Medication Abortion: Dosage and Guidelines Explained - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Medication abortion dosage and administration?


Hello Dr.
Tsao: During my appointment today, although the physician provided a general guideline for medication usage, I was not in a good state at the time and am uncertain about the medical abortion procedure at home.

1.
Could you please clarify why the physician only prescribed Misoprostol 200 micrograms and Acetaminophen along with Dexamethasone, and did not prescribe RU486 (which I also did not take at the hospital)? Is it because I have a 6-week-sized gestational sac?
2.
I recall the physician mentioning that for Misoprostol 200 micrograms, I should take 3 tablets initially, wait 3 hours, and then take another 3 tablets (for a total of 6 tablets).
Is this method correct?
3.
How many days should I expect the bleeding to last during the miscarriage? Thank you again for your patient responses.

Yun, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/11

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, just take the medication as instructed by your doctor.
After finishing the medication, you may experience bleeding gradually.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/06/11

More Info


Understanding medication abortion can be crucial for patients who are navigating this process. Based on your questions, let’s clarify the medications involved, their dosages, and the expected timeline for the abortion process.

1. Medications Prescribed: You mentioned that your doctor prescribed Misoprostol (referred to as "喜克潰" in your message) and acetaminophen (乙醯氨酚), along with a medication called "斷血炎". It is important to note that Misoprostol is commonly used in medication abortions, especially in conjunction with Mifepristone (often referred to as RU486). However, it appears that your doctor may have opted not to prescribe Mifepristone, possibly due to the gestational age of your pregnancy (6 weeks). In some cases, healthcare providers may choose to use Misoprostol alone, especially if the pregnancy is early and the patient is otherwise healthy.

2. Dosage Instructions: Your understanding of the dosage appears to be correct. The typical regimen for using Misoprostol for medication abortion involves taking three tablets (200 micrograms each) orally, followed by another three tablets three hours later. This means you would take a total of six tablets. This method is designed to maximize the effectiveness of the medication in inducing a miscarriage. However, it is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions, as they may tailor the regimen based on your individual circumstances.

3. Duration of Bleeding: After taking Misoprostol, the bleeding can vary significantly from person to person. Generally, you can expect bleeding to begin within a few hours after taking the medication. The duration of bleeding can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Some individuals may experience heavier bleeding for the first few days, followed by lighter spotting. It is important to monitor your symptoms during this time. If you experience excessive bleeding (soaking through two or more pads per hour for two consecutive hours), severe pain, or any other concerning symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Additional Considerations:
- Pain Management: Acetaminophen is often prescribed to help manage any discomfort or cramping you may experience during the process. It is important to take it as directed to help alleviate pain.

- Follow-Up Care: After a medication abortion, a follow-up appointment is typically recommended within a week or two to ensure that the abortion is complete and to address any potential complications. This is an important step to confirm that your body is recovering as expected.

- Emotional Support: It’s also worth noting that medication abortion can be an emotionally taxing experience. It’s essential to have a support system in place, whether it’s friends, family, or counseling services.

In summary, it seems that you have a good grasp of the medication abortion process based on your doctor's instructions. However, always feel free to reach out to your healthcare provider with any uncertainties or concerns you may have. They are there to support you through this process and ensure your health and well-being.

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