How Do I Take Abortion Pills?
Before taking abortion pills, a nurse or doctor will review the process with you, either in person or through a phone or video appointment. They’ll explain when and how to take each medication and answer any questions you have. Once the medicines are provided, the abortion usually takes place at home or another private, comfortable setting.
Medical abortion typically involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Step 1: Taking Mifepristone
You first take mifepristone (200 mg). This medicine works by blocking progesterone, a hormone the pregnancy needs to continue growing. Without progesterone, the pregnancy stops developing.
After taking mifepristone, you’ll take the second medication — misoprostol — either right away or up to 48 hours later, depending on your provider’s instructions. read more abortion pills price in Saudi Arabia.
Step 2: Preparing for Misoprostol
About 30 minutes before taking misoprostol, it’s recommended to:
- Take pain relief medicine for cramps (ibuprofen works best; acetaminophen is an option if needed)
- Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding
- Take anti-nausea medication if prescribed or needed
Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, which leads to cramping and bleeding.
How to Take Misoprostol
Misoprostol should not be swallowed whole, as this reduces effectiveness and increases nausea. Instead, it’s absorbed through the mouth or vagina. Your provider will advise which method is best for you.
Buccal (Cheek Method)
- Taken 24–48 hours after mifepristone
- Place 2 pills between each cheek and gum (4 pills total = 800 mcg)
- Leave in place for 30 minutes
- Swallow any remaining pieces with water after 30 minutes
Sublingual (Under the Tongue)
- Taken 24–48 hours after mifepristone
- Place 4 pills under the tongue (800 mcg total)
- Let them dissolve for 30 minutes
- Swallow any remaining fragments with water
Vaginal
- Can be used 0–48 hours after mifepristone
- Wash hands first
- Insert 4 pills deep into the vagina, one at a time
- Lie down for 30 minutes to prevent pills from falling out
- If pill fragments come out later, that’s normal once 30 minutes have passed
Some people may need a second dose of misoprostol. If instructed, an additional 4 pills (800 mcg) are taken 4 hours later.
If there is no bleeding within 24 hours after taking misoprostol, contact your healthcare provider.
How Do I Know If the Pills Worked?
Abortion pills are highly effective, especially in early pregnancy. Effectiveness depends on how far along the pregnancy is and how many doses of misoprostol are used. If the abortion isn’t complete, more medication or an in-clinic procedure may be needed. misoprostol clinical information
Your provider may:
- Give you a special pregnancy test
- Schedule an ultrasound or blood test
- Explain symptoms to watch for and what’s normal
Regular store-bought pregnancy tests can stay positive for up to 5 weeks because pregnancy hormones remain in the body — this doesn’t always mean the abortion failed.
It’s also possible to become pregnant again very soon after an abortion. If you’ve had unprotected sex, a positive test could mean a new pregnancy.
If you’re not using hormonal birth control, your period should return within 8 weeks. If it doesn’t, contact your healthcare provider.