Cytotec | Misoprostol | Medical Abortion Pill Facts
Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin medication marketed as Cytotec.
Misoprostol is FDA approved to prevent gastric ulcers as prostaglandin E1 in the stomach is important for protecting the gastric lining from the prolonged administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Prostaglandins are found throughout the body serving multiple functions. Misoprostol causes uterine (womb) contractions and is used in several areas of female reproductive health.
Misoprostol was initially found to cause early miscarriages in women who did not realize they were pregnant. It is used to stop heavy vaginal bleeding after delivery or to induce labor of full term pregnancies.
It is safe and effective in causing softening and opening of the cervix (priming of the cervix), which reduces the incidence of C-Sections, and Misoprostol alone is used for the medical abortion procedure in the first and second trimester, and late term abortion.
Cytotec/Misoprostol is used to perform medical abortion pill pregnancy terminations in abortion clinics for patients who are 3 to 24 weeks or further (i.e. abortions at 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 weeks) with a therapeutic medical reason for termination of pregnancy to include maternal and fetal genetic or other significant abnormalities, and rape or incest.
The use of RU486 (Mifeprex/Mifepristone) helps to accelerate the procedure and provide for completion in over 99% of patients within 24 hours or less. As is noted, abortions may be performed even before a patient misses her first menstrual period using Cytotec/Misoprostol.
Approximately 46% of abortion providers offer the medical or surgical procedure before a patient misses her first period.
For pregnancies that are viable (generally 24 to 28 weeks; however, viability is determined on an individual basis) there must be a threat to the mother’s life or health, or a genetic defect or significant fetal abnormality in order for an abortion to be performed.
Cases of rape or incest are further considerations for the discovery of late term pregnancy.
Cytotec/Misoprostol can also be used with Laminaria to open and soften the cervix prior to initiating medical (abortion pill or surgical abortion procedures to reduce the incidence of complications such as cervical lacerations or tears, perforation of the uterus, bowel or bladder injuries, retained products of conception (pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus).
Misoprostol/Cytotec – Miscarriages (Spontaneous Abortion)
Recent studies show that the use of Cytotec/Misoprostol can be used in women who have spontaneous miscarriage or incomplete abortion. Less than 10% of physicians use Misoprostol to treat miscarriage, while 50% of physicians treat them with the use of surgery (D&C).
Cytotec is highly safe, efficient and effective for treating miscarriage as it promotes expulsion of the fetus and any remaining gestational contents in the uterus.
This choice is not often discussed with patients as an option to aid in completion of the miscarriage. The use of Misoprostol for miscarriage management poses less risk than those associated with invasive surgery.
With the use of Cytotec/Misoprostol there is no risk of complications from anesthesia or side effects from sedatives and analgesics. There is no risk of cervical tears or laceration, bowel or bladder injury or uterine perforation.
There is no need for scraping with a uterine curette which can cause uterine scarring (Asherman’s) leading to the possibility of chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
These risks cannot be overemphasized. Misoprostol can be used in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy within various dosages and guidelines for treating miscarriage and fetal death in utero.
In over 50% of cases, surgery can be avoided with the use of Cytotec. Cytotec has shown to be between 95 to 98% effective for the treatment of miscarriage. Retained products of conception may occur with Cytotec.
There is a higher incidence of retained products if expectant management (observation only) is used as a treatment for miscarriage.
Discomfort may occur with a spontaneous miscarriage or with the use of Misprostol for treating miscarriage; however, the use of narcotic medication is rarely necessary. Unlike surgical D&C’s, long term complications with the use of Misprostol do not exist.
Exposure of Fetus to Cytotec/Misoprostol in Early Pregnancy
Exposure of a fetus to Misoprostol in early pregnancy increases the incidence of fetal abnormalities. The majority of abnormalities affect the upper and lower extremities and central nervous system (Mobius Syndrome).
This was first noted in Brazil in the early 90’s with women who used Misoprostol to terminate pregnancy. Absence of the fingers and toes, club foot, and abnormalities of the cranial nerves VII, VI, V, and XII can occur.
These abnormalities have an incidence of 10 per 1000 exposed fetuses. Thus, women who undergo an abortion pill procedure with Cytotec must agree to having a surgical procedure if the medical abortion fails.
For women who nurse, Misoprostol is rapidly metabolized and it is not known if the metabolites are excreted in human breast milk. For precautions, it is better to discard breast milk for 24 hours after administration of Misoprostol to prevent abdominal cramps or diarrhea to the infant.
When used as the second drug during a Non-Surgical Abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy with RU486, Methotrexate, or Tamoxifen; Misoprostol promotes the expulsion of the pregnancy.
This medication can be taken by mouth or inserted vaginally. The patient normally takes the Misoprostol tablets within a 48 to 72 hour time frame after taking RU486, Methotrexate, or Tamoxifen to begin the medical abortion procedure.
Misoprostol can be taken as early as 24 hours or as late as one week after taking the initial dose if used as part of a two drug regimen.
