Methotrexate and Misoprostol for Abortion

Choosing a medical or surgical procedure for an abortion will depend on your medical history, how many weeks pregnant you are, what options are available where you live, and your personal preferences.

Methotrexate for medical abortions has not been evaluated in women who have the following medical conditions:

• Alcoholism
• Allergy to methotrexate
• Reference Anemia Opens New Window
• Blood clotting disorders
• Bone marrow diseases
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Reference Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Opens New Window (acute)
• Reference Intrauterine device (IUD) Opens New Window in place
• Liver or kidney disease
• Low white blood cell count (leukopenia)
• Reference Thrombocytopenia Opens New Window
• Uncontrolled Reference seizure Opens New Window disorder

Avoid alcohol and aspirin while using methotrexate and misoprostol for a medical abortion.

Avoid folic acid supplements. Reference Folic acid (folate) Opens New Window can interfere with the action of methotrexate during a medical abortion.

Methotrexate can be used by women who have Reference asthma Opens New Window.

A medical abortion does not require surgery. But if methotrexate fails, a Reference vacuum aspiration Opens New Window must be done as follow-up. If the abortion is not completed, complications can include abnormal development of the fetus.

After a medical abortion

Expect that you may experience a wide range of Reference emotional reactions after an abortion.

Reference Depression Opens New Window can be triggered when pregnancy hormones change after an abortion. If you have more than 2 weeks of symptoms of depression, such as fatigue, sleep or appetite change, or feelings of sadness, emptiness, anxiety, or irritability, see your doctor about treatment.

Do not have sexual intercourse for at least 1 week or longer, as advised by your doctor.

When you start having intercourse again, use birth control, and use condoms to prevent infection. For more information, see the topic Reference Birth Control.

Your next regular period may come at any time within 6 weeks after the abortion. Be sure to contact your doctor if you do not have a period in 6 weeks.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.