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What is the Abortion Pill?

by | Apr 26, 2024 | Uncategorized

An unplanned pregnancy can rip the rug out from under you. At a time like this, it’s crucial to get all the facts to protect your health!

Today, we’re exploring the abortion pill, so you can make an informed decision for your unplanned pregnancy! If you’ve already taken the abortion pill, we’re here for you too! Keep reading to learn more.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is taken first. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later. 

How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill? 

The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period[1]. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, the risk of serious complications increases. You may need emergency surgery to stop heavy bleeding or complete the procedure if it fails or is incomplete[2].

Is the Abortion Pill Legal in Alabama?

Currently, abortion is illegal in Alabama, though exceptions can be made for medical emergencies[3].

If you are struggling in any way after taking the abortion pill, Abortion Recovery Alabama is here to help. We provide free, non-judgmental abortion recovery programs to help you find peace and healing. Click here to learn more. 

Can I Get Abortion Pills Over the Counter? 

The FDA now allows certain pharmacies to dispense the abortion pill over the counter. However, you can’t purchase it in the same way you would Tylenol or allergy relief medication. You still need a prescription to take the abortion pill[4].

Can I Order the Abortion Pill Online?

The FDA warns against ordering the abortion pill online, as it bypasses safety regulations designed to keep you safe. Many online abortion pill providers are located overseas, so the pills they provide may not be FDA-approved[4]. These pills could be fake, expired, or even laced with harmful substances.

What are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

Like any medical procedure, the abortion pill does have some risks and side effects. Common side effects include[5]:

  • Spotting or bleeding that can last up to a month
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea and digestive pain
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Abdominal cramping (caused by the misoprostol)

Severe abortion pill side effects include:

  • Allergic reaction. If you’re allergic to any ingredients in vaginal misoprostol, you could go into anaphylactic shock[6].
  • Hemorrhaging. It’s normal to bleed for a while after taking the abortion pill. However, if you soak through two full-size sanitary pads per hour, for two or more hours, you could be hemorrhaging[7].
  • Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after misoprostol has been taken. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection[8]. 
  • Infection. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever for more than 24 hours after taking the second medication, an infection may have developed. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat your condition[5].

If you’re experiencing severe side effects after taking the abortion pill, contact your doctor right away to receive treatment. 

 

Can the Abortion Pill be Reversed?

Yes! The abortion pill can be reversed through a process called abortion pill reversal. As the name suggests, it counteracts the effects of the first dose of the abortion pill, mifepristone. A doctor prescribes a progesterone pill to provide the body with extra progesterone, which helps the pregnancy to continue. 

Initial studies have shown a success rate of 64% to 68%[9]. However, the results of your specific situation vary. Ideally, you should start the process within 24 hours of taking mifepristone[10]. But, don’t let that discourage you! There have been successful cases where treatment was started within 72 hours of taking the first half of the abortion pill! 

Ready to start the abortion pill reversal process? Click the button below to learn more.

Start the Abortion Pill Reversal Process

Get the Facts on the Abortion Pill at Abortion Recovery Alabama

If you have already completed the abortion pill process, we are still here to help! Contact us below to learn more about our post-abortion support groups.

Give us a call at (205) 616-9417 today. All services are confidential and free of charge!

Contact Us

Please be aware that Abortion Recovery Alabama does not provide or refer for abortion services.  

Sources

  1. FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex  
  2. Redinger, A., & Nguyen, H. (2022, June 27). Incomplete Abortions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559071/ 
  3. Frequently Asked Questions: Alabama’s Abortion Ban. Alabama Policy Institute. (2022, June 24). Retrieved from https://alabamapolicy.org/2022/06/24/abortionfaq/  
  4. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2023, March 23). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
  5. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016, May 16). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html 
  6. Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
  7. FDA. (2016). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf 
  8. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687 
  9. Delgado, G., Condly, S. J., Davenport, M., Tinnakornsrisuphap, T., Mack, J., Khauv, V., & Zhou, P. S. (2018). A case series detailing the successful reversal of the effects of mifepristone using progesterone. Issues in law & medicine. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30831017/   
  10. Frequently Asked Questions. Abortion Pill Reversal. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/abortion-pill-reversal/faq