How Do MTP Kit Pills Work?

Here is everything about medication abortion procedure:

·       Mifepristone: It restricts the progesterone hormone that otherwise helps the pregnancy continue. With lack of progesterone, the endometrial lining breaks. The pregnancy contents disengage from the uterine wall and are ready to be pushed out.

·       Misoprostol: These pills are known as prostaglandin E1 analog. These cause contractions in the uterus so that the pregnancy tissues easily get removed through heavy vaginal bleeding. The medicine also ripens and dilates the cervix to further facilitate safe pregnancy termination.

What is the MTP Kit Dosage?

Here is how to take MTP Kit – Mifepristone and Misoprostol pills:

·       Take Mifepristone on day 1. Take only one pill of 200mg strength, swallowed orally with water.

·       After 24 to 48 hours, start with Misoprostol 800mcg. Either take the pills vaginally by placing each pill deep in the vaginal tract gently.

·       Or, insert two Misoprostol pills each at either side of the cheek pouches and ingest remains after 30 minutes. Or, place all the 4 pills of Misoprostol (200mcg each) under your tongue and sublingually consume the remains after half an hour.

What Are the Common Side Effects?

Mifepristone may not lead to any side effects, but Misoprostol pills do:

·       They may cause temporary nausea, vomiting – for which you may take antiemetic medicines.

·       For abdominal pain and cramps from the uterine contractions, apply a hot water bag or heating pad, or you may even use pain-relief meds.

·       For stomach upset and headache, take rest and stay hydrated on electrolyte drinks and water.

·       You may also feel tired and dizzy, so it is advisable to limit your movements and avoid physical strain.

·       Also, avoid heavy meals, alcohol, interacting substances, and caffeine intake. Have plain and nutritious food, even during recovery.

How to Know the MTP Kit Worked?

Once the uterus empties, probably in a week or less after completing the entire abortion pill dosage – the side effects eventually reduce. The bleeding continues for 2 to 6 weeks (sometimes up to 4 weeks only), but turns to lighter flow and spotting after a couple of weeks.

·       But to know for sure if the abortion pill worked, you must visit a doctor after 14 days of expected successful abortion.

·       An ultrasound scan will be done to understand if the uterus emptied properly or there are few remains inside.

·       You may then have to take additional abortion pills as advised by the doctor or undergo a surgical abortion.

What Precautions Should You Follow?

Some of the precautions to adhere to are:

·       Keep a lookout for warning signs where you need to seek medical attention. This includes a high fever over 24 hours, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, soaking over 2 pads every hour for the next 2 hours, severe pain unaffected by pain management steps, etc.

·       Since the bleeding may last longer, it is advisable to not have vaginal intercourse in this duration.

·       Use birth control whenever engaging in intercourse to protect against an unintended pregnancy.

·       Follow hygiene to restrict the risk of infection. Do not douche or use feminine washes to clean yourself down while bleeding.

·       Avoid interactions such as CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole, erythromycin, grapefruit juice. Also, do not take CYP3A4 inducers like rifampin, St. John’s wort, phenytoin, etc.

·       Do not use blood thinners, immunosuppressants, dexamethasone, and seizure meds.

Who Should Not Use MTP Kit?

While medical abortion has 95% to 98% of times, but in some circumstances, it may be unsuitable:

·       If your pregnancy is over 12 weeks. If the pregnancy is ectopic, which is outside the uterus.

·       If you are on long-term corticosteroid therapy.

·       If you have an allergy to Mifepristone and Misoprostol pills.

·       If you have serious asthma, kidney/liver/heart disorders, or severe anemia.

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

·       If you have not removed the birth control intrauterine device before taking abortion pills.