Mifepristone and misoprostol: predicted versus actual analysis
Page last updated: 3 March 2017
Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)
September 2016
Abstract
Purpose
To compare the predicted and actual use of mifepristone and misoprostol supplied through the PBS for medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP).
Listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Mifepristone and misoprostol were PBS listed for the termination of an intra-uterine pregnancy on 1 August 2013.
When recommending this listing the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) considered that mifepristone and misoprostol for MTOP allows choice for women who have decided to undergo a termination and its availability through the PBS was considered unlikely to result in an increase in overall terminations of pregnancy.
Data Source / methodology
The number of MTOPs based on PBS claims of mifepristone and misoprostol was sourced from the Department of Human Services (DHS) date of supply data. The number of surgical terminations of pregnancy (STOPs) in the private sector was estimated from publicly available DHS Medicare statistics data. The number of STOPs in the public sector was estimated from Activity Based Funding (ABF) Cost Weights that estimate the number of hospital separations.
Key Findings
- The proportion of TOPs undertaken by the medical method has been lower than predicted.
- Data available to date suggests the introduction of mifepristone and misoprostol on the PBS has not increased the number of TOPs in Australia per year.
