There seems to be a lot of mystery around the abortion pill and many myths. Here we have important and valuable information you need to know about the abortion pill. Firstly, you may need a pregnancy test. We can provide you with a free pregnancy test and an ultrasound to confirm how many weeks you are pregnant and confirm that it is a viable pregnancy (not an ectopic pregnancy). Make an appointment at the link above or call us at 513-321-3100 to schedule an appointment.
What is the Abortion Pill?
A chemical abortion is a procedure that uses medication to end a pregnancy.
The abortion pill is also known as RU-486, (mifepristone) is used in a regimen with another prescription medicine called misoprostol, to end an early pregnancy. Early pregnancy is defined as less than 70 days (10 weeks) since your last menstrual period began. Mifepristone is not approved for ending pregnancies that are further along.
The first pill (mifepristone) is taken on Day 1 and blocks the hormone, progesterone, needed for your pregnancy to continue. This pill cuts off the supply of blood and nutrients to the developing embryo.
Within 24 to 48 hours after taking the first pill, a second series of pills called misoprostol is taken at home to cause contractions. The pregnancy will then be expelled from your uterus within 2 to 24 hours after taking the second set of pills. During this process, you will have cramping and heavy bleeding with large clots that will likely be heavier than your usual period. Up to 7% of women taking the abortion pill will still need a surgical procedure to stop bleeding or because the pregnancy did not completely pass from the uterus.
Who should not take the Abortion Pill?
Do not take the abortion pill if you:
- Have a pregnancy that is more than 70 days (10 weeks). The abortion provider must do a clinical examination, an ultrasound, or other testing to determine how far along you are in pregnancy.
- Are using an IUD (intrauterine device). It must be removed before you take the first pill.
- Have been told by a physician that you have a pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).
- Have problems with your adrenal glands (chronic adrenal failure).
- Take a medicine to thin your blood.
- Have a bleeding problem.
- Have porphyria.
- Take certain steroid medicines.
- Are allergic to mifepristone or misoprostol or other medications that list these as ingredients.
Concerns after taking the Abortion Pill
What symptoms should I be concerned with?
Be sure to contact the abortion clinic or your healthcare provider promptly if you have any of the following:
- Heavy Bleeding. Call immediately if you soak through two thick sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours, or if you are concerned about heavy bleeding. Bleeding can be so heavy that it requires a surgical procedure (surgical aspiration or D&C).
- Abdominal Pain or “Feeling Sick.” If you have abdominal pain or discomfort, or you are “feeling sick,” including weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, with or without fever, more than 24 hours after taking the first pill, contact your healthcare provider without delay. These symptoms may be a sign of a serious infection or another problem including ectopic pregnancy.
- Fever. In the days after treatment, if you have a fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts for more than 4 hours, you should contact your healthcare provider right away. Fever may be a symptom of a serious infection or another problem. If you cannot reach the abortion clinic or your healthcare provider, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
If you visit an emergency room or a healthcare provider who did not give you the abortion pill, you should make them aware that you are having a chemical abortion.
If you are still pregnant after the abortion pill process, please contact your healthcare provider.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you change your mind, it is possible to reverse the effects of the first abortion pill (mifepristone) within 24 to 72 hours. It is imperative to call as soon as possible! You can be given a treatment of progesterone. Naturally found in the body, progesterone has been used for decades for pregnancies at risk for miscarriage, without significant undesired effects. Find out more: our link to Abortion Pill Reversal. Or call us at 513-321-3100.
Do Not Buy the Abortion Pill Over the Internet
The FDA warns against buying the abortion pill over the internet because you will bypass important safeguards designed to protect your health.
The abortion pill has special safety restrictions on how it is distributed to the public. Also, drugs purchased from foreign internet sources are NOT the FDA-approved versions of the drugs, and they are not subject to FDA-regulated manufacturing and inspection controls.
Other Names for the Abortion Pill Are:
RU-486
Mifeprex = mifepristone
Cytotec = misoprostol
Notes:
Life-threatening abortion injuries are not always apparent at the time of the procedure. It is important to visit the clinic for a follow-up appointment after the abortion. If you have any unusual physical problems in the weeks that follow your abortion, seek medical attention immediately as you may be having complications.
If you ever have reason to suspect that you are still pregnant after your abortion, seek medical attention immediately. You may have an ectopic or tubal pregnancy that could rupture and cause death.
If you are a minor and you have an abortion without telling your parents, let them know immediately if you develop problems that you think may be related to the procedure.
More Information
Blog Post: All About Abortion Pill Reversal
Blog Post: 9 Must-Know Patient Rights
Sources:
AAPLOG
Posted on August 12, 2019 View the blog
