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Methotrexate Methotrexate gives women the opportunity to have a termination performed as early as a week prior to missing their menses up to 9 weeks from the last menstrual period. Methotrexate is not only used to stop the growth of pregnancy tissue, but it is used to treat different cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic diseases. It is also used to treat patients with ectopic (tubal) pregnancies which are pregnancies that implant outside of the uterus. Methotrexate stops the rapidly growing embryonic and placental cells of early pregnancy from further developing. Methotrexate used alone can cause miscarriage in close to 85% of patients that use it prior to 6 weeks gestation. It generally takes 3 to 4 weeks to begin having spontaneous bleeding and for the miscarriage to occur. This is why giving Cytotec (Misoprostol) approximately 48 to 72 hours after taking the Methotrexate by mouth or injection has a success rate of 92 to 98%. Cytotec causes the uterus to begin to contract and leads to bleeding similar to a normal period in most women. Some women experience a little heavier bleeding than their normal period. Patients less than 6 weeks gestation have nearly a 100% success rate with the combination of these medications. Women who do not want surgery and want their abortion experience to be more private and have the support of spouse, family member, or friend, find this method to be more comfortable from a psychological and physical standpoint. Methotrexate is extremely safe and effective in terminating pregnancies less than 9 weeks gestation. This medication has been used in our offices for over 12 years and used around the world for over 25 years in performing medical abortions. Methotrexate must be avoided in patients who will be in the sun for a prolonged period of time, or have an allergy to it. Please see general contraindications to having the medical abortion procedure performed.
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