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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.
The nurse was very kind and made me feel very understood, she explained the procedure really well and made sure I was aware of everything.
Nupas Abortion Pills By Post
Had a very pleasant experience, was made to feel comfortable and any questions I asked were answered.
Nupas Preston
Lovely, caring staff. Didn’t feel judged or out of place. Very comforting environment and just grateful to have chosen this clinic.
Nupas Manchester
All of the team at NUPAS have been absolutely amazing from start to finish. Each and every one of the staff I have spoken to from the call centre, nurses , midwives and counsellors have gone above and beyond to treat me and offer me support through this tough time. Nothing is ever too much for them and they were very helpful and they all each had the time of day to listen to my worries and my needs. I felt so reassured in the care of NUPAS Bolton
Nupas Bolton
Kris, the lady that provided treatment to me was very understanding and instantly calmed my nerves. She was truly amazing from start to finish and explained everything fully!
Nupas Blackpool
Thank you very much to all the staff and nurses and call handlers. All staff were very kind, understanding and took time to answer any questions and make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Reaching out for these services can be intimidating or scary but the staff helped ease the anxiety around it. Thank you very much for offering these services and the help and support you provide.
Nupas Stoke
Very good service, discrete. The staff are caring and helpful – no judgements at all.
Nupas Woolwich
Thank you so much for your help. I was so scared but after the help of your staff during my phone consultation and in person I felt much more relaxed.
Nupas Twickenham
Kelly and the other NUPAS nurse who gave me the medication both made me feel really comfortable and were very lovely and reassuring to me – couldn’t recommend them enough.
Nupas Kilburn
The nurses have been absolutely amazing through out my treatment and made me feel very comfortable.
Nupas Essex
Extremely reassuring and knowledgeable midwife. Made me feel safe, not judged and answered all of my questions. Thank you
Nupas Battersea
The nurse who saw me was so so lovely and so friendly. She was brilliant in explaining the whole procedure and able to explain the scan and what to expect too! She did not make me feel uncomfortable and did not judge me for the choice I have made, understood my concerns and was just down to earth, really took away that nervous feeling.
So blessed we have a choice in this country.
Nupas Reading
Exceptional service. Very satisfied.
Nupas Oxford
I couldn’t have asked for more sensitivity, understanding and support. Emma was clear and answered any questions I had. There was no judgement and she approached me with so much respect. It made the conversation very easy. Big thanks to Emma
NUPAS Aylesbury
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
