Cytotec uses a overview of misoprostol and mifepristone
A medical abortion—commonly called "the abortion pill"—is a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective way to end an early pregnancy (usually up to 10 to 12 weeks). It uses two different medications to mimic the process of an early miscarriage. Visit medical abortion information
What is the Abortion Pill?
Despite the singular name, a medication abortion actually involves a combination of two different prescriptions taken 24 to 48 hours apart.
* Mifepristone: The first pill. It blocks progesterone, a hormone your body naturally produces to sustain a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and the pregnancy stops growing.
* Misoprostol: The second set of pills (usually four tablets). This medication causes the uterus to contract and empty its contents, essentially pushing the pregnancy out.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
The experience is a multi-day process. Most people choose to take the second medication at home where they can rest comfortably.
1. Take the Mifepristone
Day 1
You take one 200mg tablet of mifepristone by mouth. Most people feel completely normal after this step, though some light spotting or mild nausea can occur. You can generally go about your normal daily activities.
2. Wait 24 to 48 Hours
The Buffer Period
Allow the first medication time to work. Do not take the second set of pills sooner than 24 hours or later than 48 hours after the first, unless explicitly directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
3. Take the Misoprostol
Day 2 or 3
You will take four 200mcg tablets of misoprostol (800mcg total). Instead of swallowing them immediately, you place them either in your cheek pouches (buccally) or under your tongue (sublingually) for 30 minutes to dissolve, then swallow the remaining fragments with water.
4. The Expulsion Process
Hours 2 to 24 after Misoprostol
Within 1 to 4 hours of taking the misoprostol, heavy cramping and bleeding will begin. This is a sign the medication is working. The heaviest bleeding and most intense cramping usually last 2 to 6 hours as the pregnancy tissue passes.
5. The Follow-Up
7 to 14 Days Later
It is crucial to confirm the abortion was completely successful. This is done via an ultrasound, a blood test, or a specific high-sensitivity medical pregnancy test provided by a clinic.
Managing Symptoms and Pain
The day you take the misoprostol, you should plan to stay home or in a private, comfortable space with easy access to a bathroom.
* Bleeding: Expect bleeding that is significantly heavier than a standard period. You will likely pass blood clots, which can occasionally range from the size of a quarter to the size of a small lemon.
* Cramping: Uterine cramping can be intense. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen are highly recommended and can be taken right before or alongside the misoprostol. Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.
* Other Side Effects: It is completely normal to experience temporary flu-like symptoms for a few hours after taking misoprostol, including:
* Low-grade fever or chills
* Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
* Dizziness or fatigue
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While complications are incredibly rare (occurring in less than 1-3% of cases), it is important to know when to seek professional medical care. Contact a doctor or emergency services if you experience:
- Excessive Bleeding: Soaking through more than two maxi pads per hour, for two consecutive hours.
- Severe Pain: Intense abdominal pain or cramping that isn't helped by pain medication.
- High Fever: A fever above 100.4°F (38°C) that lasts for more than 24 hours, or any fever that starts days after the procedure.
- No Bleeding: Experiencing absolutely no bleeding or cramping within 24 hours of taking the misoprostol (this may indicate the abortion did not start).
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