THE FACTS ABOUT THE DRUG MIFEGYMISO

Q: What is Mifegymiso?

A: Mifegymiso is the brand name of a two-drug combination that includes mifepristone (also known as RU-486) and misoprostol. Canada is the second country, after Australia, to approve the combination.

Q: How does it work?

A: Mifepristone, which is taken first, blocks the effects of the hormone progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to break down. It is followed two days later by misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions. The effect is like an early miscarriage.

Q: What are the risks?

A: According to Health Canada, a death occurred in Canada during a clinical trial for mifepristone. There have also been more than 2,200 serious adverse reactions and 14 deaths associated with the formulation of the drug authorized in the U.S. Up to one in 20 women who use the drug will require a followup surgical procedure because the pregnancy is not terminated.

Q: What are the side-effects?

A: They include cramps, diarrhea, nausea, fever or chills, headache, dizziness and fatigue.

Q: Is the cost covered by public health plans?

A: Mifegymiso costs $300 plus dispensing fees. It is publicly funded in New Brunswick and Alberta. Some insurance plans cover the cost.

In this week’s provincial budget, the Liberals said Ontario would publicly fund Mifegymiso some time in 2017.

Q: Isn’t there another medical abortion drug already on the market?

A: Mifegymiso is the first drug to be approved in Canada specifically for medical abortion. The combination of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate and misoprostol has been used for medical abortions. Methotrexate was used off-label.

Q: What about other countries?

A: Mifepristone has been on the market in China and France for almost 30 years. It is now available in at least 57 countries.