Mifeprex (mifepristone) (or RU-486) is the abortion pill. When it was first widely used, it failed to induce an abortion so often that abortionists began using a second drug Misoprostol or Cytotec, taken a few days after the first pill, to ensure the death and passage of the baby.
Searle, makers of Cytotec® (misoprostol) wrote a Press Release to Health Officials on August 23, 2000 saying that their drug was not meant to be used for abortion. It read:
“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….
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.”
Emphasis mine. Read the full letter here.
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