RU 486 controversy one of many!
The RU 486 so called 'chemical abortion' requires the administration of two medications. One of them is a strong medication used for debilitating pain in patients who are high risk for ulcer.. The Population Council who is pushing this type of abortion, ran into a snag when no American manufacturer wanted to produce the main medication and this was solved by entering a buying agreement with a Chinese pharmaceutical. However, the second medication, also a strong medication, Misoprostol or (brand name) Cytotec, which is not often used, is also required for a chemical abortion. This medication, made by Searle, a satelite of Monsanto, has a contraindication of administration to pregnant women because (as stated in the letter below), Searle notes that Misoprostol can cause death of the baby AND/OR the mother. Searle was upset enough about this, to send out this letter of concern to all medical providers in the United States: (and when a pharmaceutical company actually thinks a drug is so dangerous that it sends warnings about it despite the possible increase in sales, it should be not considered lightly):
(Searle notes that the FDA is recommending an 'off label' usage of this drug meaning giving the drug for purposes actually contraindicated by the manufacturer. The chemical abortion must be used in the first few weeks of pregnancy. The mother bleeds profusely for several days and has painful cramps until she aborts her baby on the third or fourth day. Often she must see the tiny fetus floating in the toilet in a pool of blood (very traumatic). Twenty-five percent of these abortions must be completed by surgery and many women who have one of these, does not have another. This abortion causes much pain and danger to the mother as well as psychological trauma. Planned Parenthood, among others is making the RU 486 available to the public. Searle, is by the way, the same company which brought us aspatame /nutrasweet, a sweetener which many consider to be dangerous for human consumption).
August 23, 2000 Re:Cytotec® (misoprostol) IMPORTANT DRUG WARNING Dear Health Care Provider: The purpose of this letter is to remind you that Cytotec administration by any route is contraindicated in women who are pregnant because it can cause abortion. Cytotec is not approved for the induction of labor or abortion. Cytotec is indicated for the prevention of NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin)-induced gastric ulcers in patients at high risk of complications from gastric ulcer, e.g., the elderly and patients with concomitant debilitating disease, as well as patients at high risk of developing gastric ulceration, such as patients with a history of ulcer. The uterotonic effect of Cytotec is an inherent property of prostaglandin E1(PGE1), of which Cytotec is stable, orally active, synthetic analog. Searle has become aware of some instances where Cytotec, outside of its approved indication, was used as a cervical ripening agent prior to termination of pregnancy, or for induction of labor, in spite of the specific contraindications to its use during pregnancy. Serious adverse events reported following off-label use of Cytotec in pregnant women include maternal or fetal death; uterine hyperstimulation, rupture or perforation requiring uterine surgical repair, hysterectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy; amniotic fluid embolism; severe vaginal bleeding, retained placenta, shock, fetal bradycardia and pelvic pain. Searle has not conducted research concerning the use of Cytotec for cervical ripening prior to termination of pregnancy or for induction of labor, nor does Searle intend to study or support these uses. Therefore, Searle is unable to provide complete risk information for Cytotec when it is used for such purposes. In addition to the known and unknown acute risks to the mother and fetus, the effect of Cytotec on the later growth, development and functional maturation of the child when Cytotec is used for induction of labor or cervical ripening has not been established. Searle promotes the use of Cytotec only for its approved indication. Please read the enclosed updated complete Prescribing Information for Cytotec. Further information may be obtained by calling 1-800-323-4204. Michael Cullen, MD Searle |
Because of numerous problems with the chemical abortions and complications and discomfort for the women, it has never achieved the popularity once hoped for.
It's available but not real popular and most women who have had them say they would never do it again.
Apparently the RU 486 causes severe cramps which can last hours or days in addition to the trauma of seeing the abortion at home. Some women have died from it also.
For more information see: http://ru486.org
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