Abortion information
What Should I Know Before Ordering Abortion Pills Online?
Ordering abortion pills online can seem simple, but it is still a medical process. Before taking them, it is important to know where the medication comes from, whether it is appropriate for you, and where you can get help if something goes wrong.
Where should the medication come from?
In the United States, mifepristone may be prescribed through telehealth and mailed by a pharmacy certified under the FDA’s REMS program. The FDA-approved regimen combines mifepristone and misoprostol for pregnancies through 10 weeks, measured from the first day of the last menstrual period.
This is different from buying pills directly from an overseas seller or unverified website. The FDA advises against purchasing mifepristone outside the REMS program because it cannot confirm the medication’s identity, strength, quality, or safety. Unfortunately, many women unknowingly buy abortion pills from unverified sites, which can be risky.
Before ordering, ask:
- Is a licensed clinician reviewing my medical history?
- Is the medication coming from a certified U.S. pharmacy?
- Can I reach a clinician if I have complications?
- Can this distributor provide follow-up and emergency care?
Why does pregnancy timing matter?
Another very important consideration is that a positive pregnancy test cannot tell you how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is inside the uterus, or whether it is still developing.
Dating a pregnancy from the last menstrual period may be reliable when cycles are regular and the date is certain. It is often inaccurate if cycles are irregular or early pregnancy bleeding was mistaken for a period. The FDA recommends ultrasound when the pregnancy’s duration is uncertain or an ectopic pregnancy is suspected.
If abortion pills are taken too far into the pregnancy, it can lead to severe and unsafe bleeding, so accurately dating the pregnancy is very important.
Abortion Pills Do Not Treat Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. Mifepristone and misoprostol will not treat it. In fact, if you have an ectopic pregnancy, taking abortion pills can precipitate life-threatening bleeding from the fallopian tube.
Ectopic pregnancy occurs in about 2% of reported pregnancies. Risk factors include a previous ectopic pregnancy, prior fallopian-tube surgery, pregnancy with an IUD in place, and certain fertility treatments. It can also happen without any known risk factors.
The best way to know if you have an ectopic pregnancy or not is to perform an ultrasound. By looking directly at the uterus and fallopian tubes, we can know where the pregnancy is located.
Seek emergency care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, shoulder pain, fainting, marked weakness, or dizziness. These may be signs of internal bleeding. Do not wait for a text response or an appointment at First Coast.
What Should You Expect Physically?
Medication abortion typically causes significant cramping and bleeding, often heavier than a menstrual period. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, fever, and chills are also common.
Serious complications can occur. About 11% of women will experience a severe adverse event after taking the abortion pills. Complications include: hemorrhage, infection, hospitalization, blood transfusion, and the need for surgery.
The FDA advises seeking immediate care for bleeding that soaks through two full-size pads per hour for two consecutive hours. Severe pain, fainting, sustained fever, or feeling ill for more than 24 hours after misoprostol also requires prompt medical attention.
Follow-Up Still Matters
Bleeding does not necessarily mean the abortion is complete. An ongoing pregnancy or retained tissue may require additional medication or a procedure.
The FDA recommends follow-up approximately 7 to 14 days after taking mifepristone. Completion may be confirmed through symptoms, an examination, hCG testing, or ultrasound.
Before taking the pills, know who will evaluate you if you have little bleeding, continued pregnancy symptoms, prolonged pain or bleeding, fever, or a persistently positive pregnancy test.
Are the Pills Appropriate for You?
Mifepristone should not be used in certain situations, including uncertain gestational age, suspected ectopic pregnancy, and certain medical illnesses. You should speak directly to a physician to know if you are a candidate.
An online questionnaire may identify some risks, but it cannot physically examine you or directly confirm where the pregnancy is located, and is not a substitute for a face-to-face visit with a licensed physician.
You Are Allowed to Slow Down
Ordering online can turn a life-changing decision into a quick transaction. You do not have to rush.
Consider whether pressure from a partner, family member, finances, housing, work, or school is affecting your decision. Ask what practical help might change your circumstances. Parenting assistance, medical care, financial resources, and adoption support may be available.
No one has the right to pressure or force you into an abortion. If you are uncertain, take time to gather reliable information and speak privately with someone you trust.
First Coast offers free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound services subject to eligibility and scheduling, and confidential information about all of your options. Find a center near you, or book a free information visit.
Sources
Website information is educational and does not replace individual medical care.
