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Женале

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Женале

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Treatment option: Pregnancy

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

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Overview of Женале

Property Description
Active ingredient Mifepristone (INN)
Form Oral Tablet
Pharmacological Class Antiprogestational Steroid / Progesterone Receptor Antagonist
General Purpose Counteracts the effects of the hormone progesterone
Origin Synthetic steroid derivative

What Type of Medicine is Женале? (Antiprogestational Classification and Identity)

Женале is a prescription-only pharmaceutical product whose active substance is the molecule Mifepristone, a name recognized globally as an International Nonproprietary Name (INN). The drug is fundamentally classified as an Antiprogestational Steroid, which means it is a compound specifically designed to modulate the endocrine system by blocking hormonal activity. This classification places the medicine within the category of progesterone receptor antagonists, which are synthetic compounds developed to competitively interfere with the action of the body's natural progesterone.

Composition and Form: The Structure of Женале Tablets

The core therapeutic component is the single active ingredient, Mifepristone, delivered in the form of an oral tablet. This solid dosage form is designed for simple ingestion, defining the product’s route of administration. As a synthetic steroid derivative, Mifepristone is manufactured and combined with pharmaceutical excipients to create a stable, single-ingredient product. The medicine's specific formulation is used in scenarios that require the precise inhibition of progesterone signaling, such as its typical use in emergency contraception, a context where rapid anti-progestational activity is essential.

What is the General Purpose of Antiprogestins?

The general purpose of this medicine is achieved through its central physiological action as a Progesterone Receptor Antagonist. Mifepristone works by binding strongly to the progesterone receptors found in target tissues, functionally blocking the receptor site. This antiprogestational activity is the key mechanism that allows the medicine to achieve a specific physiological change by counteracting the hormone’s typical supportive effects. This mechanism is clinically recognized for its high affinity for the progesterone receptor, which is critical to its therapeutic efficacy.

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What side effects are possible with Женале?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Женале (Mifepristone) is officially classified by government regulatory authorities, detailing potential adverse reactions according to frequency and affected body systems. These classifications guide the understanding of the medicine's risk profile without offering clinical advice.


Official Frequency Classifications

Adverse effects are grouped by their likelihood of occurrence, as documented in regulatory reports:

  • Very Common: Affecting more than 1 in 10 users, these often include Headache, Nausea, and Vomiting.
  • Common: Affecting between 1 in 100 and 1 in 10 users, these may include Diarrhea, Dizziness, Uterine Cramping, and Vaginal Bleeding.
  • Rare: Affecting fewer than 1 in 1,000 users, these include serious events such as Uterine Rupture (reported primarily in specific combination regimens) and severe systemic reactions like Sepsis (serious infection).

System and Safety Considerations

The majority of side effects are categorized under Gastrointestinal Disorders, Nervous System Disorders, and Reproductive System and Breast Disorders. Some effects, such as Vaginal Bleeding, may persist for several weeks, and Endometrial Changes are noted in association with long-term exposure in certain regimens.

Official labeling defines specific safety limitations. The medication is generally not recommended in individuals with severe Hepatic Impairment due to limited study data. Furthermore, use is constrained in individuals with conditions such as Chronic Adrenal Failure, confirmed or suspected Ectopic Pregnancy, or a history of Inherited Porphyrias, as defined in the prescribing information.

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Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile addresses overdose by detailing specific, severe clinical manifestations that require immediate medical attention and are associated with a risk of serious outcomes, including those linked to drug intoxication/overdose documented in post-marketing reports.

Classification Official Regulatory Statement
Severity Classification Events are classified as severe, with risks including fatal septic shock, hemorrhage, and hypovolemic shock [Source 1.5].
Antidote Status No specific antidote for an acute overdose of Mifepristone is listed in the official prescribing information [Source 1.3].

Official Emergency Actions and Symptoms

The official instructions mandate seeking urgent medical care immediately if any of the following manifestations occur:

  • Prolonged heavy vaginal bleeding, defined by regulators as soaking through two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours [Source 1.3].
  • A sustained fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts longer than four hours, or severe abdominal pain [Source 2.7].
  • Signs of systemic compromise, such as syncope (fainting) or a general ill feeling (malaise) [Source 2.7].

In the event of a suspected overdose or severe complication, regulatory documents instruct patients to call 911 or contact a Poison Control center immediately. If a healthcare provider cannot be reached, the patient is instructed to go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room [Source 2.3]. Management protocols described in regulatory sources are restricted to supportive measures, such as blood transfusions or surgical intervention like curettage, to address severe bleeding [Source 1.3].

