The Abortion Pill Pretoria
Safe and effective -approved medication abortion
The Abortion Pill, also known by its trade name Mifeprex (Mifepristone) and also commonly referred to as RU-486, is prescribed as a non-surgical abortion method up to 49 days after the beginning of the latest menstruation (as recommended by the manufacturer). There is approximately a 97% success rate.
- You may choose the abortion if you are less than 10 weeks pregnant.
- You must be able to return for at least one and sometimes more follow-up visits to ensure the process is complete.
- You should plan to have someone with you when you use the second medication at home.
- You must be 18 years old.
- You don’t have a medical condition that prevents the safe use of the pill such as clotting disorders, heart or kidney problems, or seizures.
How long does a medical abortion take?
Occasionally patients may begin to bleed after using the Mifeprex in the office. Most patients bleed and pass the pregnancy several hours after using the second medication at home.
How effective is a medical abortion?
At 8 weeks pregnant or less, it works about 94-98% of the time.
At 8-9 weeks pregnant, it works about 94-96% of the time.
At 9-10 weeks pregnant, it works about 91-93% of the time.
Mifeprex and Misoprostol will cause birth defects to the existing pregnancy. If the medical abortion does not work, an in-clinic procedure MUST be performed.
What to expect after a medical abortion
Patients often experience abdominal pain and cramping for one to two hours and vaginal bleeding or spotting for approximately 9 to 16 days. Other less-common side effects include dizziness/nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.
When will I get my period after a medical abortion?
Your period will come in four to six weeks. You can begin your birth control right away. If you start hormonal birth control you will know exactly when your period will begin. Your pregnancy test will remain positive for three weeks.
What to expect during your medical abortion visit - On the day of your appointment you will receive a sonogram and in-house lab test to confirm the pregnancy.
- A clinician will meet with you to review all instructions and answer your questions.
- You will take the first pill (Mifeprex) while in the office. Within 48 hours the second dose of medication (Misoprostol) will be administered at home. The combination of the two medicines will cause you to bleed and in most cases end the pregnancy within a few hours of using the second medicine at home.
- You must return in 1-2 weeks to make sure everything worked properly.
An unsuccessful non-surgical medical abortion will require an in-clinic procedure to terminate the pregnancy.