Mifepristone and misoprostol are two essential abortion pills for a medication abortion. The combination of the two is a popular alternative to an in-clinic surgical abortion. Medication abortion offers a private and less invasive option for women with intrauterine pregnancy seeking medical termination for an early pregnancy.
Though easy, the process can be confusing for some users, so, here we are, breaking down the complete medical abortion step by step process, right from how to take mifepristone and misoprostol, to its dosage, side effects, and safety tips.
What is Mifepristone and Misoprostol?
Mifepristone and misoprostol are sets of pills used to end an ongoing pregnancy within 10 weeks of gestation.
Mifepristone: An anti-progesterone medicine that breaks down the endometrial lining by blocking the progesterone hormone, which discontinues the pregnancy.
Misoprostol: This medicine mimics the natural prostaglandins in the body which causes the uterus to contract. The squeezing helps push out the pregnancy contents, similar to birth-giving or menstruation.
Why is the combination used?
When mifepristone and misoprostol are taken together it effectively ends the pregnancy by offering a non-invasive and private alternative to surgical abortion. For a self-managed abortion at home, you can take the abortion pills.
Medical abortion vs. surgical abortion
Abortion pills are used for a medical abortion within 10 weeks gestation, a non-invasive method in private settings, likely your home. However, surgical abortion needs surgery to remove the fetus, a less convenient method. Medical abortion offers a private solution and an easy method to expel the pregnancy.
Importance of taking pills correctly
Taking the right pill, in the right dosage, and at the right time is important. This ensures effectiveness and reduces risks. The mifepristone and misoprostol dosage is 200mg and 200 each of the four pills, respectively. Follow all abortion pill instructions provided by your healthcare provider to prevent complications and make the procedure a success.
How Mifepristone and Misoprostol Work?
Mifepristone and misoprostol are used in combination to end an early pregnancy by blocking progesterone and contracting the uterus to eliminate the pregnancy.
Mifepristone: How it blocks progesterone
How does mifepristone work? It blocks the effects of progesterone, a hormone responsible for maintaining the pregnancy. This breaks down the endometrial lining and separates the embryo from the uterine wall, making it challenging for the pregnancy to continue.
How Misoprostol Causes Contractions
As a prostaglandin E1 analog, misoprostol works similarly to the body's natural prostaglandins. The method of action of misoprostol helps push out the pregnancy tissues by causing contractions in the uterus. Additionally, it dilates and softens the cervix to facilitate a smooth ejection.
Timeline of how the process works
The medical abortion process explained:
- Day 1: Take 200 mg of mifepristone orally and swallow with water.
- Day 2 or 3: Take four misoprostol pills (each of 200 mcg = 800 mcg).
- Within 2-4 hours: Cramps and bleeding starts.
For the next few days: The pregnancy passes and the side effects lessen.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Take Mifepristone and Misoprostol
This will help you to know how and when to take mifepristone and misoprostol.
Step 1: Taking Mifepristone
- The recommended dosage is mifepristone 200 mg,
- How to take it: The mifepristone tablet should be taken with water, orally.
- What to expect after taking it: Most women may experience mild spotting or nausea, and some other common symptoms.
Step 2: Taking Misoprostol
- When to take misoprostol after mifepristone: This medication has to be taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone.
- Dosage: Take 4 pills of 200 mcg each, in total 800 mcg.
- Two methods: Buccal (cheek) or Vaginal insertion:
- Buccal: Place two tablets in your cheek pockets (between cheek and gum) and hold for 30 minutes, later swallow the remains.
- Vaginal: Insert the four pills inside the vagina towards the cervix and lie down for 30 minutes to help absorption.
- How long to wait for effects: Within 1-4 hours heavy bleeding and cramping will begin.
Make sure you follow this mifepristone misoprostol dosage guide to complete the abortion process effectively. Also, between buccal vs. vaginal misoprostol, choose whichever you are comfortable with.
What to Expect After Taking the Pills?
Common symptoms: Bleeding, cramps, nausea
- What happens after taking mifepristone? There are rarely any symptoms until you take misoprostol.
- Within a few hours of misoprostol, cramps get severe than a period.
The side effects of abortion pills include nausea, vomiting, chills, diarrhea, and mild fever.
How long does the bleeding last after misoprostol?
Expect heavy bleeding after taking misoprostol, especially for the first 4-6 hours, later it decreases as the pregnancy passes out completely. Do not feel weird if you still see light bleeding after two weeks, that’s common.
How to manage pain and discomfort?
- Take ibuprofen for pain, however, avoid aspirin.
- Use a heating pad for discomfort (cramps).
- Drink fluids for hydration and rest as much as possible.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Complications of medical abortion are rare, but there’s still a 1% chance of them happening. Before you begin with the medical abortion process, check out for these signs of incomplete abortion or an infection:
- If you continuously soak more than two pads in an hour for 2-3 hours, seek medical help.
- If pain relievers do not help, check with your healthcare provider, extreme pain can be a sign of incomplete abortion.
- A mild fever is normal, but if you have a persistent fever of more than 100°C, it can be an infection and you should seek medical attention.
- No bleeding even after taking misoprostol tablets is one of the signs of incomplete abortion.
- If you feel the side effects have worsened contact a healthcare provider to rule out any serious issues.
Safety Tips & Precautions
Follow these abortion pill safety tips for safe, effective, and private medical termination of pregnancy.
Who should not take mifepristone and misoprostol?
- Women with an ectopic pregnancy should avoid abortion with pills.
- If you have an IUD (intrauterine device) in place (remove it to take the pills).
- Certain medical conditions (kidney, liver, & heart) or severe anemia.
Avoiding alcohol and certain medications
You should know what to avoid after taking abortion pills before taking them. It’s crucial to know the interaction certain medications can interact with the effectiveness of abortion pills. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Do not take medication like blood thinners and aspirin as they can disrupt the absorption of pills or fail them.
Importance of follow-up check-up
Once you complete the process by following the correct mifepristone and misoprostol dosage guide, it’s essential to visit a healthcare provider for a follow-up check-up to confirm the abortion and check for any signs of incomplete abortion or infection.
Conclusion
Medication abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol is an effective and safe way for the termination of pregnancy, only when abortion pill instructions are followed correctly. By understanding how to take Mifepristone and Misoprostol, knowing when to take Misoprostol after Mifepristone, and recognizing signs of incomplete abortion, a safe experience with medical abortion is assured. Before taking these medications for the best guidance, make sure you have consulted a healthcare provider.