Buzz
A medical abortion typically requires two different pills. Mifepristone, one of these medications, has faced numerous restrictions over time—until recently, it wasn’t even available at standard pharmacies. As highlighted by Jezebel, a judge opposed to abortion is currently reviewing whether to withdraw its FDA approval. They recommend considering ordering these pills in advance.
To start: It’s utterly absurd that one judge could potentially overturn the approval of a drug that has been safely used in the U.S. for over two decades. In a rational society, this wouldn’t be possible. However, with a decision expected by February 10, it might be wise to stay prepared.
In the U.S., the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol is authorized for medication abortions up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. (The WHO extends this recommendation to 12 weeks.) Beyond this period, individuals usually have to consider clinical procedures such as vacuum aspiration.
During a medication abortion, mifepristone—the pill that has sparked significant debate—works by inhibiting progesterone, halting the embryo's growth. The second pill, misoprostol, induces uterine contractions and bleeding to expel the contents. (Misoprostol is also utilized to manage natural miscarriages and has additional applications, such as preventing stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs.)
As highlighted by Jezebel, organizations like Aid Access and Choix offer the option to mail abortion pills to individuals, even if they are not currently pregnant. This practice, known as “advance provision,” ensures you have the medication available should the need arise in the future.
What is the shelf life of mifepristone?
Pharmaceuticals include expiration dates on their packaging, similar to the “best by” dates on food products, indicating that the drug will maintain its potency and composition for at least that duration. Therefore, your initial step should be to verify the expiration date on the medication package. If the date hasn’t passed and the pills have been stored at room temperature in their original packaging, they should remain effective.
However, the medication might remain viable beyond its expiration date. According to clinician and public health expert Daniel Grossman, mifepristone is generally considered effective for “approximately five years,” while misoprostol typically has a two-year shelf life. Since misoprostol isn’t at risk of being banned or losing approval, the focus here remains on mifepristone.
Studies have produced diverse estimates regarding the shelf life of mifepristone, with results ranging from two to five years. If the medication is not kept in its original sealed blister pack, it is likely to deteriorate much faster.
If your mifepristone has expired, the primary concern is the uncertainty of its potency to effectively terminate a pregnancy. If the medication is past its expiration date and you have access to a healthcare provider, it may be wise to consult them to determine if it’s still safe and effective to proceed.
