

Wait 24 to 48 hours, then take 800 mcg (four 200 mcg tablets) by inserting two tablets into each cheek pouch (the space between teeth and cheek). Depending where you live, telehealth options might be available. This is usually supplied by your healthcare provider, typically in a clinic, medical office, or hospital setting. Take 200 mg (1 tablet) of mifepristone by mouth on the first day. The pills are taken over the course of 2 to 3 days, starting with mifepristone. Misoprostol, on the other hand, works by causing the uterus to contract and the cervix to widen, allowing the pregnancy tissue to be pushed out of the body. Mifepristone works by blocking the progesterone that’s needed to maintain a pregnancy. This allows for the embryo to implant and begin to grow. How does it work to end a pregnancy?ĭuring the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, cells in your ovaries release a hormone called progesterone to prepare the lining of your uterus for pregnancy. For example, you may not be eligible for one if your pregnancy is outside of your uterus (called an ectopic pregnancy), you have bleeding problems, or if you’re using an intrauterine device (IUD), among other reasons. However, medical abortions aren’t for everyone. This regimen usually includes an extra misoprostol dose.

Some healthcare providers may prescribe these medications up to 11 weeks gestation. This means that it can be used within 70 days (10 weeks) from the first day of your last menstrual period. This combination is also called a medical abortion, or medication abortion, and it’s FDA approved for use through 70 days gestation. When we talk about the “ abortion pill,” we’re usually referring to two medications - mifepristone (Mifeprex) and misoprostol (Cytotec) - that are taken together to end a pregnancy.
