What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

If you are considering having a medical abortion to end your pregnancy, it’s important to understand how the drugs work and the potential side effects they can cause, so you can be fully aware as you make decisions.

At The Well Clinic, we offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds as well as abortion information and counseling to help support you through an unexpected pregnancy and give you access to accurate information, no matter the option you choose.

Make an appointment for a free, confidential visit. We are here to listen.

How the abortion pill works

The abortion pill is a two-drug step process used through ten weeks of gestation (opens in a new tab) as approved by the FDA. The first drug taken is called mifepristone (opens in a new tab), which blocks progesterone, a hormone that supports the growth of the pregnancy. It works by causing the uterine lining (opens in a new tab) to thin, causing the pregnancy to detach and end.

The second drug taken within 24 to 48 hours of mifepristone is misoprostol (opens in a new tab). This drug causes your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.

Every woman responds differently to the abortion pill, but the process can be painful, which is why painkillers are often given for the process.

The abortion pill isn’t an option for everyone. For example, you may be too far along in your pregnancy or have an ectopic pregnancy (opens in a new tab), which is when your pregnancy grows outside of the uterus in an unsafe location.

The side effects of the abortion pill

Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding are the main side effects of the abortion pill; however, there are some other side effects (opens in a new tab) to be aware of, such as:

• Vomiting
• Fever
• Upset stomach
• Chills
• Headache
• Diarrhea

Possible risks of the abortion pill

Although rare, there are some more serious risks (opens in a new tab) to be aware of if you opt for a medical abortion, such as heavy bleeding that will not stop, an incomplete abortion, digestive pain, infection, and an allergic reaction.

Starting the abortion pill without a follow-up care plan or access to emergency care puts your health at risk due to the above complications.

Get the information and support you need

We are here to help you through every step of your pregnancy and can help give you the information you need about your pregnancy options: abortion, parenting, and adoption, judgment-free, in a confidential appointment.

No matter your decision, we are here to provide free pregnancy services, including testing and ultrasounds, so you can be well-informed about your pregnancy and protect your health.

The Well Clinic does not perform or refer for abortions. We provide accurate information about every option so you can make an informed decision.