It also loses effectiveness with constant use. The average cost is 130 rubles.
2. Ginestril. The drug has a wider list of side effects. The advantage is the extended spectrum of action - it is often prescribed as prevention of uterine leiomyomas, one of the common causes of infertility. The average cost is 5620 rubles.
3. Genale. The effect of this drug, when used regularly, is much more serious than the corresponding characteristic of Ginepristone. If pregnancy occurs while using it, there is a high risk of having a child with congenital pathologies. The average cost is 300 rubles.
4. Miropriston. It is considered one of the most effective postcoital contraceptives. Under its influence, a sharp contraction of the uterus occurs during the day, which leads to rejection of the fertilized egg. It is not commercially available and is prescribed exclusively by the supervising physician. It has a considerable list of side effects. The average cost is 2200 rubles.
5. Mifeprex. The drug is taken only in the presence of a doctor in a medical facility, where the woman spends another 2 hours under observation. The list of contraindications is wider, but it is possible to use it much later than within 72 hours after sexual intercourse. It is, in fact, a method of pharmaceutical abortion, therefore it can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription. The average cost is 1200 rubles.
6. Mytholian. It is almost a complete analogue of Mifeprex, therefore it has a similar type of effect and characteristics. Its use is permitted up to one and a half months after the last menstruation. Distributed in pharmacies only upon presentation of a prescription. The average cost is 1200 rubles.
7. Mifotab. Another analogue similar to Mifeprex. Possessing an almost identical composition, it has reduced efficiency(about 80%) and a greater number of contraindications. Available only by prescription. The average price is 2000 rubles.
8. Pencrofton. In many ways similar to Ginepriston. It has the same efficiency and similar characteristics. The average cost is 3000 rubles.

Ginepristone, like many of the drugs listed, is sold by prescription at an average price of 430 rubles.

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Conclusion

Postcoital contraception is often the last barrier before an unplanned pregnancy, especially if other contraceptives are ineffective. Ginepristone is one of the most effective remedies of this type. Considering that its action is not based on “violence” against the endocrine system, it can also be called one of the safest. However, before using Ginepristone, the instructions for use should be carefully studied, and it is also advisable to consult with a supervising physician in order to minimize side effects.

A synthetic steroid antigestagenic drug (blocks the action of progesterone at the receptor level) and does not have gestagenic activity. Antagonism with glucocorticoids is noted (due to competition at the level of communication with receptors).

Increases myometrial contractility by stimulating the release of interleukin-8 in choriodecidual cells and increasing the sensitivity of the myometrium to prostaglandins. Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, it inhibits ovulation, changes the endometrium and prevents the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Pharmacokinetics

Suction

After a single oral dose of 600 mg, Cmax is reached after 1.3 hours and is 1.98 mg/l. Absolute bioavailability is 69%.

Distribution

Binding to blood plasma proteins (albumin and acidic α 1 -glycoprotein) is 98%.

Removal

T 1/2 - 18 hours. Elimination is carried out in two phases: first, slow elimination of the drug (the concentration of mifepristone in the blood plasma decreases by 2 times between 12-72 hours), then a rapid elimination phase.

Release form

Tablets from light yellow to light yellow with a greenish tint, flat-cylindrical.

Excipients: microcrystalline cellulose - 74.6 mg, sodium carboxymethyl starch - 4.5 mg, calcium stearate - 900 mcg.

1 PC. - contour cellular packaging (1) - cardboard packs.
2 pcs. - contour cellular packaging (1) - cardboard packs.
1 PC. - polymer jars (1) - cardboard packs.
2 pcs. - polymer jars (1) - cardboard packs.

Dosage

The drug is prescribed orally in a single dose of 10 mg (1 tablet) within 72 hours after unprotected sexual intercourse.

To maintain the contraceptive effect, you should refrain from eating 2 hours before using the drug and for 2 hours after taking it.

Ginepristone ® can be used in any phase of the menstrual cycle.

Overdose

Taking Ginepristone in doses up to 2 g does not cause adverse reactions.

Symptoms: Possible adrenal insufficiency.

Treatment: symptomatic therapy.

Interaction

Drug interactions with Ginepristone ® have not been described.

Side effects

From the digestive system: nausea, vomiting.

From the side of the central nervous system: dizziness, headache.

