How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take to Work?

The abortion pill is actually a two-medication process involving Mifepristone and Misoprostol. 

Understanding how long the abortion pill takes to work helps you prepare for what to expect during the days following your decision.

The Medication Process

• Mifepristone: The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue, and the embryo stops growing.

• Misoprostol: The second pill is taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone. It causes contractions to expel the pregnancy.

How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take to Work?

Here’s a typical timeline for the abortion pill:

1. You take mifepristone, usually at a clinic or doctor’s office. You take misoprostol at home, 24–48 hours after mifepristone.[1]

2. Cramping and bleeding start within 2-24 hours of taking misoprostol.[2] For most women, this process finishes within a day, but it can take longer for some. Everybody is different, so the exact timing varies.[3]

How Long Does Bleeding Last After an Abortion Pill?

Cramping and bleeding usually begin within a few hours of taking Misoprostol. The worst cramps and heaviest bleeding usually occur in the first 4 to 5 hours after taking the second pill. This cramping may be more intense than typical menstrual cramps, and many women describe it as similar to strong period pain or early labor contractions.

Heavy bleeding and cramping may last for several hours to a few days. However, bleeding can continue for 9 to 16 days on average. Some women experience bleeding for up to 4 weeks.[4]

Every woman’s experience is different. The length of bleeding can vary based on individual factors and how far along the pregnancy was.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you experience any of the following, seek emergency medical care immediately: 

• Soaking through two full-size sanitary pads per hour for two or more consecutive hours (this level of bleeding could indicate hemorrhaging)

• Lightheadedness

• Drowsiness

• Ringing in your ears

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1

2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html

3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123

4. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf