Trust Abortion Pills

How do I take the abortion pills?

Learn how to take abortion pills vaginally, buccally (between cheeks & gums), or sublingually. Get step-by-step guidance on what to expect & how to manage symptoms.

Abortion pills, known as medication abortion, are a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy. The FDA-approved two-pill regimen is up to 98% effective when taken within 10 weeks, according to the FDA.

Step 1: Swallow 1 Mifepristone pill with water

Definition:
MifepristoneThe first FDA-approved medication in a medical abortion. It blocks the hormone progesterone to stop the pregnancy from growing. Most people carry on their day normally after taking this medicine, while others may experience bleeding or cramping. Either is okay. Complications are rare, occurring in less than 0.5% of patients.

Swallow one mifepristone pill with water.It’s unlikely, but if you throw up in the first 30 minutes after taking mifepristone, please message your care team as soon as possible. If you throw up after 30 minutes, you do not need to contact your care team as the medicine has been absorbed.Optional: If you tend to get nauseous, you’ve been feeling nauseous with the pregnancy, or you feel nauseous after taking the mifepristone you can take one ondansetron (anti-nausea) pill under your tongue and let it dissolve at least 30 minutes before starting Step 1. This medication is included in your Hey Jane treatment.‍

Step 2: Take your comfort medicines and misoprostol pills

You can take the second type of pill, misoprostol, several different ways: vaginally, between your cheeks and gums (buccally), and under your tongue (sublingually). All three methods of taking misoprostol are equally effective, according to a 2019 Cochrane review. The difference is in side effects as sublingual causes the most nausea, while vaginal causes the least.Choose a time to start Step 2 when you’ve had a good meal and plenty of rest, as bleeding and cramping usually start within a few hours after Step 2. We strongly recommend taking both ondansetron (antinausea) and ibuprofen or acetaminophen (pain relief) medicine at least 30 minutes before taking the misoprostol. Please follow the instructions on your pill bottles.

Definition:
MisoprostolThe second FDA-approved medication in a medical abortion treatment. It causes the uterus to cramp and empty, with light to heavy vaginal bleeding. It is taken 6-48 hours after mifepristone, depending on whether you take the misoprostol by mouth or by inserting it into your vagina.

How to take misoprostol vaginally

This method causes the least nausea, and you can start it anywhere from 6 to 48 hours after Step 1. First, go to the bathroom to empty your bladder and wash your hands. 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.

After 30 minutes, the medicine is absorbed. It is okay if the pills fall out after 30 minutes, and they can be thrown away. If they fall out before 30 minutes, please message your care team.

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.