What to Expect When You Take the Abortion Pill
The abortion pill may seem like a quick and effective solution to an unplanned pregnancy. However, like any medical procedure, it comes with risks and side effects you need to be aware of.
Before you take the pill, take time to get the facts. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect when you take the abortion pill.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (also known as medication abortion) actually consists of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first. It cuts the supply of the hormone progesterone to the embryo, which is needed to maintain the pregnancy. Without a steady supply of progesterone, the embryo stops growing and eventually dies. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later.1
It’s important to know that the FDA has only approved the abortion pill up to 10 weeks of gestation.2 Before taking the abortion pill, you should receive an ultrasound to determine how far along you are and whether you’re at risk for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. In either case, abortion is no longer an option to consider.
How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take to Work?
Mifepristone is usually taken in an abortion clinic, while misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later at home.3 The bleeding and cramping will begin between 2 to 24 hours after taking misoprostol.4 Most women expel the pregnancy within that same timeframe.5
How Long Does Bleeding Last After Taking the Abortion Pill?
Vaginal bleeding typically begins around two hours after taking misoprostol.6 It can last for about 9 to 16 days, but it could go on for up to 30 days or longer.7
How Much Bleeding is Normal After an Abortion?
The amount of bleeding you experience after abortion depends on how far along you were in your pregnancy.
That being said, the abortion pill tends to cause more bleeding compared to surgical abortions.8
Abortion Pill Side Effects
Like any medical procedure, the abortion pill does have some risks and side effects. Common side effects include9:
- Spotting or bleeding that can last up to a month
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Abdominal cramping
Severe abortion pill side effects include:
- Hemorrhaging. It’s normal to bleed for a while after taking the abortion pill. However, heavy bleeding known as hemorrhaging could occur requiring surgical intervention.10
- Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after misoprostol has been taken. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining tissue and to prevent infection.11
- Infection. If you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever for more than 24 hours after taking the second medication, an infection may have developed. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat your condition.12
When to Call Your Doctor
It’s important to recognize the warning signs of hemorrhaging and infection after taking the abortion pill. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the following13:
- Heavy bleeding. If you experience heavy bleeding or hemorrhaging (as mentioned above), you may need a surgical procedure to stop the bleeding.
- Persistent pain or sickness. Abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (with or without a fever) for more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol may be signs of an infection or ectopic pregnancy.
- Fever. A fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts for more than 4 hours after taking misoprostol may be a sign of an infection. Women who experience sustained fever for more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol may have a serious infection and should seek medical care right away.14
Get the Facts on the Abortion Pill at Pregnancy Decision Line
We understand—an unplanned pregnancy can be scary. But, you should never let fear drive your choices!
Pregnancy Decision Line can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and abortion information, so you can make the best decision for your health and future.
REFERENCES
- FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
- See source #1.
- See source #1.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2025, February 1). Mifepristone (oral route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123
- See source #4.
- See source #4.
- Bridwell, R. E., Long, B., Montrief, T., & Gottlieb, M. (2022, October 23). Post-abortion Complications: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9683756/
- See source #4.
- Danco Laboratories, LLC & FDA. (2016, March). Mifeprex Label. FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- See source #4.
- See source #4.
- Food & Drug Administration. (2023). Mifeprex label prescribing information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/020687Orig1s025Lbl.pdf
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All of our services are 100% free and confidential. We exist to provide accurate medical information and support to women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy. Our pregnancy centers do not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.