The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion or medical abortion, is a method of abortion used to end an early pregnancy. This type of abortion uses two drugs, which are taken in separate doses to end the pregnancy.  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 the following dosing regimen:

• On Day One, the first pill is taken by mouth
• 24 to 48 hours after taking the first pill, the second medication is taken buccally (in the cheek pouch), at a location appropriate for the patient
• About seven to fourteen days after taking the first pill, the patient should follow-up with the healthcare provider to ensure the procedure was successful.

According to the FDA, some women are advised not to take the first medication, which blocks the progesterone hormone.  A woman should not take this drug 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), which can be diagnosed by our free ultrasound
• has problems with the adrenal glands (the glands near the kidneys)
• is currently being treated with long-term steroid therapy (medications)
• has had an allergic reaction to either of the drugs used for 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) 

What are the side effects of the abortion pill?

Before taking the Abortion Pill or any other medication, make sure to get information from a trusted source so that you understand how it works and the possible side effects. Some of the documented common side effects of the abortion pill include:

• Abdominal pain
• Severe cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fever and chills

Some more severe risks could include:

• Seeing fetal parts expelled
• Sustained fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• A possible life-threatening infection known as sepsis (severe systemic infection)
• Failure to abort (which may require an additional surgical abortion procedure to complete the termination)
• An undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy
• Hemorrhaging or prolonged heavy bleeding
• Fainting

Women who have taken already taken the first dose of the abortion pill and find themselves experiencing any of the more severe risks or complications above, should contact their healthcare provider for instruction.

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.