Mifepristone is typically administered in combination with misoprostol to induce abortion during pregnancy. Also known as Mifeprex or RU-486, this medication is widely used in medication abortion treatment. In a medication abortion regimen, mifepristone is the first of two medicines taken to terminate the pregnancy. When taken with misoprostol, mifepristone is highly effective, with a success rate of up to 98% for ending pregnancies up to 11 weeks gestation. This FDA-approved medication has a proven safety track record and has been used in the United States for over two decades for abortion treatment.
What does mifepristone do?
Mifepristone is a medication used for the purpose of inducing abortion. It is typically administered orally and works by blocking the hormone progesterone, essential for the continuation of pregnancy. By interfering with the body's natural production of progesterone, mifepristone stops the growth of the fetus and ultimately leads to the termination of the pregnancy.
In medication abortion treatment, mifepristone is the first of two medications to complete the abortion process. The second medication, misoprostol, is usually taken 1-2 days after mifepristone. Misoprostol works by causing the uterus to contract and empty its contents, expulsing the fetus and any remaining tissue.
Medication abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol is considered a safe and effective option for terminating a pregnancy up to 11 weeks gestation. The success rate of this method is up to 98%, making it a popular choice for many individuals seeking to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone has been approved by the FDA and used for abortion treatment in the United States for over two decades, with a proven record of safety and effectiveness.
What is mifepristone used for?
Mifepristone is a medication that has been approved for use in medication abortion and the medical management of miscarriages. It is most commonly used to end pregnancies up to 11 weeks gestational age. The medication works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to develop. By blocking this hormone, mifepristone effectively ends the pregnancy.
In addition to medication abortion, mifepristone is also used with misoprostol to manage miscarriages, especially in cases of missed miscarriage medically. Missed miscarriage occurs when a developing pregnancy has no electrical activity but no bleeding or cramping. This approach, known as medical management, involves using mifepristone to prepare the cervix and misoprostol to induce uterine contractions, leading to the expulsion of fetal tissue.
Mifepristone has been shown to be a safe and effective medication for medication abortion and the medical management of miscarriages. It is an FDA-approved medication used in the United States for over 20 years. When combined with misoprostol, medication abortion is up to 98% effective at ending a pregnancy up to 11 weeks gestational age. Similarly, medical management of miscarriages using mifepristone and misoprostol has been found to be effective in most cases. Mifepristone is an important medication for individuals seeking to end a pregnancy or manage a miscarriage in a safe and effective manner.
What are the side effects of mifepristone?
In most cases, individuals taking mifepristone do not experience significant side effects. Mild cramping or bleeding may occur, but this is generally considered normal and nothing to worry about. It is important to take the second medication, misoprostol, whether or not bleeding occurs to ensure that the medication abortion treatment is completed successfully.
Although uncommon, some other side effects may be experienced when taking mifepristone. These include dizziness, weakness or fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, serious side effects are rare, occurring in less than 0.5% of people who take this medication alone.
Following a medication abortion treatment, it is normal to experience vaginal bleeding or spotting for up to 30 days. However, if bleeding is heavy and you are saturating more than two pads an hour for at least two hours in a row, or if you feel unwell in any way, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, suppose any other side effects become more intense or return after they are initially resolved. In that case, it is recommended that you speak with your provider to ensure no complications.
It is important to note that while side effects may occur with mifepristone, the medication is still considered safe and effective for medication abortion and medical management of miscarriages. If you have any concerns or questions about taking mifepristone, it is always best to speak with your healthcare provider for guidance and advice.
What is a medication abortion?
Medication abortion is a safe and effective medical procedure that involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol to end a pregnancy and expel its contents from the uterus. This is done similarly to a natural miscarriage but under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Medication abortion is typically performed before 10 weeks of gestational age and may feel like a heavy, crampy period.
