Are Abortion Pills Safe?
A medical abortion is also known as a pill abortion or the abortion pill. The process is usually a combination of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. The pills can be bought online or in a telehealth or clinic appointment. If at the clinic, the first drug is taken in the clinic, and then the second drug is sent home to take one or two days later.
Together they cause the embryo or fetus to separate from the lining of the uterus and then be delivered by strong contractions. The abortion pill is only approved by the FDA for those less than 10 weeks past their last menstrual period.
The First Pill
The first pill, mifepristone, is cytotoxic, which means it makes cells die. Mifepristone is known to suppress the immune system and has a long list of cautions. Individuals with any number of medical conditions are advised not to take it. The pills cannot be broken, chewed, or crushed, and must be swallowed whole.
If taken correctly, according to its website information, it causes 9 to 16 days of bleeding but longer is possible. It also states that a doctor must be seen in 7 to 14 days after, and to use caution when driving. This medication does not mess around.
The Second Pill
The second pill is misoprostol, which causes the cervix to open and contractions to start. It originally was made for the stomach, and the main side effect can be severe stomach distress. It will cause the embryo or fetus to be delivered through the vagina, in the privacy of the home.
Dealing with physical pain, cramps, stomach upset, and bleeding may be difficult. In their head and in their heart, some women may not be ready to see the actual results of ending the pregnancy while alone. Consider having a support person there for you during this time.
Risks
Both drugs for the medical abortion are available online, yet buying online is a risky activity. Imposter meds and frauds are everywhere waiting to take money from those looking for help. Pharmacies that have been reviewed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) have a “.pharmacy” at the end of their online address, and may be safer to purchase from.
We’ve all ordered things and not gotten what we’ve paid for, and with drugs the results can be devastating. If it’s a different drug, or a different dose, the results could be uncontrolled bleeding or worse. Its buyer beware.
Considerations
It’s important to make sure any drugs currently being taken do not interfere with mifepristone and misoprostol, or the pills won’t be effective. They should not be taken by anyone with anemia, blood clotting issues, or adrenal failure. And there should be a hospital emergency room close by, with a plan of what to do if things don’t go well.
Another concern is that a medical abortion will not work unless there is a progressing pregnancy in the uterus. A number of pregnancies end in miscarriage in the first 8 weeks and may eliminate the need for an abortion. It’s important to rule out the possibility of a miscarriage before moving forward with an abortion.
If the pregnancy is ectopic, or not in the uterus, the medical abortion will not work. An ultrasound is needed for confirmation in both situations.
For free pre-abortion testing that includes a pregnancy test, ultrasound and STI testing, call today!
References
Abortion Pill Risks, Just the Facts. Retrieved September 25, 2024 from
Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill): What to Know. Retrieved September 25, 2024 from
https://www.webmd.com/women/abortion-pill-medical-abortion-overview
Mifepristone: Side Effects, Interactions, Warnings and More. Retrieved September 25, 2024
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/drugs/in-mifepristone/in-mifepristone
Mifepristone. Retrieved September 25, 2024 from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557612/
Misoprostol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings. Retrieved September 25, 2024
Pregnancy Testing
A pregnancy test determines whether you are pregnant by detecting the presence of hCG, the hormone associated with pregnancy. You will give a urine sample during your appointment, and then one of our nurses will administer the test. Testing only takes a few minutes, and you will have your result during your appointment.
Ultrasounds
Determine what choices you have with an ultrasound. An ultrasound may alert you to any complications. It is a necessary step of the pregnancy confirmation process, as it’s the only way to confirm three aspects of your pregnancy. Get a free ultrasound with us today.
Pregnancy Testing
A pregnancy test determines whether you are pregnant by detecting the presence of hCG, the hormone associated with pregnancy. You will give a urine sample during your appointment, and then one of our nurses will administer the test. Testing only takes a few minutes, and you will have your result during your appointment.
Ultrasounds
Determine what choices you have with an ultrasound. An ultrasound may alert you to any complications. It is a necessary step of the pregnancy confirmation process, as it’s the only way to confirm three aspects of your pregnancy. Get a free ultrasound with us today.
