The decision to abort a pregnancy is a difficult one, regardless of the circumstances. The variety of choices available within the realm of a medical abortion often adds to the level of stress a woman goes through. A medical abortion is defined as the termination of a pregnancy by medication. According to the Mayo Clinic, the combination of the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol is the most common method used. This method is also the most effective and less expensive.
Mifepristone
Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, is a synthetic steroid that is designed to block the hormone progesterone. Blocking this hormone causes the uterine lining to deteriorate and thin. With the uterine lining unable to shelter the attached embryo, the pregnancy cannot continue, and the embryo and corresponding tissue detach from the uterine wall, along with the uterine cells that made up the lining.
Drugs.com states that a person taking mifepristone should avoid drinking grapefruit juice, as irritation and a decrease in the effectiveness could occur. It is also recommended that a person using this medication should refrain from using St. John's Wort, anticoagulants and corticosteroids. The use of these herbs and drugs could cause serious side effects, such as excessive bleeding.
Misoprostol
Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, which helps expel the embryo and related tissues. This drug is administered with mifepristone and can be taken orally or placed vaginally. According to the Mayo Clinic, most physicians choose to administer mifepristone orally. The Mayo Clinic also states that a 2009 study indicated that the use of oral mifepristone, when combined with antibiotics, greatly reduced the risk of a serious infection when compared with mifepristone that is given vaginally.
Drugs.com notes that the main side effects that can accompany misoprostol use include stomach pains and diarrhea. Minor gynecological issues, such as spotting, cramps and hypermenorrhea, could occur as well.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is administered with oral misoprostol. This medication is given as an injection, and it can take up to one month to fully complete the abortion. The standard protocol is that a physician administers the methotrexate injection and then the patient takes the misoprostol pill at home. A follow-up visit to the physician and ultrasound will confirm that the pregnancy was indeed aborted.
According to Drugs.com, methotrexate can cause acne, hair loss, sensitivity to sunlight and vomiting. In severe cases, it can also cause infertility.
