A doctor’s prescription is required by law to purchase an abortion kit.
Bangalore, April 13, 2018: Abortion kits are being sold illegally without a doctor’s prescription in many pharmacies across the city risking improper usage and related health complications.
For instance, the unwanted-kit, which is used for abortion by women who are eight weeks pregnant or less, is available over-the-counter in several pharmacies in the city. The ‘Unwanted-kit’ comes with Mifepristone and Misoprostol tablets.
Mifepristone obstructs the hormone progesterone needed to maintain the pregnancy. When this hormone is jammed, the uterine lining begins to drop, the cervix begins to soften and there might be bleeding. After that, the pregnant woman has to consume a second medication called misoprostol. Following that, the uterus contracts and the pregnancy is usually aborted within 6 to 8 hours.
Dr. Mukesh T, a pharmacist explained the dangers of consuming Mifepristone without consulting a doctor.
Mukesh said Mifepristone inhibits progestogen a hormone needed to maintain a pregnancy. As it is used for terminating pregnancy there are a lot of side effects, mainly massive bleeding. If it is not consumed properly, without consulting a doctor, the patient might even die in cases where the dose is extremely high.
Dr. Kanti Bansal, a gynaecologist said, consuming an abortion kit without a doctor’s directions can be very dangerous. It is very necessary for the women to know how it should be consumed. That is the reason it should always be taken after it is prescribed by a certified doctor.
The Pharmacy Act, 1948 states only those persons who have achieved a minimum standard of professional education should be permitted to practise the profession of pharmacy.
Dr. Vani R, a gynaecologist said, Mifepristone and Misoprostol tablets should not be dispatched without a doctor’s prescription strictly as they come under schedule H drugs. And, with respect to the pharmacists who are practising these wrong methods, their licence should be cancelled because it is very unsafe to consume these tablets without proper supervision.
The side effects of this medicine are nausea, weakness, and giddiness. During this treatment, bleeding and cramps are normal. Generally, the symptoms indicate the drugs are working. However, at times the person can have cramps and bleeding and still be pregnant. Therefore, the patient must return for all of their follow-up visits with their doctor.
