Understanding the Abortion Pill: Cytotec, Complications, & Pregnancy Confirmation
If you’re considering a medication abortion (commonly called the abortion pill), you need to understand three things:
- Cytotec (and how it works)
- The potential complications and risks
- The importance of pregnancy confirmation
This information is crucial for making an informed decision about your health and future. Keep reading to learn more.
Understanding Cytotec (Misoprostol)
Cytotec is the brand name for misoprostol. Cytotec was FDA approved to reduce the risk of gastric (stomach) ulcers for patients taking ibuprofen and similar medications. It is used off-label to induce abortion and is the second pill in the abortion pill regimen.
When used to induce abortion, cytotec causes uterine contractions, cramping, and bleeding with the goal of emptying the uterus and ending the pregnancy. It carries significant risks, especially when used without proper medical supervision.
Understanding the Complications
Medication abortion carries potential risks and complications that every woman should understand before making a decision:
Common Side Effects of the Abortion Pills (Mifepristone plus Misoprostol)1
- Bleeding that can last up to a month
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Abdominal cramping
- Potential birth abnormalities in pregnancies that continue
Serious Complications
- Incomplete abortion. An incomplete abortion happens when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. Surgery may be required to complete the abortion.2
- Infection. Infections can happen when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. They can be life-threatening if left untreated.3
- Hemorrhaging. The abortion pill can cause hemorrhaging, which may require blood transfusion or surgery to treat.4
- Undetected ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that implants outside of the uterus. It can cause internal bleeding and other complications if not diagnosed quickly. This is a life-threatening medical emergency. Note: The abortion pill regimen of mifepristone plus misoprostol will not end an ectopic pregnancy.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care After Taking Abortion Pills
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience5:
- Heavy bleeding
- Persistent fever
- Significant abdominal or pelvic pain
- Signs of infection (such as foul-smelling discharge)
The Importance of Ultrasound for Pregnancy Confirmation
Before considering any abortion procedure, it is vital to have your pregnancy diagnosed. One of the quickest ways to do this is via an ultrasound exam. Here’s why it is absolutely essential:
Accurate Dating
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.6
Taking the medication beyond this timeframe increases the risk of complications, and may require further medical intervention, including emergency surgery to address excessive bleeding or incomplete abortion.7
Viability Assessment
A viable pregnancy means that the embryo has a heartbeat and the pregnancy is progressing. During an ultrasound, medical professionals check for signs like a detectable heartbeat, which typically appears around 6 weeks from a woman’s last menstrual period.8
If a heartbeat cannot be detected, it may indicate that it’s too early in the pregnancy to see the heartbeat on ultrasound, or, it could mean that the pregnancy is failing and the patient will miscarry.
An ultrasound exam will show if there is a pregnancy inside the uterus–or not. It no intrauterine pregnancy is seen, it could indicate that there is an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening if untreated.
Ectopic pregnancies occur when the embryo implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This condition can cause life-threatening complications if not diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion. Note: the abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) will NOT end an ectopic pregnancy.
Pregnancy Decision Line can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free ultrasounds to determine how far along you are and whether your pregnancy is viable.
Give us a call at 866-406-9327 to get started.
Call 866-406-9327 and get help now.
Considering the Abortion Pill in? Call Pregnancy Decision Line First.
Whatever decision you make about your pregnancy, it should be made with complete, accurate information about your health status and all available options. We encourage you to:
- Understand how the abortion pill works
- Understand the complications of the abortion pill
- Confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound
- Consider your personal circumstances, values, and goals
- Seek support from trusted healthcare providers
- Take time to carefully consider your decision
You don’t have to face this decision alone. Pregnancy Decision Line can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free ultrasounds, accurate information, emotional support, and practical assistance to help you navigate unplanned pregnancy.
Ready to take the next step? Give us a call at 866-406-9327 to get started.
REFERENCES
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- See source #1.
- FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
- See source #1.
- FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Redinger, A., & Nguyen, H. (2022, June 27). Incomplete Abortions. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559071/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal Development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
- FDA. (2025, January 17). Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
- See source #6.
Call 866-406-9327 and get help now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take the abortion pill if I’m not sure how far along I am?
No, it’s crucial to have an ultrasound to determine gestational age before taking abortion medications. The pills are only approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, and using them beyond this timeframe increases the risk of complications.
Is it safe to order abortion pills online?
No. The Food and Drug Administration strongly advises against obtaining abortion medications online or from unregulated sources.9 Pills obtained online may be counterfeit, expired, or improperly stored, significantly increasing health risks.
What if I have certain medical conditions?
Some medical conditions may make you ineligible for medication abortion, including10:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Problems with your adrenal glands
- Allergies to mifepristone and/or misoprostol
- Bleeding disorders
- Liver disease
- If you are being treated with long-term corticosteroid therapy
- If you have an IUD
- If you’re taking blood thinning medication
Always disclose your complete medical history to healthcare providers, so you can make a safe decision for your health.
Please be aware that Pregnancy Decision Line does not provide or refer for abortion services.