Review of medical abortion using mifepristone in combination with a prostaglandin analogue

Contraception. 2006 Jul;74(1):66-86. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2006.03.018. Epub 2006 May 19.

Abstract

Induced abortion is still a major health problem in the world and the most frequently performed intervention in obstetrics and gynecology with an estimated total of 46 million worldwide each year. Medical abortion with mifepristone and prostaglandin was first introduced in 1988 and is now approved in 31 countries. This combination of drugs has recently been included in the List of Essential Medicines by the World Health Organisation. The present review summarizes the development, physiology and the development of the currently used regimens.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / administration & dosage
  • Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal / administration & dosage*
  • Abortion, Induced / methods*
  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Administration, Sublingual
  • Analgesia, Obstetrical
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Mifepristone / administration & dosage*
  • Mifepristone / adverse effects
  • Mifepristone / pharmacokinetics
  • Misoprostol / administration & dosage
  • Misoprostol / adverse effects
  • Misoprostol / pharmacokinetics
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pregnancy
  • Prostaglandins / administration & dosage*
  • Time Factors
  • Uterine Contraction / drug effects
  • Uterine Hemorrhage
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
  • Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal
  • Prostaglandins
  • Misoprostol
  • Mifepristone