How the Abortion Pill Works

The Abortion Pill, also known as – RU-486, Mifeprex™, and mifepristone, is a standard early abortion method in the United States. Though it is referred to as the abortion pill, it actually involves two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone – the first round of medication is designed to stop your body’s production of progesterone, a hormone necessary for the development and growth of a gestating embryo during pregnancy.

Misoprostol – the second round of medication used to induce cramping and contractions to expel the contents of the pregnancy.

Abortion Pill is FDA Approved

The abortion pill drug regimen is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use in women up to 10 weeks after the start of their last menstrual period. According to the FDA, Mifepristone must be prescribed by a healthcare provider that meets certain qualifications.

The FDA does not recommend abortion pills be purchased online since “The FDA does not have regulatory oversight of prescription medicines from outside the legitimate U.S. drug supply chain; therefore, the FDA cannot ensure the safety, effectiveness, or quality of those medications.”

Abortion Pill Symptoms & Side-Effects

Cramping and bleeding are expected when taking the abortion pill. Bleeding may be like a heavy period and can last up to sixteen days, possibly up to thirty days.

Additional side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache

Abortion Pill Complications

Like any drug, the abortion pill comes with potential negative complications. Possible complications of the abortion pill include but are not limited to:

• Bleeding requiring surgery to stop
• Incomplete/missed abortion
• Unaffected pregnancy

Before taking the abortion pill, it is imperative that you understand the risks, side effects, and possible complications of the abortion pill. Discuss this information with your healthcare provider so you can make an informed decision.

It is also essential that you follow up with your doctor one to two weeks after completing the abortion pill medication regimen to ensure there are no complications present.

Abortion Pill Reversal

If you have taken the first round of the abortion pill regimen, if your regret taking the pill and do not want to complete the abortion, abortion pill reversal is possible. Just like mifepristone functions by blocking the production of progesterone, abortion pill reversal functions by administering doses of progesterone to the patient to support the growth and development during pregnancy.

Timing is everything when it comes to successfully reversing the effects of the abortion pill. If you are having second thoughts about completing the abortion pill regimen, contact the abortion pill reversal hotline immediately.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are considering scheduling an abortion and taking the abortion pill, Life Choices can help you find information on all of the options available to you. Life Choices does not refer to or provide abortion services or the abortion pill. Alternatively, Life Choices offers free pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and additional information and support services to women.

All services come at no charge to clients. Health insurance is not necessary. Ultrasound scans are used to confirm the presence of a viable uterine pregnancy. Life Choices does not provide ultrasounds to determine gender or diagnose abnormalities. Eligibility criteria apply.

Schedule an appointment today online or call Life Choices at 402-721-5551.

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