What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?| Options Medical Clinic

Medical abortion is also called the abortion pill and is sometimes called an “at-home abortion.” While this might seem like a convenient, discreet option, it’s a choice that can put your health at risk. This article explores the essentials you need to know about the abortion pill and its potential side effects, including fever or nausea.

If you want to talk to someone about your pregnancy options and learn about free resources, we are here to help.

The Risks & Side Effects

Medical abortion consists of two different drugs that seek to terminate an existing pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. These abortion drugs come with risks to your health, which include:

Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in your uterus
An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever
Digestive system discomfort

There are also potential side effects to the abortion pill. You’ll always have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, but you could also experience:

Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache

Not every woman is eligible for the abortion pill. If the following situations apply to you, you should not take abortion drugs:

Your pregnancy is further than 10 weeks gestation.
You have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
You have a suspected ectopic pregnancy.
You have certain medical conditions, including bleeding disorders, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
You take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
You can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care.
You have an allergy to the medicine used.

How Can I Protect My Health?

Getting an ultrasound is the number one way to protect your health. This scan will give you the essential information you need to know before seeking an abortion, such as:

Gestational age: The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under, and taking them when your pregnancy is further along puts you at greater risk for complications.
Location: Although rare, there is a chance that your pregnancy could develop outside the uterus. This is known as ectopic pregnancy, and it’s a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical intervention.
Viability: Roughly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and if you’ve had one, medical follow-up is important to ensure you don’t have a complication.

We’re Here for You

At Options Medical Clinic, we offer free ultrasounds to confirm pregnancy for clients who have received a positive result from pregnancy testing. Our health professionals conduct this service.

If you are facing the uncertainty of an unplanned pregnancy, you do have options. If you are considering abortion, our medical team at Options Medical Clinic is here to discuss your options and help you make an informed decision.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to get answers.