Friday, September 29, 2000
RU-486 not the only abortion-pill option
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Food and Drug Administration's decision Thursday to approve mifepristone, or RU-486, gives women a new option for medical abortion.
But it's not the only option.
Some doctors — the Alan Guttmacher Institute puts the figure in the “hundreds” nationally — prescribe a drug duo to induce abortion. The cancer drug methotrexate, which prevents the embryo from implanting itself in the uterus, is followed about three days later by misoprostol, a drug approved by the FDA to treat ulcers. Misoprostol triggers an abortion.
Misoprostol can also be used by itself in the first seven weeks with mixed efficacy.
In Brazil, where abortion is banned, the drug is widely available on the black market. The FDA hasn't approved either methotrexate or misoprostol for abortions, but they can be prescribed as an unapproved use. Several studies in the U.S. and abroad have determined the combination is effective, but mifepristone is considered a better option because it has fewer side effects.
Several other medications can cause miscarriage or abortion, properties listed as adverse side effects. Some combinations of birth control pills may also induce miscarriage. Several herbs also induce abortion.
But experts warn against experimenting with prescription drugs or herbals to induce abortion: Overdose, hemorrhage and possible infection are all potentially lethal risks. FDA-approved restrictions on mifepristone require that the doctor prescribing it be qualified to perform surgery or arrange in advance for emergency surgery in case of heavy bleeding.
Time to pass torch, NAACP leader says
10-digit numbers become norm
Columbus' Nina sails again, with bit of help from engine
One probation unit wins praise
Plenty of parking to open downtown
Tab in Ohio's ad wars: $10.6M
Uninsured increase in Ohio, drop nationwide
Covington schools' scores among lowest
Gains on tests to pay off for N.Ky. schools
N.Ky. schools' dropout rate among lowest in state
:Don't go nuts over finicky squirrels
Jewish children hear the call
Theater review
:'Tow Man' pulls others out of their bad days
Bush has friends in N.Ky.
Chemistry program seeks big reaction
City will honor Anderson on visit
County rivals spar on radio
Hamilton mayor plans open-door office hours
Head of NKU rewarded with raise, praise
Kings links with home computer
Man posts bond in fatal fight case
Neighbors decry house as 'nuisance'
Teacher pleads not guilty to sex charges
Vets to get Grant Co. cemetery
Kentucky News Briefs
Get to it
Pig Parade: Hammibal Crossing the Rhine
Tristate A.M. Report
