Abortion Pill Information (RU486)
What the abortion pill (RU486) is, how it is taken, how far along in pregnancy it can be used, and why ectopic pregnancy matters. Free, confidential support.
Thinking about the abortion pill? Here is how RU486 is used, how far along you can be, and one serious condition it cannot treat.
How RU486 is used
The FDA (opens in a new tab) has approved mifepristone for ending a pregnancy through 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. This procedure usually requires three office visits. On the first visit, the woman is given pills to cause the death of the fetus. Two days later, if the fetus has not been expelled from her body, the woman is given a second drug (misoprostol) to accomplish this. One to two weeks later, an evaluation is done to determine if the procedure has been completed.
Ectopic pregnancy
RU486 will not work in the case of an ectopic pregnancy (FDA (opens in a new tab)). This is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the embryo lodges outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.
If an ectopic pregnancy is not diagnosed early, the tube may burst, causing internal bleeding and in some cases, the death of the woman.
An ultrasound can show where a pregnancy is located. Ask us about a free ultrasound.
Related information
- Abortion procedures
- Morning after pill
- If you have already taken the first pill and are having second thoughts, read about abortion pill reversal.
The Well Clinic does not perform or refer for abortions. We provide accurate information about every option so you can make an informed decision.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
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