Title: Low-dose mifepristone for contraception: a weekly versus planned postcoital randomized pilot study.

POPLINE Document Number: 194603

Author(s):

Godfrey EM
Mawson JT
Stanwood NL
Fielding SL
Schaff EA

Source citation:

Contraception, 2004 Jul;70(1):41-46.

Abstract:

In this randomized pilot study, we compared the contraceptive efficacy, safety and side effect profiles of weekly versus planned postcoital regimens of low-dose mifepristone. Forty participants were randomized to receive mifepristone 10 mg weekly or planned postcoitally (to be used no more frequently than once every 5 days), for 12 consecutive months. Participants were evaluated monthly to determine pregnancy, ovulation status and acceptability of physical side effects. We ended this pilot study prematurely due to low efficacy and predetermined stopping rules. Three pregnancies during 56 woman-months occurred in the weekly group and three pregnancies during 68 woman-months occurred in the planned postcoital group. Almost half of the participants ovulated monthly on either regimen. The majority of the participants found the physical side effects of these regimens acceptable. Participants in the planned postcoital group, however, found adhering to the regimen more difficult than those in the weekly group. Mifepristone 10 mg used weekly or planned postcoitally did not adequately prevent pregnancy in our pilot study population. Although the concept of intermittent low-dose mifepristone is appealing, the contraceptive effectiveness was disappointing. (author's)

Keywords:

New York
Research Report
Pilot Projects
KAP Surveys
Pregnant Women
RU-486
Emergency Contraception
Contraceptive Effectiveness
Contraceptive Safety
Satisfaction
Menstrual Cycle
Oral Contraceptives, Low-Dose
Time Factors
United States
North America
Americas
Developed Countries
Studies
Research Methodology
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Hormone Antagonists
Hormones
Endocrine System
Physiology
Biology
Contraception
Family Planning
Safety
Public Health
Health
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Menstruation
Reproduction
Oral Contraceptives
Contraceptive Methods
Population Dynamics