Two-pill regimens of misoprostol after mifepristone medical abortion through 63 days' gestational age: a randomized controlled trial of sublingual and oral misoprostol
Received 27 May 2008; received in revised form 2 September 2008; accepted 2 September 2008. published online 20 October 2008.
Abstract
Background
A 400 mcg dose of sublingual misoprostol has high efficacy and few side effects when used with 200 mg mifepristone for medical abortion through 63 days' gestation.
Study Design
Eligible and consenting women (n=480) were randomized to 400 mcg of misoprostol sublingually or orally, 24 h after 200 mg of mifepristone. Abortion status was assessed two weeks later.
Results
Complete abortion occurred in 98.7% of the sublingual group and 94.0% of the oral group (p value=.006, RR: 1.05, 95% CI=1.01--1.09). Over 90% of women in both arms expressed high satisfaction with the method. Side effects were similar in both groups, with only fever or chills reported by significantly more women in the sublingual arm.
Conclusions
The sublingual route appears superior to the regimen of 400 mcg misoprostol used orally and may be a good option for mifepristone medical abortion.
ABSTRACT