[RU 486. Contragestion, contraception]

The word contragestion is used to name voluntary interruption of very early pregnancy. The RU associated with an analogue of prostaglandine E1 is used in this indication until 49 days of amenorrhea. Based on a study carried out by Roussel in 1993 on 488 patients, the rate of efficacy is 96.9%. Failures are: ongoing pregnancy 1.8%, hemostatic surgical procedure 0.4%, stopped but non expelled pregnancy 1.8%. Side effects are mainly pelvic pains but pain killers were necessary only for 20% of patients. The contraception with RU 486 has just started. The RU seems to be a very efficient post-coital contraceptive when taken within 72 hours after an unprotected intercourse. Two trials have had a rate of success of 100%. The RU in ordinary contraception could be used either just after ovulation or during all the cycle with very low doses. Trials have just started.