RU-486
Otherwise known as the Abortion Pill, this pill(s) can terminate an embryo up to 10 weeks gestation. Considered a medical abortion (not surgical), the Abortion Pill (actually 2 different pills) includes a three-step process:
- First, take Mifepristone. This medication actually blocks your body’s ability to recognize progesterone by the uterus. Progesterone is one of the hormones necessary to maintain the life of the embryo. By blocking progesterone, the lining of the uterus begins to break down. Then, the life of the growing embryo is ended.
- Secondly, take Misoprostol. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract resulting in the exiting of the embryo, lining of the uterus, and the embryonic sac. This process usually takes 24-48 hours and causes extreme bleeding and strong uterine cramping. Do not use tampons during the process, only use pads.
- Lastly, return to the clinic to confirm that the procedure is complete. Your doctor will ask you a variety of questions: Were you able to see the expulsion of the gestational sac or embryo? How much bleeding did you experience? Are you still experiencing pregnancy symptoms?
- The Abortion Pill is not 100% effective, and you may still be pregnant. If that is the case, then a surgical abortion will be the next step.
- Your period should return within the next 2 months after the abortion process.
What you need to know: The abortion pill is not taken in a hospital; it is taken at home. Because heavy bleeding and cramping should be expected while taking the abortion pill, it is important that you have someone with you in case of an emergency. Other symptoms during the process can include:
- Mild fever and chills
- Light lactation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and sometimes vomiting
Important considerations while taking RU-486:
- Do not take it if you are past the 10-week window as the chances for it working decrease.
- You are using an IUD.
- You have a blood clotting condition and/or you are taking blood-clotting medication.
- Determine if you are willing to continue with a surgical abortion if the pill fails.
Please contact your doctor or go the ER if you are experiencing any of these symptoms after taking the abortion pill:
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
- Blood clots that occur for 2 hours or more
- Excessive bleeding (fills up more than 2 pads in an hour and happens for 2 hours or more)
- A fever of 100.4F or higher
- Severe depression and/or suicidal thoughts
What if I change my mind?
Did you know there is a medication alternative called the Abortion Pill Reversal (APR)? It essentially counteracts the first pill (Mifepristone) of RU-486 and can be used if only the first pill is taken. If the 2nd pill has been ingested, APR cannot be used.
The idea is that a major dosage of progesterone will make up for the progesterone being blocked by the Mifepristone. The earlier it is taken the better. It needs to be taken up to 72 hours after taking Mifepristone. One particular statistic states that if taken within the first 24 hours, there is a 55% chance that the pregnancy will continue (americanpregnancy.org).