Taking Mifepristone & Misoprostol: How it Works & The Side Effects

Q: What does mifepristone do?

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.

Q: How long does it take for mifepristone to work?

Most pregnancies are passed 2 to 24 hours after taking the misoprostol tablets. Mifepristone alone will not terminate a pregnancy.

Q: How long does it take for misoprostol to soften the cervix?

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.

Q: How to use misoprostol vaginally?

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.

Q: Can I take birth control pills to end a pregnancy?

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. Learn more about the abortion pills here

Q: What are Mifepristone and Misoprostol Tablets Used For?

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.

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.

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What is Mifepristone?

Mifepristone is an oral tablet that when used in regimen with Misoprostol tablets, ends a pregnancy of 10 weeks or less.

Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy, which stops the pregnancy from progressing.

Misoprostol Tablet Uses

Misoprostol 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.

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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.

Using mifepristone and misoprostol- NUPAS Abortion services

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Get in touch with NUPAS

Give us a call:

United Kingdom:
0333 004 6666

Republic of Ireland:
(01) 874 0097

Overseas:
0044 161 4872660

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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.

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FAQS on Mifepristone & Misoprostol:

Who should not use mifepristone with misoprostol for a medical termination of pregnancy?

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)

What does mifepristone do?

How long does it take for mifepristone to work?

How long does it take for misoprostol to soften the cervix?

How to use misoprostol vaginally?

Can I take birth control pills to end a pregnancy?

What are Mifepristone and Misoprostol Tablets Used For?

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