About The Abortion Pill

Whether you’re thinking about having a medication abortion, you’re concerned about a woman who may be having one, or you’re someone who’s just curious about medication abortion, you may have many questions. Here are some of the most common questions we hear women ask about the abortion pill. We hope you find the answers helpful. And if you’re thinking of having a medication abortion, we hope they help you decide what is best for you.

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What Is The Abortion Pill & How Effective Is It?

The abortion pill is a medicine that ends an early pregnancy. In general, it can be used up to 63 days — 9 weeks — after the first day of a woman’s last period. Women who need an abortion and are more than 9 weeks pregnant can have an in-clinic abortion.
The name for “the abortion pill” is mifepristone. It was called RU-486 when it was being developed.

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You can feel confident in knowing that medication abortion with the abortion pill is very effective. It works about 97 out of every 100 times. You’ll follow up with your health care provider after your abortion so you can be sure that it worked and that you are well.

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Some of the medicines used in medication abortion may cause serious birth defects if the pregnancy continues. So, in the unlikely case that it doesn’t work, you will need to have an aspiration abortion to end the pregnancy.

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What Happens During a Medication Abortion?

It’s common for women to be nervous about having a medication abortion — or any other medical procedure. But many of us feel better if we know what to expect. Your health care provider will talk with you and answer your questions. Here’s a general idea of how it works and what to expect.
You will also be given a medication guide, instructions, and other information to take home with you, including a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week telephone number you can call if you have any questions or concerns.

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Medication abortion is a process that begins immediately after taking the abortion pill. There are three steps:

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Step One - The Abortion Pill - Mirepristone/Mireprex

After consulting with one of our licensed telemedicine physicians, the abortion pill, Mirepristone/Mireprex will be mailed to you. The abortion pill works by blocking the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and pregnancy cannot continue.

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Step Two - The Abortion Pill - Misoprostol/Cytotec

You will take a second medicine — misoprostol. It causes the uterus to empty.

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You and your health care provider will plan the timing and place for the second step. You’ll take the second medicine up to three days after taking the abortion pill. Your health care provider will give you instructions on how and when to take the second medicine.

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The second medicine — misoprostol — will cause you to have cramps and bleed heavily. Some women may begin bleeding before taking the second medicine. But for most, the bleeding and cramping begin after taking it. It usually lasts a few hours. You may see large blood clots or tissue at the time of the abortion.

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More than half of women abort within four or five hours after taking the second medicine. For others, it takes longer. But most women abort within a few days.

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It’s normal to have some bleeding or spotting for up to four weeks after the abortion. You may use sanitary pads or tampons. But using pads makes it easier to keep track of your bleeding.

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Step Three - Follow-Up

You will need to follow up within two weeks. This will be scheduled at the time of your initial consultation with our licensed telemedicine physicians. Follow-up is important to make sure your abortion is complete and that you are well. In some cases we may recommend that you take an ultrasound or blood test.

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In the unlikely event that you are still pregnant, your health care provider will discuss your options with you. It’s likely you will need to have an aspiration abortion if the medication abortion did not end the pregnancy.

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