Do we need a prescription from a doctor for Misoprostol?

Question

Hi doctor,

My wife missed her period, and we doubt she is pregnant. Our first kid is just one year old now, and it was a Cesarean. We are not in a position to have a second child now. Her LMP was 22nd of last month. I read that Mifepristone can induce abortion.

1. Is it a safe drug?

2. Do we have to consult a doctor to take this drug?

3. What are all the possible side effects?

4. Is that drug 100 percent reliable?

5. Are there any other options?

6. Whether this drug available without a doctor's prescription?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First, please confirm the pregnancy with a serum beta-hCG test (human chorionic gonadotropin) as a urine pregnancy test is not reliable till eight days post missed periods.

If the hCG levels are more than 5 ng/dL, then she is pregnant. In that case, as she has been a post-C-section case, medical abortion is not to be undertaken with either Mifepristone or Misoprostol alone. Because the C-section scar would still be weak by one year, there is often a chance of the uterus rupturing.

The best option in that case would be an ultrasound-guided dilation and curettage procedure for surgical abortion. Please meet your gynecologist and get the needful.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If medical abortion is to be considered, then the uterine scar thickness should be more than 2.5 mm on ultrasound, which is unlikely in just one year. So, it is better not to take a risk and opt for a surgical procedure.

Dilation and curettage is a day care procedure and lasts only 15 minutes under ultrasound guidance. It can be done for pregnancy till 63 days. You may visit a gynecologist, and it can be done safely.

Thank you.