Every medication can have side effects, and the abortion pill is no different. Not everyone who takes the abortion pill will have the same side effects, but patients need to be aware of all of them since some side effects of the abortion pill require medical attention.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is actually a combination of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. These medications work together to end a pregnancy.
Mifepristone blocks the hormone, progesterone, which your body needs to support the pregnancy.
Misoprostol is taken hours or days after mifepristone. It causes the uterus to begin contracting which expels the pregnancy.
Common Abortion Pill Side Effects:
The abortion pill can have many side effects ranging from uncomfortable to very serious. Common side effects include:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Cramping
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
Some people may be allergic to the medication and could have a reaction to it. It is also possible to develop an infection. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention if a woman experiences the following symptoms:
- Heavy bleeding that soaks through two or more pads in an hour
- Severe pain in the back or abdomen
- High fever
- Foul smelling discharge from the vagina
What Else Should You Know?
Since the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for pregnancies at 10 weeks gestation and under, before taking the abortion pill, you should have your pregnancy confirmed and then dated by an ultrasound.
An ultrasound is also a good idea to ensure that the pregnancy is developing inside of the uterus since the abortion pill does not work for pregnancies growing outside the uterus, (also called an ectopic pregnancy.)
These details are important to know for your personal health and safety.
How We Can Help
Meet with a patient advocate at Pathway Clinic to discuss your concerns regarding the abortion pill and the various side effects. Your patient advocate can also inform you of your options.
Contact us today to set up a no-cost appointment to confirm your pregnancy and see if you qualify for a free ultrasound.