Mifeprex (generic name mifepristone), also known as RU-486, is one of a combination of drugs used for nonsurgical or medical abortions. This drug, manufactured by Danco Laboratories of New York, was approved for use with pregnancies of less than 7 weeks by the FDA on September 28, 2000. The Mifeprex claim is that it blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. Two days after taking Mifeprex, the patient takes a second drug, misoprostol, which produces cramps and causes the fetus to be expelled.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a Public Health Advisory warning on July 19, 2005 about risks of death, serious infection, and excessive bleeding after use of the drug mifepristone (RU-486), which is sold under the name Mifeprex in the United States. In November of 2005, the FDA issued an update to the warning, stating that the four women who died in California of septic shock or sepsis after using the drug were all infected with the bacterium, Costridium sordelli. This similarity in the infections increases the likelihood of a connection between Mifeprex use and septic shock.
On July 19, 2005 the drug manufacturer, Danco Laboratories, issued a letter to health care professionals and emergency room directors to advise them to be aware that serious infections had occurred after the use of Mifeprex and that health care providers should monitor signs of infection.
Check out the following articles for more information about Mifeprex, filing a Mifeprex (RU-486) lawsuit and finding a Mifeprex attorney.