07 Jan A Comprehensive Guide to Misoprostol and Mifepristone

With the advancement of science and medicine, several ways have been developed to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Methods that include pills like Misoprostol and Mifepristone are considered the safest for patients, with fewer side effects than surgeries.

These medications are safe and helpful when used under strict medical supervision. Yet, their purpose, interactions with medical conditions and other drugs, and possible risks shouldn’t remain unknown.

If you want to know where to get the abortion pill, it simply makes sense to opt for licensed healthcare providers or certified women’s clinics. Don’t even think about getting them over the counter or without expert medical advice, as that might cause unwanted health issues like low blood pressure or severe infections.  

This article gives general knowledge of abortion pills by explaining their mechanisms, associated risks, and why consulting medical experts means the world. So, by keeping yourself informed, you can take the best care of your health and properly handle this delicate situation.

What Are Abortion Pills?  

Pregnancy termination drugs like misoprostol and mifepristone are commonly used to cause the termination of early pregnancies. These pills work in different ways, so they’re usually combined for optimum results for patients seeking non-surgical methods.

Mifepristone reduces the effect of a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone is crucial for maintaining pregnancy, so a lack of it causes its termination. On the other hand, Misoprostol makes the womb contract, thus easing the removal of the pregnancy tissue.

Usually, these drugs are prescribed for use in the first two and half months of pregnancy, i.e., within the first 10 weeks or the first trimester. When taken under medical supervision, their success rate is almost 98%. But it’s essential to know these abortion pills come with certain risks. However, if used as prescribed and under proper medical supervision, taking them should be effective and pose little threat to health.

How Abortion Pills Work  

As explained, misoprostol and mifepristone work in tandem to terminate a pregnancy. Mifepristone comes first, as it acts like a progesterone antagonist. Without this hormone, the lining of the uterus (in charge of keeping the fertilized egg) breaks down, so the pregnancy can’t progress and develop.

In about 24 to 48 hours after the dose of mifepristone, the patient takes misoprostol. The first pill caused the progesterone stoppage and uterus lining breakage. Now, the second one hits to expel this tissue from the womb. This process resembles a miscarriage, with the following symptoms: cramps, bleeding, and, in some cases, nausea.

On the source below, learn how to deal with the period after the pregnancy termination:

https://patient.info/womens-health/abortion-termination-of-pregnancy

Both medications, if used as prescribed by a seasoned physician, are quite effective. Patients must use these pills in the specified timeline. Also, receiving proper aftercare after this procedure is a must to ensure the pregnancy was terminated successfully.

Main Side Effects You’re Likely to Experience  

Pills that trigger miscarriage are likely to carry certain side effects. Expected ones are the already-mentioned cramps, dizziness, and some bleeding. These are more or less normal inconveniences that shouldn’t last. But sometimes, cramping can be severe when the uterus contracts, and bleeding can last a couple of days.

Most of these symptoms are normally mild and likely to disappear once the process is done. Even though expected, it’s not pleasant to experience any of these. Also, many factors affect the side effects’ severity, like the pregnancy stage or the patient’s age and overall health. Writing things down and reporting any worrisome signs makes it easier for a healthcare provider to detect and treat an issue after using abortion pills.

Potential Health Risks  

As said, abortion pills are a relatively safe way to terminate pregnancy if you take them under medical supervision. Like every other medication, they come with certain side effects and health risks. We’ve already mentioned what you can expect after taking misoprostol and mifepristone, but it’s also good to know the potential risks.

The first adverse effect is an incomplete abortion. In that case, the pregnancy tissue isn’t completely expelled, which means another removal procedure, which is usually invasive. Also, some women might experience heavy bleeding, which can eventually cause anemia and the need for blood transfusion.

Severe complications like infections are rare, but likely possible if the patient doesn’t receive proper after-treatment care. Also, that is the risk if the procedure is done in an unauthorized medical setting or unhygienic environment. If you feel abdominal pain, have a fever, or smell any unpleasant odor, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Reasons to Seek Emergency Care

Be well aware of abortion pills’ risks and be ready to consult a health care provider whenever any of the worrying signs prevail during or after taking abortion pills. Certain conditions require emergency care, and it’s of utmost importance to detect them on time.

Pay attention to signs like heavy bleeding (like changing two or more pads within an hour) or sharp stomach pain, go to the doctor at once. Also, seek emergency help if you develop a fever above 100.4°F, feel chills, or notice a strange-smelling discharge. These are likely signs of an infection that needs urgent treatment.

Undergoing this procedure in certified clinics means the abortion is safer and efficient and that complications will be addressed and solved on time. See here how to find doctors for this procedure. Never risk with shoddy facilities with poor reviews and “experts” with bad reputations.

It also reduces the chance of any health complications as you have professional doctors and get pills from certified providers. Never take over-the-counter abortion pills or those from untrusted sources, as it can never be a good idea.

Medicine has advanced a lot, and now procedures such as abortion are generally safe and effective. Still, it’s always important to consult a doctor and never take pills like misoprostol and mifepristone on your own. And just a quick reminder, it’s never wrong to ask for medical help if you feel any symptoms or discomfort during or after the procedure.

More information:

• https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/medication-abortion-your-questions-answered
• https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/ending-pregnancy-with-medications

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Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD