Comprehensive Women's Health Center

Medical Abortion: Alternative Treatment Plan

Based on published results from large US research studies of Mifeprex (mifepristone) and misoprostol (including our own experiences in these studies), we use a modified treatment at the Comprehensive Women's Health Center which differs from that described in the Mifeprex Medication Guide. The modified approach is both more effective and more convenient.

Medication Dosing Changes

  1. A 200mg dose (one pill) of Mifeprex (mifepristone) will be used instead of the 600mg dose (three pills) recommended on the package. The lower dose has been shown to be equally effective and less expensive.
  2. An 800mcg dose (four pills) of misoprostol will be used instead of 400mcg (two pills). The misoprostol will be inserted high in the vagina with a finger or taken orally in two doses.

The combination of 200mg Mifeprex (mifepristone) by mouth and 800mcg of misoprostol has been shown to:

bulletCause less nausea and vomiting if the misoprostol is used vaginally
bulletBe equally or more effective at ending early pregnancy
bulletBe acceptable to women
bulletBe effective up to nine weeks (63 days) of pregnancy
bulletBe effective when the misoprostol is used on day one, two, three, or four following the Mifeprex (mifepristone) dose

Choosing to take the second medication (misoprostol) at home

Studies have shown that women can safely and effectively use the second drug (misoprostol) at home without a health provider being present. Misoprostol at home has been found to be safe, effective, and acceptable to most women. Most women finish cramping between 2 and 24 hours (average time is 4 hours) after taking the second drug. Women in studies preferred taking their misoprostol at home because of increased privacy, convenience, control, and comfort, among other reasons. Most women reported that the bleeding and cramping following misoprostol were managed more comfortably and conveniently at home. We provide a prescription for medications to relieve pain; you may also use ibuprofen (Advil).

Follow-up Care

Using this alternative regimen, it is unnecessary for the patient to return for a visit on the third day of treatment. Patients will have a follow-up visit one week after their initial visit, rather than two weeks, to confirm that the pregnancy has been successfully terminated.

 

Comprehensive Women's Health Center
(720) 810-5442
 info@cwhccolorado.com