How to Use Abortion Pills Safely at Home

abortion pills

Why It Matters!

Safe Home Use Starts With Reliable Information

Knowing how to use abortion pills safely at home can help you prepare for the process and understand the correct timing for taking the pills.

Having reliable information can help reduce confusion and support safer decision-making.

How Do Abortion Pills Work?

Abortion pills, a combination of two medicines called mifepristone and misoprostol, work by first blocking progesterone, the hormone that supports the pregnancy, and then causing the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy, similar to a miscarriage.

According to the FDA, the approved regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol is indicated for use through 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy.

Learn More: Abortion Pills in Southern Africa ....

How to Use Abortion Pills

Abortion pills can be used buccal (in the cheek) and vaginal (inserted inside). Both methods 

methods are highly safe and effective, working correctly over 95% of the time. However, they have a few differences in how they feel, how fast they start, and how they handle side effects.

Abortion pills can be taken buccally by placing the tablets between the cheeks and gums to dissolve for 30 minutes or vaginally by inserting the tablets high into the vaginal canal, where they absorb slowly with a prolonged peak. 

According to a 2019 Cochrane review, both methods of taking misoprostol are equally effective. The difference is in side effects as sublingual causes the most nausea, while vaginal causes the least.

Step 1: Taking Mifepristone

Swallow one mifepristone tablet with water.

  • Optional:  If you have been feeling nausea, you can take one ondansetron (anti-nausea) pill under your tongue and let it dissolve at least 30 minutes before swallowing mifepristone.

Step 2: Taking Misoprostol (Buccally)

Put 2 misoprostol pills on one side of your mouth (between your cheeks and gums) and the other 2 misoprostol pills on the other side of your mouth.

Wait 30 minutes for the pills to dissolve, then swallow what is left of the pills. It is okay to swallow your saliva as the pills dissolve.

  • NB: This method causes more nausea because misoprostol is absorbed so well under the tongue that it can start working faster.

Step 2: Taking Misoprostol (Buccally)

Either in a squatting position or lying on your back or side, use your fingers to push 4 misoprostol pills (one by one) deep into your vagina.

They should be at least one finger’s distance inside. After the pills are inserted, lie down and wait for 30 minutes.

  • Tip: Do not use lube to insert the pills vaginally. Instead, you can moisten the pills with a little water before insertion to make this method easier.

What to Expect after Taking Abortion Pills

Possible abortion pill side effects include cramping, bleeding, nausea, and fatigue
How to Tell if It Worked?

After taking the second medicine, misoprostol, you should expect cramping and bleeding that is usually as heavy as or heavier than a normal menstrual period. Passing blood clots or pregnancy tissue is also common.

Warning Signs: When to Seek Medical Help

While fever, cramping, and bleeding are a normal  part of the process, contact an emergency room or your abortion provider immediately if you experience any of these warning signs:

  1. Severe Pain: Intense cramping that does not ease even if you take ibuprofen.

  2. Extreme Bleeding: Soaking completely through two or more heavy-duty pads every hour.

  3. Prolonged Illness: Feeling dizzy or throwing up for more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol.

⚠️ Signs the Abortion Pill May Not Have Worked

You should contact your Telemedicine abortion provider in a few days following the abortion pill process if:

  • No bleeding: Little or no bleeding within 24 hours of using misoprostol. 
  • Ongoing Pregnancy Symptoms: Still feeling nauseous, having swollen or sore breasts.
  • Positive Pregnancy Test: Testing positive on a home pregnancy test 3 to 4 weeks after taking the pills. 

🩺 A Note on Safety and Legality

If you live in an area where abortion is legally restricted and you feel unsafe discussing with a healthcare provider that you had an abortion, you may choose not to disclose it.

The symptoms of a medication abortion can resemble those of a natural miscarriage, and healthcare providers can evaluate and treat your symptoms based on your medical condition. Always prioritize getting the medical care you need.

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