RU486 / Abortion Pill / Medical Abortion

Before taking RU486, or Abortion Pill, you should understand what it is, what it could mean to your health and how it works. Give us a call and one of our counselors will be happy to discuss it with you, confirm if you're pregnant and advise you on your options.

What is it?

RU-486, also known as “the abortion pill,” is actually a combination of two drugs -- mifepristone and misoprostol -- that cause early abortion. It should not be used if it has been more than 7 weeks since your last period. It is NOT the same as the “morning after pill.”

How does it work?

The first pill, mifepristone, is taken orally and blocks the hormone progesterone needed to maintain the pregnancy. The second pill, misoprostol, is inserted into the vagina 24 to 72 hours later, causing the uterus to contract and expel the placenta and embryo.

Things to Consider

An RU-486 abortion requires 3 visits to a health care provider.

• Most medical abortions using mifepristone are completed within 2 weeks, but some can take up to 3 or even 4 weeks.
  
• Side effects include heavy bleeding, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and cramping.
  
• If this method fails, a surgical abortion will be required.

Sources:
Kaiser Family Foundation, “Issue Update: Mifepristone: An Early Abortion Option,” July 2001.
Mifeprex® Medication Guide, Danco Laboratories, LLC, revised 7/19/05