How Medication Abortion Works: Complete Medical Guide 2025

Quick Summary

What it is: Two medications taken 24-48 hours apart
How early: Effective through 13 weeks of pregnancy (WHO guidelines)
Success rate: 95-98% effective
Where: Complete the process at home with medical support
Safety: FDA-approved since 2000, extensive safety record
Access: Available through telemedicine in many areas

Understanding the Two Medications

Medication abortion uses two different medications that work together. Understanding what each one does can help you know what to expect.

Mifepristone: The First Medication

What it does: Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone your body needs to continue a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue to grow.

How you take it:

One pill
Swallow with water
Can be taken at any time of day

What happens after:

Most people feel no immediate symptoms
Some may experience light bleeding or nausea
You can continue with normal daily activities

Misoprostol: The Second Medication

What it does: Misoprostol causes your uterus to contract and empty, similar to what happens during a miscarriage. This is when you'll experience cramping and bleeding.

How you take it:

Four pills total
Place between your cheek and gum (buccal) OR under your tongue (sublingual)
Let dissolve for 30 minutes, then swallow what remains

What happens after:

Cramping usually starts within 30 minutes to 4 hours
Bleeding begins, often heavier than a period
You'll pass blood clots (this is normal and expected)
Heaviest symptoms last 3-5 hours

When you take it: 24-48 hours after taking mifepristone.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect

Before You Start: Preparation

What you'll need:

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain - avoid aspirin
Heating pad or hot water bottle
Maxi pads (not tampons)
Comfortable, private space
Someone available for support (if possible)
Light foods and drinks
Entertainment (movies, books, phone)

When to Seek Medical Care

While serious complications are rare, contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

Soaking through 2 or more pads per hour for 2 hours straight
Fever above 100.4°F that lasts more than 24 hours
Severe pain not relieved by ibuprofen and heating pad

How Safe Is Medication Abortion?

Medication abortion is very safe. Here are the facts:

Safety Statistics

Serious complications: Less than 0.4% (fewer than 4 in 1,000)
Death: Extremely rare - about 0.00064% (similar to miscarriage)
Future fertility: Not affected at all
FDA approval: Approved since 2000, over 20 years of safety data

How It Compares to Other Medical Procedures

Medication abortion is:

Safer than wisdom teeth removal
Safer than childbirth (14 times safer)
Similar safety to miscarriage

How Roxy Clinic Supports You

We provide medication abortion through secure telemedicine to people throughout the United States.

Our Process

Online Consultation (15-20 minutes)
Complete secure medical questionnaire. Available in English and Spanish.
Medical Review (Same day or next day)
Provider approves your prescription and confirms you're eligible.
Medication Delivery (2-5 business days)
Discreet packaging (no labels indicating contents).
Support Throughout (24/7 access)
Medical team available by phone and text.

Legal Questions?

If you have legal questions about accessing abortion care in your specific situation, we recommend contacting:

If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline: 844-868-2812

Free, confidential legal information from lawyers who specialize in reproductive rights.