What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

You’re pregnant, and now you are considering your options…one of these options is a medical abortion or the “abortion pill” (RU-486). The abortion pill procedure is carried out in early pregnancy and is FDA-approved until ten weeks gestation. It uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol.

Like any medical procedure, the abortion pill has side effects you should know about. Being informed is the best way to make a pregnancy decision. We’ll walk you through what you need to know.

How Will I Feel After Taking the Abortion Pill?

As mentioned, two medications end a pregnancy during the abortion pill procedure. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that sustains the pregnancy. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy from the uterus.

All women who have taken the abortion pill will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. They may have other side effects, such as:

Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
Headache
Diarrhea

These side effects can range from mild to severe. If you experience discomfort after taking the abortion pill, medications given by your medical provider may help.

Risks of the Abortion Pill

The chances of developing a risk are low, but it’s still possible. Risks of the abortion pill include:

Digestive system discomfort
Fever
Infection
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by surgical abortion)

If you experience signs of something amiss, visit the emergency room immediately. Without proper treatment, you may experience life-threatening complications.

Pregnant? Need More Information?

If you’re pregnant, considering your options is essential. Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise is a medical clinic offering services including but not limited to: pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, limited STD testing and treatment, pregnancy information, and education on all options.

You are not alone; we are here to help women facing unplanned pregnancies.