It's
really important to understand what drugs you're putting in your body and the
impact they may have on your health.
Making a fully informed, educated decision is your best protection. Please call us for more confidential
information.
RU486 / Abortion Pill / Medical Abortion
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.
http://www.kff.org/womenshealth/loader.cfm?url=/commonspot/security/getfile.cfm&PageID=13809 (Accessed
March 2, 2009)
Mifeprex®
Medication Guide, Danco Laboratories, LLC, revised 7/19/05
http://www.earlyoptionpill.com/userfiles/file/MedicationGuide071905.pdf
(Accessed
March 2, 2009)