Although commonly believed to be the same thing, RU-486 is not the morning after pill (MAP)

RU-486

The effects of taking RU-486 are devastating for many women because of the invasiveness of the procedure. During the course of treatment with RU-486 the body is prevented from producing progesterone, at which point the uterus cannot maintain the already established pregnancy and the embryo is expelled from the body. There can be several side effects and complications when using RU-486.

 

The Morning After Pill (MAP)

The morning after pill is considered an emergency contraceptive as it is typically used within the first 24-72 hours of unprotected sex. The pill contains Levonorgestrel, a drug which can prevent the fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall, thereby causing the fertilized egg to be expelled by the body. It is not effective after the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus.