Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and Misoprostol are drugs used in a medical abortion procedure within the first seven to nine

weeks of pregnancy. It is also referred to as RU-486 or the abortion pill. A physical exam is given to determine if you are eligible for this medical abortion procedure. You are not eligible if you have any of the following: ectopic pregnancy, ovarian mass, IUD, corticosteroid use, adrenal failure, anemia, bleeding disorders or use of blood thinners, asthma, liver or kidney problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure. How does it work? Mifepristone is given orally during your first office visit. Mifepristone blocks progesterone from the uterine lining, causing the fetus to die. This alone, may cause contractions to expel the fetus. Misoprostol tablets are given orally or inserted vaginally during the second office visit which occurs 36 to 48 hours later. You will return home where the misoprostol will start contractions and expel the fetus. This may occur within a few hours or in some cases up to two weeks after taking the misoprostol. A physical exam is given two weeks later to ensure the abortion was complete and that there are no immediate complications. What are the side effects of RU-486? The side effects and risks of Mifepristone & Misoprostol include the following: The procedure is unsuccessful approximately 8-10% of the time, thus requiring an additional surgical abortion procedure to complete the termination. Cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heavy bleeding and/or infection may occur. RU-486 is not advised for women who have anemia, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, seizure disorder, acute inflammatory bowel disease, or use an intrauterine device (IUD). MTX is a medical abortion procedure used up to the first seven weeks of pregnancy. Methotrexate is given orally or by injection during the first office visit. Misoprostol tablets are given orally or inserted vaginally during the second office visit which occurs 5 to 7 days later. You will return home where the misoprostol will start contractions and expel the fetus. This may occur within a few hours or up to a few days. How does it work? A physical exam is given 7 days later to ensure that the abortion procedure is complete and that no complications are apparent. Methotrexate is primarily used in the treatment of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis because it attacks the most rapidly growing cells in the body. In the case of an abortion, it causes the fetus and placenta to separate from the lining of the uterus. The use of this drug for this purpose is not approved by the FDA. What are the side effects of MTX? The side effects and risks of Methotrexate & Misoprostol include the following: Procedure is unsuccessful approximately 10% of the time, thus requiring an additional surgical abortion procedure to complete the termination. Cramping, nausea, diarrhea, heavy bleeding, fever. MTX is not advised for women who have anemia, bleeding disorders, liver or kidney disease, seizure disorder, acute inflammatory bowel disease, or use an intrauterine device (IUD). Induction abortion is a procedure that uses salt water, urea, or potassium chloride to terminate the viability of the pregnancy. How is induction abortion performed? Your abortion provider will insert prostaglandins into the vagina and pitocin will be given intravenously. Laminaria is then usually inserted into your cervix to begin dilation. This procedure is rarely used, and normally only occurs when there is a medical problem or illness in the fetus or mother.

What are the side effects of induction abortion? The side effects are similar to dilation and evacuation, although in rare cases it is possible for the mothers blood stream to be accidentally injected with saline or other medications. Excessive bleeding and cramping may also be experienced. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if your symptoms persist or worsen. 6-12 weeks suction aspiration 12-15 D & C 15-21 D & Ev 21-onwards D & Ex Medical Abortion, the Abortion Pill (also called Medication Abortion, Mifepristone, Misoprostol, RU486, Non-surgical Abortion): The Abortion Pill is an option up to 8 weeks LMP. Prescription Mifepristone is taken in pill form at the clinic. It causes the end of the pregnancy. Then 24-72 hours later, the woman uses Misoprostol to cause the uterus to contract and expel the tissue. A follow-up appointment is required to make sure the abortion is complete. Occasionally more than one follow-up appointment is necessary. To use this method, women must live within 2 hours of a hospital. Some women prefer Medical Abortion because the process feels more natural and private; they can decide where they are when they go through the experience, such as staying home for the weekend. Side effects of the second medication include cramping, bleeding, diarrhea, nausea, etc.