A recent study conducted in February has reinforced the long-standing research that medication abortion is a highly safe and effective method, even when patients opt for telehealth or text appointments to receive the necessary medication.
Common side effects of medication abortion typically include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, weakness, and dizziness, with these symptoms usually occurring within the first 24 hours after taking the second drug in the two-step regimen. While rare side effects such as a fast heartbeat, fainting, and fatal infections exist, studies indicate a low 0.4% risk of major complications.
Since its approval in the US in 2000, there have been approximately 5.9 million medical terminations of pregnancy using mifepristone, with 32 reported deaths among patients. However, the FDA notes that these deaths cannot be directly attributed to mifepristone due to gaps in information regarding patient health status and clinical management.
Studies have shown that mifepristone is effective in 99.6% of cases, with the need for a repeat dose or, in rare instances, a surgical abortion, if the initial procedure is incomplete. Furthermore, the safety profile of mifepristone is comparable to that of common over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Comparative data analysis reveals that mifepristone is even safer than some widely used prescription medications. For instance, the risk of death associated with penicillin, an antibiotic for bacterial infections, is four times higher than that of mifepristone. Similarly, the risk of death following the use of Viagra, a medication for erectile dysfunction, is nearly 10 times greater than with mifepristone.
These findings underscore the safety and efficacy of medication abortion, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers and patients considering this option.