One reason why many people prefer medication abortion over a surgical option is that it can be done at home or in another comfortable setting without the need for a visit to a clinic. Additionally, some people find medication abortion a more natural option than surgery. Ultimately, choosing medication abortion or another method is a personal choice that only the individual can make.
To begin a medication abortion, the first step is to determine the gestational age of the pregnancy, either through a last missed period date, ultrasound, or date of conception. After this, a healthcare provider will review your health history and prescribe FDA-approved abortion medications. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and to seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms.
How long does a medical abortion take?
A medication abortion typically lasts 1-3 days, but some symptoms may persist for a few weeks after the treatment. Before starting the procedure, you must meet with a healthcare provider who will prescribe the necessary medications. The first medication, mifepristone, is taken orally, and some people may experience vaginal bleeding or cramping after taking it, while others may not have any symptoms.
Regardless of whether you experience bleeding or cramping, it's important to take the second medication, misoprostol, which is typically taken between 24-48 hours after mifepristone. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel its contents, leading to vaginal bleeding and cramping. The bleeding can vary depending on the gestational age, but it's generally heavy for a few hours.
Although medication abortion can be managed at home, it's essential to have sufficient information about what to expect during and after the procedure. Research has shown that pregnant people can self-manage medication abortion with adequate support and information. However, follow-up care may be necessary to confirm the treatment's success or rule out any complications that may arise.
What is a surgical abortion?
Surgical abortions are medical procedures typically performed in a clinic or hospital and have a 99% success rate in ending a pregnancy. This type of abortion may be referred to as a suction or aspiration procedure, as the pregnancy is often removed from the uterus using light suction. Typically, these procedures are used in pregnancies up to 14-16 weeks after your last menstrual period.
For pregnancies beyond 16 weeks, a dilation and evacuation procedure is often performed instead. This procedure involves cervical dilation, but does not typically require cutting or scraping. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider the best option for your specific situation and any potential risks or complications associated with the procedure.
How long can I wait to have an abortion?
Making a decision about your pregnancy as early as possible is essential to maximize the range of treatment options available. Depending on your gestational age and state laws, the options for pregnancy termination can vary.
Medication abortions are generally only offered up to 10-12 weeks after your last menstrual period. If this is your preferred method, it's essential to decide before the end of the first trimester. Some states have regulations and restrictions on medication abortions, so it's important to move forward with the process before 10 weeks of gestational age. After this time, a surgical abortion may be required, and the timing and availability of this option may vary depending on state laws.
Surgical abortions generally allow more time, but verifying your eligibility according to your state's laws is crucial. You can visit a website to determine the range of options available in your state. This information will help you decide the best course of action for your unique situation.
Buying mifepristone and misoprostol together online?
Mifepristone is a crucial element of medication abortion because it effectively terminates the pregnancy, making expelling the contents of the uterus with misoprostol much smoother. Typically, misoprostol is taken one to two days after mifepristone, which induces heavy cramping and vaginal bleeding within a few hours.
If you're searching for a safe and complete way to obtain misoprostol and mifepristone online for your medication abortion, we recommend using a reliable telehealth service. Cosmetics and Pharmacy provides online medical abortion services through secure chat with licensed medical providers, making it both affordable and straightforward to obtain both medications. To get started, ensure that you are eligible for a medication abortion in your state, then connect with one of our providers who will evaluate your needs, prescribe your medication, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
How to get an abortion at home
Telehealth has made medication abortion more accessible and convenient for many people. However, it's important to note that laws surrounding telehealth abortion services vary by state and can change frequently. To find out what options are available to you currently, please visit our website.
Cosmetics and Pharmacy offers telehealth medication abortion services to individuals who are under 10 weeks pregnant and live in eligible states. To determine if you're eligible, please check our website. If approved, you can speak with one of our licensed abortion providers, and we'll send your medications to your preferred address (as long as it's within the states where we operate) in a discreet package to protect your privacy. You can expect your package to arrive within 1-5 business days, depending on your chosen shipping method.
