How to
Using the abortion pills at home
On this page, you’ll find clear instructions, answers to common questions, and everything you need to know about what to expect when taking the abortion pills at home.
Abortion pill instructions and resources
After a visit with our clinical team or completing an immediate evaluation, you’ll receive clear, step-by-step instructions on how to take the abortion pills at home. These handouts may have been emailed to you — so be sure to check your inbox and spam folder. If your pills are being shipped, they should arrive within 1–4 business days.
Need another copy of your instructions? You can view and download them in English and Spanish using the links below.
How to take the abortion pill at home handout
IMPORTANT: If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please call us at (855) 729–2272. If calling after hours, stay on the line to be connected with our on-call provider — or call 911 immediately.
Sometimes it’s easier to see how it works. Watch this video to learn what to expect and how to safely take the abortion pills at home. Just click play to get started.
How to take the abortion pill at home
What to Expect
Normally, in as little as 1 to 4 hours after taking the misoprostol, most people will start to have cramping, bleeding, and possibly other symptoms described below:
Bleeding– Bleeding is expected and it may be heavier than a period or it may be just like a period. Blood clots are also expected during this time. Most people experience several hours of heavier bleeding that quickly decreases once you have passed the pregnancy from your body. Some people do not bleed again until their next period, in about 4-6 weeks. Others may bleed off and on until their next period starts. These are all normal possibilities.
Cramping– Cramping is the pain you feel as your uterus contracts to pass the pregnancy from your body. Your cramps may be strong at first but they will get better after the abortion is complete. Some things you can do to help include taking your pain medicine, putting a hot water bottle or heating pad on your belly, taking a warm shower, sitting on the toilet, or having someone rub your back.
Chills and fever– You may feel cold or have chills on the day you take the misoprostol. It is also possible to feel hot and sweaty or even to have a mild fever that resolves itself within 24 hours. Please call the health center right away if you have a fever of 100.4°F or higher more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol — anytime in the next two weeks.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea– You may have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as normal effects of this medication. These symptoms should go away within 24 hours. If these symptoms do not go away within 2 days or if you feel they are severe, then please call us.
Tiredness– You may feel tired for 1 or 2 days. You should be back to normal soon.
When to Contact Us
Call carafem right away with questions or concerns or if you have:
Vomiting less than 30 mins after taking the mifepristone or while holding the misoprostol in your cheeks
Bleeding that is soaking through 2 maxi pads per hour for more than 2 hours straight
Passing blood clots that are larger than a lemon
Severe pain not helped by pain medications, rest, or heating pads
Severe vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours
A fever of 100.4°F that starts more than 24 hours after taking the misoprostol
Symptoms of an allergic reaction (rash, shortness of breath)
Have no bleeding or blood clots within 24 hours of using misoprostol
Call 855-729-2272 during business hours or after hours. After hours you will be transferred to our on-call staff by staying on the line to the end of the recorded message.
Follow Up
We ask that you take a urine-based pregnancy test 5 weeks after the misoprostol and call us with the results if it is still positive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I use tampons or a menstrual cup?
We suggest you use regular full-sized maxi pads for 24 hours after taking the misoprostol to understand how much you are bleeding. You can return to tampons or a menstrual cup anytime after that.
When can I have sex?
There is no specific time you must wait to resume having sex. You can do so whenever you feel ready. Be aware, you can become pregnant again very quickly if you have sex after an abortion without using reliable birth control.
Can I use other medications or herbal treatments to help with pain or to relax?
Some medications could interact with the painkillers we have provided. Please call us with the specific name of the medication or herbal supplement you wish to take.
How long after an abortion before I can get pregnant?
It’s possible to get pregnant right away after an abortion. We recommend you start using a reliable method of birth control on the same day as taking the abortion pill if you wish to prevent another pregnancy. We are happy to help you with this if you have questions.
Can I eat or drink during my abortion process?
It is important to stay hydrated. Sips of water or carbonated soft drinks like ginger ale may help. Some people find hot tea soothing. You may eat if you are hungry, but because the medications may cause an upset stomach, it’s best to avoid spicy or greasy foods.
How long will the bleeding last?
Bleeding is common for several weeks after using the abortion pill. As long as the amount is less than a period, it is likely normal – even if bleeding starts and stops or varies between spotting and heavier amounts. Color can range from dark brown to bright red and still be normal. If you are concerned about bleeding, please call us at 855-729-2272 for advice.