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Frequently Asked QuestionsTaking Mifepristone & Misoprostol: How it Works & The Side Effects
The abortion pill is also called an Early Medical Abortion (EMA). These pills provide a safe way to end an early pregnancy. You can have an EMA with abortion pills up to 10 weeks into the pregnancy.
What is Mifepristone?
Mifepristone is an oral tablet that when used in regimen with Misoprostol tablets, ends a pregnancy gestation that is 10 weeks or less.
- Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy, which stops the pregnancy from progressing.
- Misoprostol then softens the cervix and triggers uterine contractions, leading to the expulsion of the pregnancy.
How to Take Mifepristone & Misoprostol
It is essential that you follow the guidelines of your healthcare provider when taking this medication and that you report to them immediately if you show signs of allergic reaction or other side effects.
The typical dosage for ending a pregnancy involves taking one 200 mg tablet of mifepristone on Day 1, followed by 800 mcg of misoprostol (four 200 mcg tablets) 24 to 48 hours later.
The mifepristone tablet is swallowed whole, while the misoprostol tablets are placed inside your cheek (buccally). To do this, put two tablets on one side of your mouth between your upper lip and gum, and two on the other side.
Let them dissolve for 30 minutes, then swallow any remaining pieces with water or another liquid.
Bleeding usually begins around 2 hours after taking the second pills. There will also be some pain and cramping. Most people will not bleed after taking the first pill. The abortion usually takes place between 2 - 12 hours after taking the second pills.
What Are the Side Effects of Mifepristone?
Common side effects of mifepristone when used to terminate a pregnancy include:
- Excessive vaginal bleeding
- Incomplete abortion
- Infection
- Allergic reactions
- A feeling of light-headedness
- Feeling feverish
- High temperature
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or sickness
Call our aftercare line if you do not bleed or suffer from the above symptoms.
How Much Will I Bleed During a Medical Abortion?
Bleeding can differ from person to person and with each abortion experience. During a medical abortion, it's normal to have light, moderate, or heavy bleeding. Not everyone will pass blood clots, but for those who do, the clots should not be larger than the size of a lemon. It’s important to have sanitary towels that are suitable for a heavy flow at home.
How Long Do Mifepristone Side Effects Last?
If you are not already experiencing vaginal bleeding after taking mifepristone, it will likely begin after taking misoprostol. You must use menstrual pads rather than tampons or menstrual cups so you can monitor your blood flow.
You can expect bleeding or spotting for an average of 15 days, and it may continue for up to 30 days. The bleeding may be similar to or heavier than a normal period, and you may pass blood clots and tissue, which is a normal part of the process.
Abortion Pills by Post with NUPAS
Get in touch with NUPAS
Give us a call:
The NUPAS abortion pills by post service allows our patients to take the medical abortion pills at home without having to attend a clinic. We will always ensure it is safe for the abortion pills to be sent to your home and for you to take them there. If it is not medically safe for you to use the pills at home, we will discuss alternative treatment options with you during your consultation and assessment.
Our treatment pack comes with an instruction leaflet. This leaflet gives full details on how and when to take the pills.
FAQS on Mifepristone & Misoprostol:
Mifepristone, in combination with misoprostol, should not be used for medical termination if more than 70 days have passed since the first day of your last menstrual period, or if you:
- Have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus)
- Have adrenal gland issues (glands located near the kidneys)
- Are on long-term corticosteroid treatment
- Have had an allergic reaction to mifepristone, misoprostol, or similar medications
- Have bleeding disorders or are taking blood-thinning medications
- Have inherited porphyria (a rare disorder affecting the liver and other organs)
Mifepristone is a medication that blocks progesterone, a hormone essential for maintaining pregnancy. When combined with another drug called misoprostol, it is used to terminate a pregnancy up to 10 weeks gestation.
Most pregnancies are passed 2 to 24 hours after taking the misoprostol tablets. Mifepristone alone will not terminate a pregnancy.
Misoprostol is designed to gradually soften the cervix. It can take several hours. This enables the body to expel the foetus from the uterus. It is used not just for abortion but also to induce labour in women who are ready to give birth.
Insert all 4 tablets vaginally one at a time, this may be easiest laying down. Lay down for 30 minutes after inserting to ensure they start dissolving properly.
If you prefer, place them between your gum and cheek. You can take your preferred pain relief 10 minutes before taking the misoprostol.
No, contraceptive pills will not end a pregnancy. Mifepristone contains the hormone that ends a pregnancy, whereas the contraception pill contains hormones that prevent ovulation and thicken the lining of the uterus.
Both ladies I spoke to on the phone were amazing. They talked me through everything and made sure I felt comfortable about my choices. They made me feel at ease. I highly recommend to anyone in need of their care
NUPAS Pills By Post
The nurse who I spoke to was so professional and understanding. I was never made to feel pressured or guilty. Thank you.
NUPAs Preston
Really helpful and kind staff – thank you for your help and support during a difficult time.
NUPAS Manchester
Very supportive staff!
NUPAS Leeds
Really appreciate the quick service, kind, considerate and non-judgemental approach and the support provided.
NUPAS Bolton
I am so grateful for the service & the choice we have. The nurse that saw me was lovely.
NUPAS Stoke
Both ladies at my appointment looked after me very well and really helped to calm my emotions.
NUPAS Cannock
In my experience, a very caring service. I feel I know what I’m doing now, and wasn’t pressured into a decision. I was terrified to call but the service was so much better than I could expect. Thank you
NUPAS Burton
Excellent experience
NUPAS Woolwich
Both staff members I spoke to were so lovely and polite I really appreciated how friendly and caring they are and the time they took to explain everything. Thankyou
NUPAS Twickenham
The staff made a difficult situation so much easier. So kind and caring.
NUPAS Finchley
Kelly, my midwife, made me feel incredibly comfortable and at ease during the process.
NUPAS Battersea
Wonderful staff and brilliant location. Felt very at ease and was faced with non-judgmental yet professional staff.
NUPAS Maidenhead
Everyone I spoke with was professional and kind and understanding. I didn’t feel judged about my decision.
NUPAS Oxford
The nurse made me feel at ease in what was a really difficult time. She gave me all the information needed so I didn’t need to worry about treatment on top of everything else.
NUPAS Reading
I came away feeling confident with how best to proceed with the medication. The nurse was very professional and non judgmental which I really appreciated.
NUPAS Aylesbury
I was very pleased, comfortable and at eased with the whole service.
NUPAS Preston
Both the phone consultation and the in person appointment was both professional and supportive towards my needs. Thank you!!!
NUPAS Maidenhead