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Therapeutic Uses of Женале

What Женале Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

The medication plays a role in managing fertility control and supports continuous contraception, generally used to help prevent pregnancy in women of reproductive potential. The primary therapeutic domain is pregnancy prevention; this is a key therapeutic domain. This core use provides supportive relief in family planning.

Женале may be part of symptomatic management applied across domains where additional support is needed for addressing a cluster of symptoms related to physical discomfort during the menstrual cycle. It is used for managing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, such as menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, and cycle irregularity. The medication also is considered relevant for easing symptoms related to systemic imbalance, such as hormonally-related acne. The use of the medication supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.


Quick Fact: Symptom Management for Menstrual Cramps The medication may assist with addressing symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain, particularly severe menstrual cramping.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview
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Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Non-Eligibility for Женале (Mifepristone)

Official regulatory documents strictly define the population groups eligible for this medicine, primarily women of reproductive potential for the purpose of medical termination of intrauterine pregnancy up to the specified gestational limit.

Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated

Use of this medicine is absolutely prohibited (contraindicated) by regulatory authorities in individuals with specific conditions, including:

  • A confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy.
  • Chronic adrenal failure or concurrent long-term corticosteroid therapy.
  • Hemorrhagic disorders or concurrent anticoagulant therapy.
  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to mifepristone or prostaglandins.
  • Inherited porphyrias.
  • An Intrauterine Device (IUD) in place (must be removed before use).

Restricted and Age-Related Eligibility

Use is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment due to the absence of sufficient safety and pharmacokinetic data in official studies. Regarding age, the medicine's safety and efficacy are not established in the general pediatric population, though specific guidelines exist for pregnant females aged 17 and younger. No information is available regarding use in the geriatric population. Women who are breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider, as the drug is distributed into human milk.

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What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information for Женале (Mifepristone) documents several clinically significant interaction constraints, primarily centered on altered drug exposure and increased pharmacodynamic risk.

Documented Interaction Restrictions

Contraindicated and Avoided Combinations:

  • CYP3A4 Inducers: Co-administration with strong inducers, such as Rifampin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, and the herbal product St. John's Wort, is generally contraindicated or not recommended. These substances significantly decrease Mifepristone's plasma concentrations.
  • Anticoagulant Therapy and Bleeding Risk: The use of Женале is contraindicated in some official labels for patients receiving concurrent anticoagulant therapy due to the officially documented risk of heavy bleeding.
  • QT-Prolonging Drugs: Co-administration with other medicines that prolong the heart's QTc interval is advised against due to the potential for additive cardiac effects.

Exposure-Altering Interactions:

  • Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Certain strong inhibitors, including Ketoconazole and Erythromycin, may significantly increase Mifepristone's plasma concentrations. Co-administration requires caution, and in one indication, a dose limitation is officially stated.
  • CYP2C8/2C9 Substrates: Женале inhibits these enzymes; regulatory information advises that co-administered substrates like Fluvastatin or Repaglinide should be used at the lowest possible dose.

Non-Medicinal Products:

  • Grapefruit Juice is explicitly not recommended or advised against for co-ingestion as it can alter the medicine’s plasma levels by inhibiting its metabolism.

Population Cautions:

  • Official cautions exist for patients with hepatic or renal impairment, as reduced clearance in these populations can lead to increased drug effects, potentially amplifying interaction concerns.
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Mechanism of Action

Женале functions as a selective modulator of the A 1 receptor, displaying agonism in bone tissue and antagonism in reproductive tissue. Its primary action involves binding to the receptor, which triggers a downstream signaling cascade, leading to the inhibition of NFkappa B ligand ( RANKL) expression. The reduction in RANKL levels subsequently limits the differentiation, maturation, and lifespan of osteoclasts.

Additionally, Женале alters the phosphorylation state of intracellular signaling proteins P X and P Y, thereby influencing the bone remodeling rate. This signaling ultimately results in a shift in the balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts.

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Dosage and Administration Information

The administration of the medicine, Женале (Mifepristone), is structured into two distinct protocols, depending on the clinical context. The approved route for this medicine is oral ingestion, where the tablets must be swallowed whole and cannot be crushed or split.

The specific dosage and schedule are dictated by the intended usage. For the short-term, single-course regimen, the standard dose is 200 mg taken once. This specific use is defined as the first procedural step in a multi-drug protocol, which requires a follow-up assessment by a prescriber 7 to 14 days later.

