[quote=fredo4 Any idea how long the abortion pill can be used before surgical abortion is needed and what year it came out? [/quote]
Not quite sure when Ru486 first became available in Europe, but in the States it was FDA approved early this century. Many physicians used it off-label though for quite some time. I went to U. of Pittsburgh for Med School and many of the studies for medical abortion were performed there.
As for when it can be used, it depends on the agent. Ru486 coupled with misoprostol can be used up to 9 weeks, Methotrexate regimens (the drug we use to treat ectopics) can be used up to 7 weeks.
Be aware that medical regimens are ONLY given to those women who are sufficiently motivated to complete a comprehensive follow up plan. It is absolutely NOT fire and forget, as many women need dilation and curretage (D&C) afterward for incomplete abortions.
Many women choose medical abortion as they feel they have more control, where a surgical abortion is a more submissive process. I don’t perform either anymore, but will counsel women for both, then give the appropriate referral. When I’m back in my uniform next summer it won’t be an issue, as elective terminations are forbidden at military hospitals.
