If we can do it for misoprostol, why not for mifepristone? the case for taking mifepristone out of the office in medical abortion

Marji Gold, Erica Chong

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Given the highly political nature of abortion in the United States, the provision of medical abortion with mifepristone (Mifeprex®) and misoprostol has always occurred under a unique set of circumstances. The Food and Drug Administration-approved regimen requires clinicians to administer the mifepristone in the office and also requires women to return to the office for the misoprostol. In the US, where off-label drug use is an accepted practice when supportive evidence exists, most clinicians give women the misoprostol at the initial visit for her to take at home, eliminating an unnecessary visit to the office. This commentary suggests that, based on current studies, there is also enough evidence to offer women the option to self-administer mifepristone out of the office and that this is just another feature of off-label use. Six studies, enrolling over 1800 women, found that the option of taking mifepristone out of the office was popular and acceptable among women and providers. Given that it is safe, highly acceptable and not burdensome on providers, outside-office-use of mifepristone should be offered to all women as part of routine medical abortion services.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)194-196
Number of pages3
JournalContraception
Volume92
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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