How Does Abortion Pill Pack Work?

We will talk about the use of additional OTC medicines included in the pack in further sections. But let us firstly understand the medical abortion process by discussing Mifepristone and Misoprostol activity.

·    Mifepristone: This pill blocks the pregnancy hormone – progesterone. In turn, the endometrial lining sheds, separating the pregnancy tissues from nutrition support. The pregnancy ends.

·    Misoprostol: This prostaglandin medicine expels the pregnancy by causing uterine contractions – pushing the pregnancy products out of the vagina. You will experience heavy vaginal bleeding as the pregnancy portions (the sac, the fetus, the placenta, and other pregnancy items) vacate the uterus. The cervix also dilates (ripens and widens) to easily pass the pregnancy.

How to Use Abortion Pill Pack Medicines?

Each pill from this medicine kit has unique function and role in expelling pregnancy, and taking care of your well-being:

·    Mifepristone: The single pill of 200mg Mifepristone – consume it with water orally.

·       Misoprostol: After 24 to 48 hours, you may administer 4 x Misoprostol pills vaginally by inserting each pill inside the vagina gently by lying down. Stay resting for half an hour for the medicines to melt and get absorbed in the body.

      Or, you may place all the 4 pills under the tongue for 30 minutes, where the medicine melts and then consumed orally. Otherwise, you may take the pills buccally by placing 2 pills each in both cheek pouches for half an hour. The medicine melts and you can ingest the remains orally.

·       Zofran or Ondansetron: Take this medicine 30 minutes before administering Misoprostol to manage nausea and vomiting.

·    Flexon-MR or Drotaverine M: This medicine acts as a pain-relief agent. It is useful to manage abdominal cramps and pain caused from the uterine contractions. The effects are active for up to 12 hours. You may take it as soon as the cramps begin.

·    Ethamsylate: In case of excessive bleeding (apart from the expected heavy vaginal bleeding), you may use this pill to reduce the blood flow.

What Are the Expected Common Side Effects?

Most side effects occur after Misoprostol pills. These include dizziness, tiredness, headaches, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, heavy vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramps, pain, and mild fever for a short time.

How to Manage a Medication Abortion?

Here are some tips on wellness during early abortion at home:

·    Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water and electrolyte-based drinks.

·    Avoid heavy meals, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol.

·    Include nutritious diet during and after abortion, adding foods rich in iron, minerals, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients.

·    Use large sanitary napkins for the bleeding and do not use menstrual cups and tampons.

·    Maintain hygiene to avoid infections – change pads on time, use fresh clothes, wash yourself clean, etc.

·    For pain, apart from the pain meds from the Abortion Pill Pack, you may apply a heating pad or hot water bag for relief.

Follow-Up, Aftercare, and Things to Remember

Here are some crucial factors to keep in mind:

·    Follow-Up Visit: After a couple of weeks of completing Misoprostol dosage, a follow-up with a healthcare professional is essential for pregnancy check via ultrasound. The scan can tell if all of the pregnancy has exited the uterus.

·    Aftercare and Things to Remember: The bleeding may turn lighter after a week of a successful abortion. But it may continue for 2 to 4 weeks, with the menstrual cycle resuming normally in 8 to 11 days post-abortion or up to 6 weeks afterward. Use birth control if sexually active to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. Do not have vaginal intercourse until the bleeding reduces.

Who Should Not Use the Abortion Pill Pack?

In certain conditions, you must not undergo a medical abortion:

·    If the pregnancy is outside the uterus. If your pregnancy is beyond 12 weeks.

·    If you have severe kidney, liver, or heart disorder, severe anemia, or asthma.

·    If you have an undiagnosed adnexal mass, artificial heart valve, adrenal failure, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

·    If you are on long-term corticosteroid therapy or blood thinners.

·    If you have an allergy to abortion pills.

·    If you have not removed an inserted intrauterine device before the abortion procedure.