What is the Abortion Pill?

Jul 14, 2024

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! 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 Abortion Legal in North Carolina?

Effective July 1, 2023, most abortions are illegal in North Carolina after 12 weeks gestation. However, exceptions can be made through 20 weeks in cases of rape and incest and through 24 weeks for “life-limiting” fetal anomalies and medical emergencies[3].

Before taking the abortion pill, consider receiving a free ultrasound at Choices Women’s Center to determine how far along you are. If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along for abortion, we will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future!

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! It’s best to speak to a licensed medical professional first!

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].

Abortion Pill Information in North Carolina

When your pregnancy test comes back positive, it can be easy to panic. Don’t let fear make any decisions for you! Get the care and support you deserve at Choices Women’s Center! We offer free resources, so you can make an empowered decision for your unplanned pregnancy!

Give us a call at (252) 237-6833 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge!

Schedule An Appointment
Please be aware that Choices Women’s Center 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. SENATE BILL 20 RATIFIED BILL. North Carolina General Assembly. (2023, May 4). https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2023/Bills/Senate/PDF/S20v5.pdf
  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. (2023, December 2023). 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
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