How does the abortion pill work?
The first pill, mifepristone, blocks a hormone necessary for a pregnancy to continue to develop. Most people will feel fine after taking mifepristone and can resume normal activity until they take the misoprostol. You may see a small amount of bleeding after taking mifepristone, but this is normal.
The second set of pills, misoprostol, cause cramping and bleeding from the vagina so that the pregnancy will leave your body (similar to a miscarriage). It is usually taken at home within 72 hours after taking mifepristone, the first pill.
Since these medications require a prescription and there is an order to how you use them, carafem staff has special training and easy-to-understand handouts to help you through this process. It’s worth mentioning that abortion pills are different from birth control pills or emergency contraception pills (Plan B). This article explains the differences between EC and the abortion pill.
How do I take the abortion pill?
Step 1 Mifepristone:
Take the first pill when you are ready to begin
When you are ready to begin the medication abortion, take one (1) mifepristone pill, it’s a single pill in a blister pack. Swallow it with water just like any other pill. Remember to make a note of the date and time you took the mifepristone. Most people will feel fine after taking the mifepristone, and you can resume normal activity until you take the Misoprostol. You may see a small amount of bleeding. This is normal, and you should complete Step 2 with Misoprostol even if you see bleeding after taking just the mifepristone.
Step 2 Misoprostol:
Up to 72 hrs later take the 2nd set of pills
Misoprostol is not swallowed like most other medications. There are two ways to take it: vaginally or buccally (by holding it in your mouth cheeks and letting it dissolve). You may choose whichever way is most comfortable for you. You can take misoprostol at any time after taking the mifepristone, from immediately after mifepristone up to 72 hours later. It is most effective when taken between 6 and 48 hours after taking mifepristone.
Your choice of method impacts when you should take misoprostol. If you want to take misoprostol less than 24 hours after taking mifepristone, it should be taken vaginally. If you want to take misoprostol bucally (in your cheeks), you should wait at least 24 hours after taking mifepristone.
Step 3 wait for the medication to take effect:
The abortion begins within 1-4 hours after taking Misoprostol.
Many people will start to have cramping and bleeding within 1 to 4 hours after taking the misoprostol. In some people, it can take up to 24 hours for bleeding and cramping to start. Both are normal.
