Mifepristone and Misoprostol for Abortion

Choosing a medical or surgical procedure for an abortion will depend on your medical history, how many weeks pregnant you are, what options are available where you live, and your personal preferences.

Mifepristone should not be used for women who have any of the following conditions:^{Reference 2}

• Reference Adrenal Opens New Window failure
• Allergy to mifepristone
• Severe Reference anemia Opens New Window
• Bleeding disorders or use of blood thinners (Reference anticoagulants Opens New Window)
• Long-term Reference corticosteroid Opens New Window use
• Suspected Reference ectopic pregnancy Opens New Window
• Heart disease or uncontrolled Reference high blood pressure (hypertension) Opens New Window
• Reference Intrauterine device (IUD) Opens New Window in place
• Liver or kidney disease
• Undiagnosed ovarian mass
• Respiratory diseases
• Inherited skin diseases

Avoid alcohol and aspirin while using mifepristone and misoprostol for a medical abortion.

A medical abortion does not require surgery but must be done in the first 9 weeks of pregnancy. If a medical abortion fails, a surgical abortion must be done as follow-up.

After a medical abortion

Expect that you may experience different Reference emotional reactions after an abortion.

Reference Depression Opens New Window can be triggered when pregnancy hormones change after an abortion. If you have more than 2 weeks of depression symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep or appetite change, or feelings of sadness, emptiness, anxiety, or irritability, see your doctor about treatment.

Do not have sexual intercourse for at least 1 week, or longer, as advised by your doctor.

When you start having intercourse again, use birth control, and use condoms to prevent infection. For more information, see the topic Reference Birth Control.

Your next regular period may come at any time within 6 weeks after the abortion. Be sure to contact your doctor if you do not have a period within 6 weeks.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.