How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
Abortion Defined
An abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy. This can be accomplished through two main methods: a medical abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,†or surgical abortion.
Mifepristone and Misoprostol
The term “abortion pill†is commonly used to reference what are two separate drugs used in medical abortion. Mifepristone and Misoprostol have been approved by the FDA to be used together to end a pregnancy, up to 70 days of gestation.1
The FDA approved medical abortion procedure includes:
- 200mg of Mifepristone taken orally
- 24-48 hrs later, 800mg of Misoprostol is taken buccally (in the cheek)
- 7-14 days later, a healthcare worker will perform an exam to ensure the abortion is complete
Mifepristone is a drug that blocks the hormone progesterone.2 Pregnancy requires progesterone and by blocking it, the baby cannot continue to develop. Misoprostol is a drug that makes the uterus contract and expel blood, the remains of the baby, and the placenta through the vagina.3
Abortion Pill Side Effects and Risks
Never take or purchase medical abortion drugs without instruction from your doctor. Taking medical abortion drugs that are not approved by the FDA can increase health risks. A licensed medical professional is required to properly administer the abortion pill.
Although the abortion pill is an approved medical procedure, it still carries a variety of side effects. Common abortion pill side effects include:4
- Abdominal pain or uterine cramping
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
Medical abortions do have risks of complications including incomplete abortion and persistent, heavy bleeding.5 Other risks include:
- Infection
- Fever
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Allergic reactions to the drugs
Contact your doctor immediately if you have a fever that lasts for more than 24-48 hours, experience continued, heavy bleeding, or have foul smelling vaginal discharge. These symptoms may be signs of an infection.
If you are considering medical abortion, you are not alone. Our nurses are here to provide you with accurate information so you can make the choice that is right for you.
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1 FDA Approved Abortion Pill Process: https://www.compasscare.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Mifeprex-mifepristone-Information-_-FDA.pdf
2 FDA. Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation#:~:text=Mifepristone%20is%20a%20drug%20that,of%20the%20last%20menstrual%20period).
3 Mayo Clinic. Medical Abortion: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
4 Mayo Clinic. Drugs and Supplements: Mifepristone (Oral Route):
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067123
5 Clevland Clinic. Medical Abortion: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion