Abortion Pill
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Abortion Pill
The abortion pill, also known as chemical or medical abortion, is a method of abortion used to end an early pregnancy. This type of abortion uses two drugs – the first blocks the progesterone hormone which is needed for pregnancy to continue. When used together with the second drug, it will end an early pregnancy (70 days or less since the first day of the last menstrual period or 10 wks LMP).
How Is It Taken?
The FDA has approved the following dosing regimen:
- On Day One, the first pill is taken by mouth
- 24 to 48 hours after taking the first pill, the second medication is taken buccally (in the cheek pouch), at a location appropriate for the patient
- About seven to fourteen days after taking the first pill, the patient should follow-up with the healthcare provider to ensure the procedure was successful.
According to the FDA, some women are advised not to take the first medication, which blocks the progesterone hormone. A woman should not take this drug if it has been more than 70 days since the first day of her last menstrual period, or if she:
- has an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside of the uterus), which can be diagnosed by our free ultrasound
- has problems with the adrenal glands (the glands near the kidneys)
- is currently being treated with long-term steroid therapy (medications)
- has had an allergic reaction to either of the drugs used for the abortion pill (or similar drugs)
- has bleeding problems or is taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) drug products
- has inherited porphyria
- has an intrauterine device (IUD) in place (it must be removed before taking the abortion pill)
What are the side effects of the abortion pill?
Before taking the Abortion Pill or any other medication, make sure to get information from a trusted source so you understand how it works, the side effects, and who you can turn to for any questions or concerns before or after taking the pills. Some of the documented common side effects of the abortion pill include:
- Abdominal pain
- Severe cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fever and chills
Some more severe risks could include:
- Seeing fetal body parts expelled
- Sustained fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- A possible life-threatening infection known as sepsis (severe systemic infection)
- Failure to abort (which may require an additional surgical abortion procedure to complete the termination)
- An undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy
- Hemorrhaging or prolonged heavy bleeding
- Fainting
Women who have already taken the first dose of the abortion pill and find themselves experiencing any of the more severe risks or complications above, should immediately contact their healthcare provider for instruction.
Women who have already taken the first dose of the abortion pill and find themselves experiencing any of the more severe risks or complications above, should immediately contact their healthcare provider for instruction.
Information is lacking about the long-term mental health effects of medical abortion, particularly, how women feel about performing their abortions, and the emotional consequences of seeing the body parts of their unborn child expelled.
What if I Have Second Thoughts?
Are you having second thoughts or regrets about your abortion decision? That is completely normal and not uncommon. It may not be too late to change your mind. If you’ve only taken the first dose of the abortion pill, but not yet taken the second pill, there is an effective process that may be able to reverse the procedure called “abortion pill reversal.” The process uses the progesterone hormone, to counteract the effects of the abortion pill and replenish progesterone to the fetus before it is too late.
Women have successfully continued their pregnancies and given birth to healthy babies after reversal progesterone treatment was given under a doctor’s care. Any attempts to counteract the abortion pill should not be done without the assistance of a medical professional. For more information go to: www.abortionpillreversal.com to locate a provider near you as soon as possible.
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