The abortion pill may seem like a quick and effective solution to an unplanned pregnancy. However, like any medical procedure, it comes with risks and side effects you need to be aware of.
Before you take the pill, take time to get the facts. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect when you take the abortion pill.
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 to 48 hours later.[1]
It’s important to know that the FDA has only approved the abortion pill up to 10 weeks of gestation.[2] Before taking the abortion pill, you should receive an ultrasound to determine how far along you are and whether you’re at risk for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. In either case, abortion is no longer an option to consider.
How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take to Work?
Mifepristone is usually taken in an abortion clinic, while misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later at home.[3] The bleeding and cramping will begin between 2 to 24 hours after taking misoprostol.[4] Most women expel the pregnancy within that same timeframe.[5]
How Long Does Bleeding Last After Taking the Abortion Pill?
Vaginal bleeding typically begins around two hours after taking misoprostol.[6] It can last for about 9 to 16 days, but it could go on for up to 30 days or longer.[7]
How Much Bleeding is Normal After an Abortion?
The amount of bleeding you experience after abortion depends on how far along you were in your pregnancy.
That being said, the abortion pill tends to cause more bleeding compared to surgical abortions.[8] One study found that patients who took the abortion pill lost up to 101 milliliters of blood, while women who had surgical abortions lost up to 53 milliliters.[9]
Abortion Pill Side Effects
Like any medical procedure, the abortion pill does have some risks and side effects. Common side effects include[10]:
- 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.[11]
- 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.[12]
- 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.[13]
- 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.[14]
When to Call Your Doctor
It’s important to recognize the warning signs of hemorrhaging and infection after taking the abortion pill. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following[15]:
- Heavy bleeding. If you experience heavy bleeding or hemorrhaging (as mentioned above), you may need a surgical procedure to stop the bleeding.
- Persistent pain or sickness. Abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (with or without a fever) for more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol may be signs of an infection or ectopic pregnancy.
- Fever. A fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts for more than 4 hours after taking misoprostol may be a sign of an infection.
Abortion Pill Information in Valdosta, Georgia
We understand—an unplanned pregnancy can be scary. But, you should never let fear drive your choices! Options Now is here to answer your questions and provide the resources you need to make an informed and empowered decision.
Give us a call at (229) 506-5017 to schedule your appointment today. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please be aware that Options Now does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2025, February 1). Mifepristone (oral route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123
- See source #4.
- See source #4.
- Bridwell, R. E., Long, B., Montrief, T., & Gottlieb, M. (2022, October 23). Post-abortion Complications: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9683756/
- See source #8.
- See source #4.
- 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
- Danco Laboratories, LLC & FDA. (2016, March). Mifeprex Label. FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- See source #4.
- See source #12.