What Should I Know About the Second Abortion Pill (Misoprostol)?

If you are considering the abortion pill, you may know it involves two drugs, but feel less clear on what each one actually does. 

The second drug, misoprostol, is the one that causes most of the physical effects. 

Understanding how it works on your body is a meaningful first step toward protecting your health as you think through your options.

At Alpha Pregnancy Care Center, we offer free pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound to help you understand your pregnancy before making any decisions. Schedule your free appointment today.

What Is Misoprostol?

The abortion pill is a two-drug regimen. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone and stops the pregnancy from developing. 

Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and push the pregnancy and related tissue out of the body through vaginal bleeding.

The FDA approves this regimen only through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. Taking misoprostol beyond that window raises the risk of complications, including an incomplete abortion.

What Misoprostol Does to Your Body

Misoprostol is responsible for the most intense part of the process. 

Cramping and heavy bleeding usually begin within a few hours of taking the pill.

Common physical effects include:

• Heavy cramping, often stronger than a typical menstrual period
• Heavy vaginal bleeding and the passing of clots or tissue
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Chills, low-grade fever, or headache

Symptoms typically peak within a few hours of taking misoprostol and ease within 24 hours, though lighter bleeding may continue for several weeks.

Risks You Should Know About

Misoprostol carries serious risks you should weigh carefully. An incomplete abortion is one of them and may require follow-up surgical care.

Seek care right away if you are soaking through more than 2 thick pads per hour for 2 or more consecutive hours, or if you have severe pain that does not improve. 

A fever lasting longer than 24 hours or foul-smelling vaginal discharge can be signs of an infection. Having a plan for follow-up care in place before you begin is an important step in protecting your health.

Confirm Your Pregnancy First

Before considering misoprostol, an ultrasound can confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy and rule out an ectopic pregnancy, a condition where the pregnancy implants outside the uterus. 

An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that the abortion pill cannot treat. Skipping an ultrasound scan could put your health at serious risk.

We Are Here to Help

Alpha Pregnancy Care Center provides free, lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds in a safe, confidential environment. 

Our trained staff will walk you through your results, answer your questions, and make sure you have the information you need before taking any next steps.

Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.