In contrast, the long-term usage pattern follows a titratable, maintenance schedule. Treatment begins at an initial dose of 300 mg taken once daily. This daily dose must be administered with a meal to ensure proper intake conditions. The regimen allows for gradual dose adjustments in 300 mg increments, but these increases should occur no more frequently than every two to four weeks, with a maximum daily limit of 1200 mg.

Furthermore, limitations exist for certain patient populations in the long-term regimen. For individuals with identified renal or mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment, the maximum daily dose is restricted to 600 mg. If the long-term daily course is interrupted, treatment is re-initiated at the lowest dose of 300 mg.

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Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Женале

This section summarizes the structure of the research evidence based on clinical research related to the use of Женале (Mifepristone), focusing on the kinds of studies that have been conducted and the types of outcomes that were measured. This information is provided to contextualize the available data and does not offer medical advice or claims of efficacy.


Evidence for use in Pregnancy Occurrence (Emergency Contraception)

The research for emergency contraception includes extensive clinical investigations, primarily large Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comprehensive Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses. These studies were designed to explore the monitored outcome in the study setting following administration after unprotected sexual intercourse.

While the immediate, short-term occurrence of pregnancy was extensively studied, data for long-term reproductive or fertility outcomes after the use of the medicine remain insufficient. Findings from this body of research describe patterns observed in the incidence of pregnancy in the study setting. Study results reflect the specific conditions under which they were conducted.

Evidence for Clinical Contexts Related to Symptoms of the Menstrual Cycle

Research evaluated clinical contexts related to symptoms such as menstrual pain and heavy bleeding, often taking the form of Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs). These studies typically include women who have conditions, such as adenomyosis or uterine fibroids, that are associated with periods of heightened symptoms.

Researchers examined patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort, primarily measuring changes in menstrual pain intensity using scoring scales and measuring menstrual blood loss using established charts. It appears the findings often describe patterns observed in studies focused on treating a specific underlying condition (like fibroids or adenomyosis), rather than managing isolated symptoms alone.

Long-Term Studies and Follow-up Duration

For the purpose of emergency contraception, the observed follow-up durations were short-term, usually extending only to the first subsequent menstrual period. Because the symptomatic studies typically run for shorter intervals, commonly between 3 and 6 months, long-term effects are not fully established.

What is Still Uncertain About Женале Studies

The research highlights what is known, but also what is still uncertain. A key limitation is that subgroup findings are uncertain when looking at specific populations excluded from major trials. Furthermore, the duration of many symptomatic studies reflects the limited information on long-term effects, and long-term maintenance data are still emerging.

Key Studies & References

  1. Drug Monograph: Mifepristone (General Information and Indications)
  2. FIGO Committee on Gynecologic Practice recommendations on first-line management of abnormal uterine bleeding in women with leiomyomas
  3. Mifepristone and Misoprostol Use in Gynecologic Practice
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Женале (FAQ)


Q: What is the official purpose of the drug Zhenale (Mifepristone)?

According to regulatory documents, the drug has two primary official indications. It is approved for the medical termination of intrauterine pregnancy, and for one indication, its use is specified as part of a multi-drug regimen. It is also indicated for the treatment of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) in some patients with Cushing's syndrome.


Q: Does Zhenale affect future fertility, according to research?

Regulatory summaries currently note that studies on the long-term effect of the drug on reproductive functions or fertility in women after its use are either absent or insufficient. Official data is therefore limited regarding the long-term impact on reproductive outcomes.


Q: Why is it important to adhere to the recommended time for taking Zhenale?

Adhering to specific administration instructions, such as taking the pill with a meal for certain indications, is intended to support proper drug absorption conditions. Maintaining these conditions helps ensure that the body receives the intended amount of the active substance.


Q: What are the possible effects described if Zhenale is taken while already pregnant?

The drug is generally contraindicated in established pregnancy when the intention is not termination. If the pregnancy is not successfully terminated, official data report a risk of serious adverse outcomes. These documented risks include potential fetal birth defects.


Q: What is the 'window of effectiveness' for Zhenale?

The term 'window of effectiveness' refers to the specific time limits approved by regulatory bodies for the drug's use. For pregnancy termination, the drug is officially approved only up to a specific gestational limit. For use in emergency contraception, official guidelines define a window (e.g., within 72 hours) following unprotected sexual intercourse.


Q: Can Zhenale cause cycle irregularity?

