How to Take Abortion Pills – A Step-by-Step Guide

Using Mifepristone and Misoprostol (Taken by Mouth)
Support Line: Her Safe Harbor – (302) 660-1273

STEP 1: Take Mifepristone

What it does:
Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to maintain a pregnancy. This begins the abortion process.

How to take it:

• Swallow 1 pill (200 mg) of Mifepristone with water.
• You may feel no symptoms, or light cramping or
  spotting.

Wait 24-48 hours before Step 2. Choose a time when you can rest afterward.

STEP 2: Take Misoprostol (By Mouth)

1 Hour Before Misoprostol – Take Pre-Meds:

• Ibuprofen: 800 mg (4 tablets of 200 mg) – swallow with water
• Zofran (Ondansetron): 1 tablet (4-8 mg) – let it melt on your tongue

These help reduce pain and nausea before the Misoprostol takes effect.

Set Up a Comfortable Space

Prepare Your Space:

• Fluids – water, tea, electrolyte drinks
• Pillows, blankets, and soft clothes
• Heating pad or hot water bottle – for cramping
• Overnight pads – to manage bleeding
• A phone and someone you trust nearby

How to Take Misoprostol

Taking Misoprostol (By Mouth):

• Take 4 pills (800 mcg total)
• Place 2 pills on each side of your mouth, between your cheeks and gums.
• Let them dissolve for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, swallow any remaining bits with water.

What to Expect

What to Expect:

• Cramping and bleeding usually start in 1-4 hours
• You may pass clots or pregnancy tissue
• Common side effects: heavy bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, fever (for a few hours), emotional release

Bleeding is usually heaviest for 4-6 hours, then tapers off.

Caring for Yourself

Caring for Yourself:

• Keep taking Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours if needed
• Rest and hydrate
• Use pads, not tampons or cups
• Stay connected with someone you trust

When to Call for Help

When to Call for Help:

Call Her Safe Harbor – (302) 660-1273 if:

• You soak 2+ pads/hour for 2+ hours
• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) for more than 24 hours
• No bleeding within 24 hours of taking Misoprostol
• Pain is severe and not relieved by Ibuprofen

STEP 3: Aftercare + What’s Next

• Bleeding may continue like a period for 1-2 weeks
• You can expect your next period in 4-8 weeks
• Take a pregnancy test in 4 weeks to confirm it worked
• Use pads only until bleeding has fully stopped
• For questions or follow-up, call Her Safe Harbor