Is the Abortion Pill as Safe as Taking Tylenol?
If you've searched online about the abortion pill, you've probably seen the claim that it's "as safe as taking Tylenol." While that comparison is meant to be reassuring, it oversimplifies an important medical decision.
The abortion pill (also called a medical abortion) is a prescription medication regimen designed to end an early pregnancy. Like any medical treatment, it has an intended purpose, expected side effects, and potential complications. Before taking it, you deserve to understand how it works and what some of the risks are.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill typically involves two medications.The first medication, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary to sustain a pregnancy. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. The FDA has approved this regimen for pregnancies through 70 days (10 weeks) gestation. [U.S. Food & Drug Administration]
What Happens After Taking the Abortion Pill?
Most women experience significant cramping and bleeding as the pregnancy passes. Other common side effects include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Chills or fever
Headache
Dizziness
These effects are expected during a medication abortion, but every woman's experience is different.
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
Serious abortion pill complications may also occur.Potential risks can include:
Heavy bleeding that may require emergency medical care or, in rare cases, a blood transfusion
Infection
An incomplete abortion that requires additional medication or a surgical procedureThe FDA-approved prescribing information also warns patients to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as excessive bleeding, severe abdominal pain, prolonged fever, or signs of infection. [DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine)]
Why an Ultrasound Matters Before Taking the Abortion Pill
One of the most important steps before taking the abortion pill is confirming the pregnancy with an ultrasound.An ultrasound can help determine:
Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
How far along the pregnancy is
Whether an ectopic pregnancy may be present
This matters because the abortion pill does not treat an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy can become life-threatening if it goes undiagnosed and untreated.Knowing your gestational age is also important because the FDA-approved regimen is indicated only through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
"So… Is the Abortion Pill Safe?"
No medication should be evaluated by a slogan alone. The abortion pill is no exception.Before taking the abortion pill, it's important to know how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus, and whether there are any medical factors that could affect your care. Those are questions that deserve answers before you take the first pill.The safest decision is an informed one.
Talk with a Registered Nurse
If you're considering the abortion pill, Resource Health is here to help.
Our licensed medical staff provide free, confidential medical services, including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and one-on-one consultations to answer your questions and help you understand all of your pregnancy options.You deserve accurate medical information before making an important decision.
We're here to listen, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.
Book an Appointment today to speak with one of our Registered Nurses.