Abortion Pill

What is the abortion pill?

The abortion pill we offer is a combination of two different medications. Mifepristone (Mifeprex) is the first pill you will take during your initial appointment at our clinic. This medication will block the hormone progesterone, which required to continue a pregnancy. Between 24 and 48 hours later, you will take the second medication, Misoprostol, which is a total of 4 pills. These pills will help you pass the pregnancy from your body within 2 to 24 hours after they are taken.

Am I eligible for the abortion pill?

This combination of medication is an early option that is 93-98% effective for ending a pregnancy that is less than 70 days. If you think you think it has been more than 10 weeks since your last missed menstrual period, the pill may not be right for you. The Center for Women can recommend additional options. You should not take the abortion pill if you:

• Have a pregnancy that is more than 70 days (10 weeks)
• Have an IUD in place
• You have a pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
• Have problems with your adrenal glands (chronic adrenal failure)
• Take blood thinner medications
• Have been diagnosed with a bleeding problem
• Have a condition called porphyria
• Currently take certain steroid medicines
• Have an allergy to mifepristone, misoprostol, or medicines that contain misoprostol.

What if the abortion pill isn’t successful?

If the abortion pill is not effective at passing the pregnancy, we will help you determine what options may be best. In some cases, you can try the abortion pill a second time. We will work with you to determine if a second trial is a good option or we can refer you to a facility that offers surgical abortion or family planning services.

What happens after taking the abortion pill?

After taking both mifepristone and misoprostol, you may experience bleeding and cramping like a heavy menstrual period. Bleeding or spotting can be expected for about 1-2 weeks and may last for up to 30 days. It is possible to see blood clots and tissue as you pass the pregnancy. We encourage that you take the abortion pill during a time where you can rest for at least 48 hours after taking the medication. The amount of rest you may require varies from individual to individual. We will discuss with you the medications that you can use to help with any pain and discomfort, as well as other symptoms you may experience. It is import to avoid prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements while you take the abortion pill as they interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. It is important to also avoid alcohol and any other recreational substances as they can limit the success of the medication as well. If you have any questions about medications you may be taking and whether they could interfere, let us know during your appointment.

What are the most common side effects of the abortion pill?

Cramping and vaginal bleeding are to be expected with the abortion pill; however, sometimes you can get cramping and bleeding and still may be pregnant. This is why you will schedule a follow-up appointment at least one week after taking the abortion pill to determine if treatment was successful. Other side effects can include: nausea, weakness, fever/chills, vomiting, headache, diarrhea and dizziness.

What symptoms should I be concerned with after taking the abortion pill?

Be sure to contact us promptly or seek emergency care if you have any of the following:

• Heavy Bleeding. You bleed enough to soak through two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours or if you are concerned about the amount you are bleeding.
• Abdominal Pain or 'Feeling Sick.' You have abdominal pain or discomfort not controlled with over-the-counter pain medication, or you are "feeling sick" with weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, with or without fever, for more than 24 hours after taking the abortion pill.
• Fever. You have a fever of 100.4°F(38°C) or higher that lasts for more than 4 hours in the days after taking the abortion pill.

How soon after I take the abortion pill can I get pregnant again?

As soon as you pass your pregnancy after taking the abortion pill, it is possible that you can become pregnant again. If you do not wish to become pregnant, we recommend starting birth control as soon as it is confirmed that the abortion pill was successful and before you have intercourse again. We can discuss your options at your follow-up and recommend providers who can help you determine which type of birth control is best for you.