Abortion Pill

The abortion pill is a medical abortion that uses two drugs.  The first pill blocks the progesterone hormone which is needed for pregnancy to continue.  When used together with the second pill, it will end an early pregnancy (70 days or less since the first day of the last menstrual period or 10 wks LMP).

How is it taken?  The FDA has approved a dosing regimen:

• On Day One: 200 mg of the first pill taken by mouth
• 24 to 48 hours after taking the first pill: 800 mcg of the second pill is taken buccally (in the cheek pouch), at a location appropriate for the patient
• About seven to fourteen days after taking the first pill: follow-up with the healthcare provider

The documented side effects of the abortion pill include abdominal pain, severe cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fever and chills.

Risks include seeing embryonic parts expelled, possible life-threatening infection known as sepsis (severe systemic infection), some fail to abort (which may require an additional surgical abortion procedure to complete the termination), undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, possible hemorrhaging.

Information is lacking about the long-term mental health effects of medical abortion, particularly, how women feel about giving themselves an abortion, and seeing fetal parts expelled.

According to the FDA, some women should not take the abortion pill.  A woman should not take it if it has been more than 70 days since the first day of her last menstrual period, or if she:

• has an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of the uterus)
• has problems with the adrenal glands (the glands near the kidneys)
• is currently being treated with long-term corticosteroid therapy (medications)
• has had an allergic reaction to the abortion pill or similar drugs
• has bleeding problems or is taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) drug products
• has inherited porphyria
• has an intrauterine device (IUD) in place (it must be removed before taking the abortion pill)

Women who have taken the abortion pill should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions including the associated risks and complications that can occur such as:

• Sustained fever, severe abdominal pain, prolonged heavy bleeding, or fainting.
• Abdominal pain or discomfort, or general malaise (“feeling sick,” including weakness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, with or without fever)

Though not as common, their are other medical abortions options for late-term abortions.  Each comes with their own procedures and risks.

Before taking the Abortion Pill or any other medication, get information from a trusted source so that you understand how it works and the possible side effects. Women have trusted Pregnancy Resource Center of the Poconos with pregnancy decisions since 1985.

*Pregnancy Resource Center of the Poconos does NOT provide the actual abortion pill, only information about the abortion pill.