INTRAMUSCULAR 15(S)15 METHYL PGF_2α FOR MENSTRUAL REGULATION

A multicentre trial was carried out to find out the safety and efficacy of 15(S)15 methyl PGF_2α (Prostin 15M, Upjohn) for induction of menses in early pregnancy (up to 49 days). Two hundred and eighty-four cases were recruited for the study. All patients received two doses of 0.5 mg (2.0 ml) Prostin 15M by the intramuscular route and antiemetic and antidiarrhoeal medication prior to the administration of the prostaglandin analogue. The overall success rate (complete abortion) at two weeks evaluation visit was 87.7%. The success rate was 92% up to 42 days and 100% up to 35 days of the last menstrual period. The side effects were mainly gastrointestinal and majority of the patients had less than three episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea. The duration of bleeding was prolonged (up to 7 days) with Prostin 15M treatment. Intramuscular Prostin 15M seems to be effective in inducing menses in early pregnancy especially if the duration of amenorrhea is up to 35 days.