What is the difference between RU486 and “Plan B”? (Points : 1)
RU486 cannot prevent pregnancies that have already occurred while “Plan B” can.
RU486 prevents eggs from fertilizing while “Plan B” works to destroy the embryo.
RU486 and “Plan B” can both eliminate current pregnancies.
RU 486 induces the abortion of fertilized embryos while “Plan B” prevents eggs from being fertilized.
None of the above
http://contraception.about.com/b/2009/02/02/ru486-vs-plan-b.htm
The correct answer is: "RU 486 induces the abortion of fertilized embryos while 'Plan B' prevents eggs from being fertilized."
To understand the difference between RU486 and "Plan B," we need to understand what each of these medications does.
RU486, also known as mifepristone, is a medication used for medical abortion. It is taken in the early stages of pregnancy and works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and the pregnancy cannot continue. In this way, RU486 induces the abortion of fertilized embryos.
On the other hand, "Plan B" is a brand name for a emergency contraceptive pill called levonorgestrel. It is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure, such as a condom breaking or missing birth control pills. "Plan B" contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, which works by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg) or by inhibiting fertilization of the egg. It does not have any effect on already established pregnancies and does not cause abortion.
Therefore, the correct statement that distinguishes RU486 and "Plan B" is that RU 486 induces the abortion of fertilized embryos while "Plan B" prevents eggs from being fertilized.