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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 and 0 days 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. Alternatively, they can be taken vaginally, inserting all tablets into the vagina.
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.
Mifepristone and Misoprostol tablets are used together to terminate a pregnancy no longer than 10 weeks and 0 days of gestation. It functions by blocking the hormone needed to sustain the uterine lining. Once this hormone is suppressed, the uterus can no longer support the pregnancy, leading to the expulsion of its contents.
Every member of staff was so helpful, friendly and kind. Nurse Taiwo in particular went above and beyond to help me with my treatment because there was an issue with the GP reply. Very impressed.
NUPAS Woolwich
The nurse was so kind and professional, she helped me to relax and feel comfortable. Thank you so much
NUPAS Twickenham
I was very impressed with how me & my daughter were treated at the clinic.
NUPAS Stoke
I was offered a scan two hours after my phone appointment, I find it excellent.
NUPAS Reading
I had a very pleasant experience with Natalie. She was extremely kind, attentive, and professional throughout my care. She made me feel safe and heard, calmly and empathetically explaining everything she was doing. It’s clear that she truly cares about her patients and is passionate about her work. Thank you
NUPAS Preston
I spoke to Helen for my phone consultation, she was extremely helpful and kind making sure I had all the information I needed. She was very calm and comforting to speak to. I could not fault my phone consultation.
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The staff at the Manchester clinic were brilliant they made me feel very at ease, if only every medical appointment had staff of this calibre! Personable, caring, kind and knowledgeable. The ladies were all great. Thank you.
NUPAS Manchester
Ade was so kind and polite with me. This process can be very overwhelming but she made sure I was okay throughout and spoke to me with no judgment, as if I was with my friend. I really appreciate this so much and I will be forever be grateful for her service and support.
NUPAS Kilburn
Thank you both the ladies who assisted me on that day. Especially the lady who did my scan she was absolutely amazing, made me feel really reassured, understood and safe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
NUPAS Finchley
I honestly cannot fault this service in anyway. Each professional was very knowledgeable and kind. The process was smooth, and for someone who was very worried and feeling stressed, I felt calm and at ease throughout the whole process.
NUPAS Essex
I felt really supported by everyone at NUPAS. Everyone took my preferences into account and I was shown care throughout the process. I really appreciated small touches by the team to make sure that I was always comfortable and at ease with the situation (for example, making sure that my glasses had been put back on prior to my coming round from anaesthesia, it was a small gesture which really demonstrated the team’s duty of care to their patient).
NUPAS Bolton
Feel extremely grateful to be able to access such a compassionate service like this over phone. Emily was kind and understanding, very clear and I feel so relieved.
NUPAS Blackpool
The phone call and in-person scan were both done professionally and made me feel extremely comfortable
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NUPAS Woolwich
Everyone who I have had contact with within the NUPAS team has been wonderful and very caring of my needs. I have felt very safe in their hands.
NUPAS Twickenham
Nupas staff went above and beyond to meet my needs. Very lovely and caring staff.
NUPAS Stoke
I am very satisfied from day one when l phoned NUPAS up to today when l went for a scan and my medications. Thanks a lot NUPAS.
NUPAS Stockport
Just wanted to add an enormous thank you for the care and kindness offered by all I have spoken with at NUPAS! What an incredible service.
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