From the reproductive system: bloody discharge from the genital tract, menstrual irregularities.

Allergic reactions: urticaria.

Other: discomfort in the lower abdomen, weakness, hyperthermia.

Indications

Emergency post-coital contraception (after unprotected intercourse or if the method of contraception used cannot be considered reliable).

Contraindications

• adrenal insufficiency;
• long-term use of GCS;
• acute or chronic renal failure;
• acute or chronic liver failure;
• the presence of severe extragenital pathology;
• hypersensitivity to mifepristone (history).

The drug should be prescribed with caution in cases of impaired hemostasis (including previous treatment with anticoagulants), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (including bronchial asthma), severe arterial hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, chronic heart failure.

Features of application

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Ginepristone ® is contraindicated for use during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding should be stopped for 14 days after taking the drug.

Use for liver dysfunction

Contraindication: acute or chronic liver failure

Use for renal impairment

special instructions

The use of Ginepristone ® does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.

The simultaneous use of Gynepristone with NSAIDs should be avoided.

If a woman decides to terminate the pregnancy, but excludes surgery, if the pregnancy is no more than 6 weeks old, the gynecologist may recommend a medical abortion. For this type of abortion, large doses of mifepristone are prescribed.

Gynepristone contains only 10 mg of mifepristone and is used as an “emergency contraception” after unprotected sexual intercourse.

How does Gynepriston work?

Gynepristone blocks the production of progesterone, which is necessary for normal pregnancy.

When progesterone is blocked, the inner layer of the uterus detaches. Detachment of the endometrium leads to softening and expansion of its neck. With an enlarged cervix and increased contractile activity, bleeding begins. Ginepristone, after taking a precisely calculated dose, leads to fetal rejection. The effectiveness of Ginepristone increases in combination with prostaglandin.

Gynepristone is a synthetic steroidal antigestagenic agent. Its effect depends on the stage of ovulation - it either inhibits it or changes the properties of the endometrium, preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Side effects of Gynepristone

• Bleeding and cramping pain. This is a normal reaction to termination of pregnancy;
• nausea, any other symptoms of dyspepsia;
• weakness, asthenia, headache;
• hives;
• hyperthermia;
• inflammatory and infectious processes in the pelvic organs;
• If you have an ectopic pregnancy, this drug may cause the fallopian tube to rupture. This can be fatal;
• abdominal pain, pulling or aching, back pain.

The difference between Ginepristone and Postinor is the dosage regimen. One tablet is taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse. The timing of taking Gynepristone does not affect its effectiveness. The drug is better absorbed if you drink it on an empty stomach and refrain from eating for another 2 hours after taking the tablet. Mifepristone in small doses usually does not cause adverse reactions.

Contraindications to the use of Ginepristone

• Pregnancy and lactation period. If taking Ginepristone is mandatory, stop breastfeeding for 2 weeks;
• adrenal insufficiency, renal failure and long-term use of glucocorticosteroids;
• pathologies of the pelvic organs;
• history of hypersensitivity to mifepristone drugs;
• bleeding disorders;
• bronchial asthma and other lung diseases;
• hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure.

Gynepristone cannot be used as a method of permanent contraception. And the simultaneous use of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, etc.), acetylsalicylic acid and mifepristone drugs is excluded.

Ginepristone should not be used in children under 18 years of age. A teenager who takes an emergency contraceptive may disrupt his menstrual cycle. And it will be difficult to restore it. Due to the unformed hormonal background of a teenager, the drug may simply not work or cause bleeding.

After taking Gynepristone, you should visit a gynecologist. He must confirm that pregnancy has not occurred. Or at least take some pregnancy tests.

If unprotected sexual intercourse occurs, the condom breaks. The woman is firmly convinced that if pregnancy occurs, she will not maintain it - she should take a post-coital contraceptive. Unlike abortion pills, Ginepriston simply prevents pregnancy from occurring. From the point of view of women's psychological and physical health, this is the best option.

Answers on questions

Gynepristone is a popular emergency contraceptive with a high effectiveness of 97%. The drug in combination with other medications is also used for medical purposes. . Women are often interested in how to take gynepristone correctly and whether it is possible to perform a medical abortion with this drug at home.