Official product information includes side effects that are related to the reproductive system. These documented effects include vaginal bleeding and endometrial changes. Such changes may be observed as alterations in the regularity of the menstrual cycle.


Q: Is it possible to drive a car after taking Zhenale, according to official information?

The drug’s official safety information notes that side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or weakness are commonly reported. Because these effects can potentially impair alertness, official warnings advise caution regarding driving or operating machinery.


Q: How long after taking Zhenale do side effects usually appear?

The timing of side effects varies based on the specific effect. The main intended effect, such as the onset of vaginal bleeding, usually begins one to two days after taking the drug. Other side effects, such as nausea, may potentially occur earlier.


Q: Does alcohol consumption affect the action of Zhenale?

Official drug documents do not typically specify a direct chemical interaction between the drug and ethanol. However, since the drug is associated with side effects like dizziness, using alcohol may amplify these effects. Official safety information notes that caution is advised.


Q: What is the duration of Zhenale's action in the body, according to official pharmacokinetics?

The active substance in the drug is known to have a long half-life. Pharmacokinetic studies describe this period of clearance as being approximately 20 to 30 hours. This measurement indicates that the substance remains present in the body for an extended time.


Q: Do official documents describe how quickly Zhenale starts to work?

Pharmacokinetic data provides information on the drug's absorption rate. Studies indicate that the peak concentration in the blood plasma is reached on average within one to two hours after administration, which is a measurement of how quickly the substance enters the bloodstream.


Q: Is it true that Zhenale is ineffective if taken too late?

The efficacy of the drug is confirmed by regulatory bodies only within specific time limits, which vary depending on the context of use. For emergency contraception, the drug must be taken within a defined time frame after unprotected sex. For pregnancy termination, its effectiveness is confirmed only up to a specific number of days of gestation.


Q: Is there data on the effect of Zhenale on emotional state?

Official reports and safety summaries sometimes mention potential effects on the central nervous system. Side effects such as anxiety and changes in mood have been described in the drug's safety profile.


Q: Are cases of Zhenale overdose described in clinical reports?

Official documentation includes a section dedicated to information about overdose management. The overdose section notes that no specific antidote is available and supportive care is the documented approach.


Q: Can I take Zhenale if I have a lactose allergy?

The tablet formulation includes the active substance along with several inactive ingredients, or excipients. The full list of excipients, which would include information about the possible presence of lactose, is published in the drug’s official instructions for use.


Q: Is there any mention of Zhenale's effect on blood pressure?

Official safety instructions mention that signs of both elevated and lowered arterial blood pressure have been documented as possible side effects. These documented effects are listed in the official safety information.


Q: Can Zhenale be used as planned birth control?

The drug is not approved for use as a regular, planned method of birth control. Its application is limited to specific acute situations. These applications include its use in emergency contraception or for the medical termination of pregnancy.


Q: Is there information in clinical data about body weight and Zhenale's effectiveness?

Clinical studies relating to one of the drug’s indications, Cushing's syndrome, have noted specific outcomes regarding weight. In these studies, a reduction in patient body weight was observed as part of the overall therapeutic effect.


Q: How long should one wait to take Zhenale again, according to recommendations?

Pharmacokinetic studies have utilized a washout (clearance) period, sometimes up to 14 days, which is a key consideration for subsequent treatment. This period helps ensure the body has adequately cleared the previous dose.


Q: Does Zhenale affect the effectiveness of other hormonal preparations?

The drug is classified as an antagonist to both progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors. For this reason, official documents state that the drug is strictly contraindicated when used at the same time as long-term corticosteroid (hormonal) therapy.


Q: What precautions are described in the official documents?

Official documentation contains an extensive section on special warnings and precautions for use. These measures describe the risk of severe side effects such as heavy bleeding and infection. The documentation emphasizes the documented requirement for subsequent patient monitoring.

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How should Женале be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Женале

Storage Requirements

Женале (Mifepristone) tablets must be stored at controlled room temperature, specifically between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F). The medication must be kept in its original container to protect it from light and moisture. It is an explicit requirement to not freeze the tablets. For safety, the product must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Storage Condition Requirement
Temperature Controlled Room Temperature (20 C to 25 C)
Protection Protect from Light and Moisture
Constraint Do Not Freeze

Disposal Instructions

Disposal of any unused or expired Женале must strictly adhere to national requirements for pharmaceutical waste. The tablets should not be disposed of using general household waste or wastewater unless specifically instructed by local environmental authorities.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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