Medication abortions from 4 to 9 weeks…
Safe and effective alternative to surgical abortion
Uses Mifeprex™ (RU-486) in combination with misoprostol
   

Medication abortion is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy using a combination of drugs. At Preterm we use the drug Mifeprex™ (also known as RU-486 or mifepristone) in combination with misoprostol (also called cytotec). Mifeprex™ causes changes in the uterine lining. misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This method of abortion is effective in terminating pregnancies up to 63 days (9 weeks) from the last normal menstrual period.

How it Works

During your first appointment, you'll have lab tests, a medical history review, and an ultrasound. You'll also meet with a patient advocate and a physician. During your second appointment, our doctor will administer an oral dose of Mifeprex™. You'll take a second drug (misoprostol) home with you to insert buccally (in your mouth between your cheek and lower gums) 24 to 36 hours later. Within about 1 to 4 hours after taking the misoprostol, your uterus will begin to contract. You'll have cramping and bleeding, and the pregnancy is expelled. The process is usually completed within 24 hours.

You must return to Preterm for an ultrasound examination to determine whether the abortion has been completed. If it has not been completed, we'll talk to you about your options, which could include a surgical procedure to end your pregnancy.

The Effectiveness of Abortion Using Mifeprex™

Studies have shown that medication abortion using Mifeprex™ is highly effective. Over 500 women at Preterm and 2,000 women nationally participated in the FDA clinical trials of Mifeprex™. Worldwide millions of women have successfully used mifepristone for many years. There is a 5-7% chance that this abortion method will fail, making it necessary for the woman to return to Preterm for a surgical abortion. Preterm will perform a surgical abortion at no additional charge.

Symptoms and Side Effects

Most women will experience cramping and bleeding, which usually means that the method is working. Bleeding may be similar to or heavier than a normal heavy period. You may see blood clots and tissue that come from the uterus. This is an expected part of ending the pregnancy. Bleeding or spotting will usually last an average of 9 to 16 days and may last for up to 30 days. In rare cases (1 woman in 100), bleeding can be very heavy and may need to be stopped by a surgical procedure. Common side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Medication Abortion

Women in the clinical trials cited several reasons for choosing medication over surgical abortion, including avoiding surgery or anesthesia, greater privacy, a greater sense of control, and wanting a method that is "more natural, like a miscarriage." However, medication abortion requires more visits to the clinic and may take several weeks to complete. If the method is unsuccessful, the woman will need to undergo a surgical abortion. Also, there are the side effects mentioned previously.




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