CONSULTATION ON THE RESULTS OF ANALYSIS AND ULTRASOUND - 500 rubles. (at the request of the patient) Medical abortion - from 3500 (all inclusive!)

How does gynepristone work?

The active ingredient of the drug is mifepristone, a synthetic steroid that inhibits the production of progesterone.

Progesterone is a hormone that is actively produced during ovulation, creating conditions for the implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterine cavity. Thanks to a special hormonal background, the uterus does not contract when a zygote enters there, and it quietly implants (attaches) to the walls of the organ, and then develops, forming an embryo.

Ginepristone creates unfavorable conditions for conception by slowing down ovulation. The result of suppressing progesterone production is that the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus) remains underdeveloped, so the egg cannot implant.

If you are already pregnant, this synthetic progestogen enhances the effect of prostaglandins that stimulate labor. Prostaglandins are used during childbirth, but a similar effect has also been noticed in the early stages of pregnancy - in other words, when taking gynepristone, .

Mifepristone contained in the drug stimulates the sensitivity of receptors to prostaglandins and blocks the perception of progesterone. As a result, changes occur in the endometrial layer. The smooth muscles of the uterus begin to contract rhythmically under the influence of prostaglandins, pushing the fertilized egg out of the cavity.

How does Gynepriston differ from analogues and why is it not suitable for medical abortion?

Ginepristone - analogue and other drugs based on this active substance (Agesta, Zhenale, Ginestril, Escapelle). But it contains a small dose of the active substance - 0.01 g. Therefore, it is used as a means of emergency contraception when sexual intercourse has occurred, but conception (fusion of germ cells) has not yet occurred.

They contain a dose ten times higher than the content of mifepristone in gynepristone. If you take genipristone at home during pregnancy, in the form in which it is sold in pharmacies, there is a 99% chance that your pregnancy will continue. There are cases when, after taking the drug, menstruation begins, but the fetus still remains in the uterus. As a result, a woman discovers pregnancy when the fetus has already begun to move. It is no longer possible to talk about abortion at this stage, so childbirth is coming. But it’s difficult to imagine how such experiments will affect a child.

At the same time, gynepristone can be chosen as emergency contraception. All drugs - analogues of gynepristone - act on the body according to the same principle, having the active substance mifepristone. But despite the large selection of contraceptives, Ginepriston is very popular and is characterized by positive reviews from gynecologists. This is due to the fact that the medicine does not affect ovulation and spares the ovaries.

This drug is also prescribed by gynecologists for the treatment of tumors and cysts. Naturally, the choice of medicine should be made only after passing and passing . This is due to the fact that the medicine is effective only up to a certain size of tumors; beyond this limit, on the contrary, it can provoke their growth.

How to take Gynepristone

Gynepristone is considered a very effective post-coital contraceptive that prevents pregnancy as a result of unprotected intercourse. For many years, the drug Postinor was very popular. It has proven itself really well and is highly effective, but it provokes hormonal disruption, suppressing the release of the oocyte from the follicle. If Postinor is used incorrectly, a woman could develop an ovarian cyst or other problems. There will be no such problems with Ginepristone, and its effectiveness is very high.

The drug can be taken both before and after sexual contact. The highest concentration of mifepristone is achieved 24 hours after taking the tablet. Then every 12 hours the effectiveness decreases by 20-25%.

By taking Gynepristone within 24 hours after unprotected intercourse, you can be 97% sure that conception will not occur. After 3 days the drug becomes ineffective. You can take the medicine on any day of the cycle.

If gynepristone was taken and pregnancy still occurred, you will have to have an abortion (medical, , ), because there is a high risk of having a child with pathologies.

As a rule, after taking the medication, menstruation occurs on time or a few days earlier. Delay is rare.

