Abortion by Pill (RU486) Mifeprex and Misoprostol
At A Woman’s Choice of Jacksonville, we ONLY offer the FDA approved Drug, Mifeprex. Some clinics may tell you they offer the “abortion pill”, however they use an injection know as Methotrexate. This method has a high failure rate and is not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for the use of terminating pregnancies non-surgically.
A non-surgical method of terminating pregnancy has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States.
The abortion pill method uses a combination of medications. Mifeprex (also known as RU-486 or Mifepristone) blocks a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the uterine contents. The FDA has approved the use of this combination of medications to terminate pregnancies up to 8 weeks. This process is less invasive than a surgical procedure and is highly recommended for terminating an early pregnancy.
Abortion Procedure
After ultrasound, lab work, and counseling session are complete and your medical history is reviewed, you will receive your first dose of medication, Mifeprex. You will take this medication in our office. The second dose of medication, Misoprostol, will be given for you to take the following day. You may be instructed to take this medication orally or to insert it vaginally. You will be given the option of taking this dose in the privacy of your own home, or you may return to the office if you prefer. Within 24 hours after taking Misoprostol, you should experience cramping and bleeding. Your uterus will contract and its contents will be expelled.
Follow-Up
Two weeks after your initial visit, you must return to A Woman’s Choice of Jacksonville for a pregnancy test and ultrasound examination to determine if the abortion is complete. If you are still pregnant, we will discuss your options, which may include a surgical procedure to end your pregnancy.
How Effective Is the Abortion by Pill?
Studies have shown that non-surgical abortion using Mifeprex and Misoprostol is highly effective. Mifepristone has been successfully used by millions of women worldwide. In only 5 to 8 women out of every 100, this method will not completely terminate the pregnancy. For those women, a surgical abortion may be done at our facility at no additional charge.
Symptoms and Side Effects
Most women will experience cramping and bleeding, which usually means that the treatment is working. Bleeding may be similar to or heavier than your normal period. You may also pass some blood clots and tissue. This is an expected part of the process. Bleeding lasts on average 9 to 16 days, but may last as long as 30 days.
Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue.
To learn more about the (RU-486) Mifeprex please visit www.earlyoptionpill.com.