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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 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.
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NUPAS Woolwich
I got good service from NUPAS.
NUPAS Twickenham
All of the staff were very lovely. I felt confident to be around them.
NUPAS Stoke
Every member of staff I encountered was incredible and even though I was so nervous, from the receptionist on the phone to the nurses and midwives who supported me, I am so grateful. At a very sad and difficult time, I was supported and felt no judgement.
NUPAS Stockport
Everybody I interacted with were extremely friendly, helpful and professional. Including the midwife I saw for the scan as well as the multiple ladies I spoke to on the phone. It made the whole process so much easier for me. Thank you.
NUPAS Reading
The woman I spoke to during my phone call consultation was very understanding and helpful. She made me feel very at ease and calm. Just want to say a massive thank you.
NUPAS Pills by Post
The staff made the experience a lot easier and made me less anxious. It was a safe environment and my choices felt supported.
NUPAS Manchester
Telephone Consultant was very kind and professional and knew what they were talking about, very good at their job.
NUPAS Maidenhead
I went for scan today. It was my first time. So I was very nervous about it. But when i reach the lady of NUPAS feel me comfortable and explain everything in detail. I like that. Thank you.
NUPAS Finchley
The consultant was very professional and knowledgeable, she explained everything in details.
NUPAS Essex
The nurse I saw was fantastic, she was warm friendly calm and informative! I felt well looked after with her as she was very thorough with her checks when scanning me.
NUPAS Cannock
Made to feel very comfortable and supported.
NUPAs Burton
Great team and great service. I was very scared, and confused but they have reassured me effectively and discussed all my options.
NUPAs Bolton
I have nothing but positive things to say about my whole experience ! Everyone was spectacular, I felt so supported and listened to.
NUPAS Battersea
Everyone at NUPAS were absolute angels. They made me feel so safe and reassured. They gave me all the information I needed and the number to contact if I needed to. When I did have questions or needed something changed they were great. From the man that took my request at the very start to the lady that got me ready to go home after my procedure everyone was amazing. I really can not thank you NUPAS enough.
NUPAS Aylesbury
“I am very pleased with how I was treated at NUPAS and how quick it is for your waiting times. I couldn’t thank the staff enough for how they looked after me during my time there, they were so supportive and looked after me during every second and took care of my needs. I’m so grateful for the way I was taken care of. They most certainly do a brilliant job! Without the support I had off members of staff, I wouldn’t have got through my procedure the way I did. Again thank you so much NUPAS team at stoke.”
NUPAS Stoke
“Queen was fantastic! She listened to me and answered all of my questions. She was empathetic, calm and patient. She made me feel safe to express any concerns I had about a termination and I would highly recommend the service. It’s been excellent from start to finish. Thank you”
She was empathetic, calm and patient
“Truly cannot thank the nurses/the team for everything they have done, they were truly so kind and understanding, made the process so much easier – I felt so safe and listened to, all of my questions were answered and I felt just so at ease the entire time! The small talk throughout and the fact I had a hand to hold throughout truly meant the world to me! Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart! You as a team are so appreciated!!”
I felt just so at ease the entire time!