What nuances should you pay attention to when taking Gynepristone: contraindications

Gynepristone is a highly effective emergency contraception, but there are a number of caveats:

• The manufacturer writes that taking this medication is incompatible with smoking by women over 35 years of age. In fact, smoking reduces the effectiveness of mifepristone, regardless of the girl's age. Having smoked several cigarettes, a woman at both 20 and 38 years old increases the chances of an unwanted pregnancy;
• It is important not to take Gynepristone on a full stomach. The drug provokes muscle contractions, including gastric ones, causing vomiting. After it, the action is reduced to nothing.
• You should not use emergency contraception more than 1-2 times a year. If a woman took 200 mg of drugs containing mifepristone over 2 months and did not become pregnant, then the next time 10 mg of gynepristone will not have any effect at all. In this case, it is better to use stronger agents such as Postinor or Escapella. But they have significant drawbacks: Escapelle is effective only in the first phase of the cycle, and Postinor causes hormonal imbalance and amenorrhea. Ginepristone is good as the first means of emergency contraception, gentle on the body.
• The drug should not be taken together with analgesics (No-shpa, Analgin, Paracetamol). In this case, problems with the heart and blood vessels, a strong increase in pressure and the opening of uterine bleeding are possible.
• Ginepristone is contraindicated in women with arrhythmia, heart failure and arterial hypertension.
  

What side effects does Gynepriston have?

Despite the fact that Ginepristone is a relatively safe emergency contraceptive for a woman’s body, it, like all medications, has side effects. In particular:

• PMS symptoms are more pronounced. Worsened mood, increased blood pressure, headache, nagging pain in the lower abdomen are a natural side effect of antiprogesterones. The advantage of Gynepristone is that these symptoms do not last long because menstruation occurs on time or a few days earlier.
• The drug enhances the effect of drugs aimed at blood clotting. If a woman is undergoing treatment and taking coagulants, she should stop using Gynepristone.
• The drug reduces the effect of glucocorticosteroids (Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone, Prednisolone), so it should not be taken by people with adrenal and renal insufficiency.
  

In general, Gynepristone is well characterized by both patients and gynecologists. It does not have such a stressful effect on the body as Postinor, which has a significant proportion of hormones. But you should still first consult with a gynecologist, who will select a reliable means of emergency contraception in accordance with the patient’s health characteristics.

Where to find emergency contraception or medical abortion in St. Petersburg

At the Diana Clinic in St. Petersburg, you can take all the tests, undergo a specialized female ultrasound using a new device and get a consultation with an experienced gynecologist with the highest category. The doctor will prescribe a drug that will leave minimal consequences after the termination of an unwanted pregnancy.

Ginepristone is a steroidal and antigestogenic medicine that is used to terminate pregnancy in the early stages, but not more than forty-two days of amenorrhea.
Three weeks of pregnancy is the period when, after using this drug, its effectiveness reaches almost one hundred percent.

But if it is amenorrhea, which is more than forty-nine days, after the first day of the last menstruation, then the effectiveness of the drug will significantly deteriorate.
And like any medical abortion, it should only be carried out in a clinic, under the supervision of a gynecologist. But there are cases when, after a medical termination of pregnancy, the fetus does not die, and an incomplete abortion occurs. In such cases, the doctor informs the patient that the pregnancy still needs to be terminated, since the child in this case may be born with defects, sometimes even incompatible with life.

Instructions for use

Procedure for abortion with gynepristone

1. An hour before visiting the gynecologist, you need to have a light breakfast, but nothing heavy. And already directly at the doctor’s office, the pregnant woman drinks three tablets of gynepristone. The dose of each of them is two hundred milligrams. After the procedure for taking the pills, the patient remains within the clinic for several more hours so that the doctor can monitor the woman’s tolerance to the drug. In many women, spotting can be detected on the same day, but only five percent have a final abortion.
2. Two days later, the woman comes to the doctor again. Under the doctor's supervision, she takes two more misoprostol tablets. Each of them is equal to 200 mcg. After this drug, the woman remains under observation for three or more hours. While the woman is in the clinic, she should already start bleeding, but if this is not observed, the gynecologist gives the woman two more tablets to drink. The duration of bleeding largely depends on how far into pregnancy the woman is. If we are talking about a period of four weeks of pregnancy, then often the abortion occurs like normal menstruation. But the discharge can last from one to two weeks. But if we are talking about late pregnancy, then bleeding can be heavy.
3. And the third visit to the doctor must be made two weeks after the woman took Misoprostol. This technique is needed in order to exclude the possibility of continuing the pregnancy, or detecting an incomplete abortion. This examination is extremely important throughout the course of abortion, so you should not neglect it, as this may be fraught with consequences.

Side effects of Gynepristone

• Gag reflexes, cramps in the lower abdomen, diarrhea, lethargy, fatigue, migraines, dizziness.
• Increased body temperature, severe and prolonged bleeding, chills.