Medical reference
Safety guide
General information only. It does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist. The exact regimen and timing must be confirmed by a clinician for your situation.
Mifepristone
Blocks progesterone, the hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue. It is taken by mouth as directed by your clinician.
Misoprostol
Causes the uterus to contract so the pregnancy is passed. Timing and the way it is taken must be confirmed by your clinician.
Not suitable if you have
- A suspected or confirmed ectopic pregnancy
- An intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- A bleeding disorder, or you take blood thinners
- Long-term corticosteroid use or adrenal failure
- An allergy to either medicine
- A pregnancy of more than 12 weeks
Get emergency medical care if
- You soak two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row
- You have severe pain that painkillers do not relieve
- You have a fever lasting more than 24 hours, or foul-smelling discharge
- You feel faint, dizzy or very weak
- There is no bleeding within 24 hours of the second medicine
- You still feel pregnant after two weeks
Before you start
- Confirm your gestational age with the calculator or an ultrasound.
- Have sanitary pads, fluids and pain relief available, and avoid being alone if you can.
- Know where your nearest hospital is, and how you would get there.