If the patient is unable to take the Misoprostol within the 48 to 72 hours, it can be taken at another time which is an additional advantage of choosing the Non-Surgical Abortion method.
Side Effects and Risks Associated with the Use of Cytotec/Misoprostol
Mild Side Effects:
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea can occur within 60 to 120 minutes after taking the medication which can last up to 24 hours.
- Fever and Chills: Chills are very common and can occur as soon as 15 to 30 minutes after taking Misoprostol. Fever is less common and does not necessarily indicate that the patient has an infection.
- Nausea and Vomiting: If nausea and vomiting occur, it general resolves in 4 to 8 hours after taking the Misoprostol. An anti-emetic can be taken if necessary to help relieve the symptoms.
- Vaginal Bleeding: Bleeding usually starts within 4 to 7 hours after taking the Misoprostol, though it can be as early as an hour or late as 24 hours. It generally lasts 7 to 14 days, but can last for up to 30 days.
- Pain: Pain is the most common side effect which occurs in approximately 50% of patients and just before they begin to bleed, the pain and discomfort reaches its peak. Most patients do not require analgesics; however, if necessary, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAID’s) are effective the majority of the time.
- Retained Pregnancy Tissue: Pregnancy tissue not expelled and remaining in the uterus may lead to persistent vaginal bleeding that may be bright red, pink or dark brown in color. There may be mild discomfort in the lower abdomen or back, but most often there is no pain or discomfort.
- Maternal Infections: Infections may occur due to bacteria migrating from the vaginal area into the uterus. Retained pregnancy tissue acts as a nidus for causing bacteria to replicate and lead to infection of the lining of the uterine wall.
- Failed Abortion: A failed abortion is defined as either a pregnancy that is still viable (alive) or one where the fetus has expired without any indication of bleeding or contractions. This occurs in 1 to 4% of the time when using Cytotec/Misoprostol alone.
Cytotec/Misoprostol Dosage for Medical Abortion
There are several regimens and dosages used to terminate pregnancy using the Misoprostol medical abortion process.
The success rate depends on the length of the pregnancy and the dosage used as there is nearly a 100% completion of abortion for patients less than 6 weeks gestation.
For pregnancies less than or equal to 10 weeks gestation, the overall success rate is 85 to 96% using Misoprostol.
Insertion of Misoprostol vaginally or by mouth (orally, bucally, or sublingually) has been shown in numerous studies to be more effective; although patients generally prefer taking the Cytotec by mouth.
Contraindications to Cytotec
Where to Get the Abortion Pill (Cytotec/Misprostol)
It is not recommended by Physicians in the United States or reputable health organizations that Self Induced or Home Abortion Methods be used to terminate pregnancy.
Women who wish to undergo any abortion procedure (medical or surgical) should be under the care of a physician. Medical Abortions can be safely performed over 90% of the time; however, there are side effects that can be life threatening or even fatal which is why medical supervision is necessary.
In most third world countries women can get Cytotec/Misoprostol at a pharmacy. It can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Additionally, Cytotec/Misoprostol can be bought on the black market, at abortion clinics or in a medical office where women are under the care of a physician.
Buying Abortion Pill or Cytotec/Misoprostol Online
Buying Abortion Pills (Misoprostol/Cytotec; RU486 [Mifeprex, Mifepristone] online can be inexpensive. Generic Misoprostol can be found at low cost and highly discounted prices. The usual delivery time can be within one to five days. In 1997, the FDA issued a statement advising against the purchase of abortion kits online.
This is due primarily to the following reasons regarding the self-administration of Cytotec/Misoprostol; 1) Medications purchased online cannot be guaranteed to be safe; 2) All patients should be under medical supervision and receive a sonogram prior to the procedure to determine the number of weeks gestation and a repeat sonogram within one week to 10 days after taking the Misoprostol to assure the pregnancy tissue has passed; 3) Excessive bleeding and infection must be attended to immediately by medical personnel.
Cost/Fees of Misoprostol/Cytotec Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill) Clinics
The Cost of the Misoprostol Medical Abortion is approximately the same as the surgical abortion procedure from 3 to 14 weeks gestation which is usually between $300.00 to $1,500.00 depending on the location and what individual Physicians may charge.
The further along the patient is in pregnancy, the more expensive the procedure will be. Patients that are 24 weeks may be charged from $2,500.00 to $12,000.00 depending on multiple factors.
We now offer a pre and post counseling service which includes a detailed explanation about the indications and contraindications of using the abortion pill; the dosage and how to take the Misoprostol (Abortion Pill) Medications; and information about complications and when it is necessary to obtain medical attention.
A sonogram to be performed before and after the procedure is included in the pre and post counseling fee. The cost for this exclusive service is only $225.00.
In most cases, patients may expect to be in and out of the office in less than 60 minutes and are able to return later in the week to receive their medications, or if they have already obtained their medications through a different source, may proceed to take them. For more information regarding this service, please contact 24hourabortion@gmail.com.
A patient may request an exclusive or private appointment by contacting 24hourabortion@gmail.com or call office location nearest you by clicking locations. Same day appointments can be arranged.
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