Mifepristone more effective than other common emergency contraception methods
Emergency contraception containing mifepristone prevents more pregnancies with fewer side effects than some other common emergency contraceptive pills, such as levonorgestrel, according to a new review involving 87 trials.
A new review of 87 trials on emergency contraception has found that mifepristone is more effective than other common methods, such as levonorgestrel and the Yuzpe regimen. Mifepristone, an antiprogestin, works differently from other steroid hormone-based methods, leading to a different side-effect profile. Low-dose mifepristone (under 25 mg) was 27% more effective at preventing pregnancies compared to levonorgestrel and showed a high-certainty evidence rating, meaning the result is unlikely to change with further research.
Mifepristone also outperformed the Yuzpe regimen, reducing pregnancy risk while causing less nausea and vomiting. However, delayed menstruation was more common with mifepristone, potentially causing stress and anxiety for users. While evidence comparing mifepristone with copper intrauterine devices was limited, the review suggests that mifepristone could be a valuable addition to emergency contraception options, despite political scrutiny and legal restrictions in some countries.
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