If you are researching information about the abortion pill, you’ve come to the right place. Here is everything you need to know about the first abortion pill, mifepristone, how it works, and what potential side effects are possible.  

What is mifepristone and how does it work? 

Mifepristone (also called Mifeprex or RU-486) is one of the two drugs used in a medical abortion. Mifepristone is the first drug taken to block the body’s production of progesterone. Progesterone is a crucial hormone needed for a pregnancy to grow. Mifepristone is what ends the pregnancy. 

When taken together with the second drug used in a medical abortion, Misoprostol, it can be used to end a pregnancy up to 10 weeks gestation (how far along you are in your pregnancy). 

What is a medical abortion?  

A medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill) is a medical procedure used to end an early pregnancy. It involves taking two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a pregnancy and expel it from the uterus.  

Often, a medical abortion is chosen because it seems to be a more private and less invasive option than a surgical abortion. However, many women who have taken the abortion pill say they felt underprepared for what they experienced. Medical abortion has also been linked to more complications and risks than surgical abortion. 

What are the possible side effects of mifepristone?

Severe side effects include:  

• Infection and Sepsis 
• Fever  
• Uterine Bleeding 
• Hemorrhaging 
• Undetected ectopic pregnancy 
• Incomplete abortion 

If the abortion pill is accidentally taken in the second trimester, 39% of women will need surgery to complete the abortion. That’s why it’s important to confirm gestational age with an ultrasound. 

Who can take mifepristone? 

A medical abortion is not always the safest option for every pregnant woman. The FDA warns against taking the mifepristone if you have any of the following: 

• You are past approved gestation age (how far along you are in your pregnancy) 
• You have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy developing outside the uterus) 
• Have problems with the adrenal glands (the glands near the kidneys) 
• Are currently being treated with long-term corticosteroid therapy (medications) 
• Have had an allergic reaction to mifepristone, misoprostol, or similar drugs 
• Have bleeding problems or are taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) drug products 
• Have inherited porphyria (liver disorder) 
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place (it must be removed before taking Mifeprex) 
• Don’t have access to an emergency room 

It’s important to see a medical provider before you take mifepristone to rule out any of the above. 

Can I take mifepristone without taking misoprostol?  

Mifepristone is most effective when combined with misoprostol. 

Without taking misoprostol (the pill that expels the pregnancy), the chances of an incomplete abortion are high. This means the pregnancy might no longer be viable (alive), but the pregnancy tissue hasn’t left your body. This greatly increases your risk for sepsis and serious infection. 

An incomplete abortion will require surgical abortion to remove the pregnancy tissue. 

Is it safe to order mifepristone online? 

For safety reasons, the FDA advises extreme caution against purchasing mifepristone online. Many online abortion pill providers are located outside of the United States, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards. These pills could also be counterfeit, expired, or tampered with.