The effect of a 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2 alpha (methyl ester) suppository upon termination of early pregnancy.

The administration of prostaglandin vaginally to 15 pregnant patients in the first trimester caused abortion in 73% of the cases. Although other regimens have been reported to be effective and well tolerated, the single 3 mg. suppository of 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2 alpha (methyl ester) utilized in the present study was associated with a significant incidence of side effects and a relatively high failure rate. However, if an analogue or improved treatment regimen could be found which is more efficient, as well as more pleasant in its affects, the availability and the cost of early abortion would be improved with a concomitant effect on the incidence of late abortion and its complications.