Medication Abortion

Patients will take mifepristone in the clinic, which begins the abortion process. Mifepristone alone will not cause the pregnancy to pass, so it is very important to take misoprostol as instructed. Most people do not have side effects from mifepristone, though light bleeding can happen rarely. After leaving the clinic, patients take misoprostol 4–84 hours after mifepristone.

Misoprostol can be taken buccally (between the cheek and gum) or vaginally. Cramping and bleeding usually begin within a few hours, though timing can vary. Bleeding is often much heavier than a period and may include clots or tissue. The cramping and heavy bleeding can last several hours (usually until pregnancy passes), then gradually lessen over the next few days. Because bleeding can start quickly, it is recommended to be at home when taking misoprostol. People who are sensitive to the sight or smell of blood should be prepared to see more blood than their regular menstrual cycle. 

Light to moderate bleeding or spotting can continue for days to a few weeks. Pain can usually be managed with over the counter medication, heating pads, rest, and comfort measures. A follow-up (call, message, or visit) is used to confirm the abortion is complete usually a few days or weeks after. Fertility can return to what it was prior to abortion, so birth control can be started right away if desired.