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Medical Abortion Pill

Learn more upon the steps and procedures within the Medical Abortion Pill

Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill) - Mifegymiso

The Abortion Pill – Mifegymiso (Mifepristone/Misoprostol) was approved in Canada in July of 2015. However, the Abortion Pill has been used successfully and safely in Europe since 1988. The Abortion Pill – Mifegymiso is an alternative method for ending an early pregnancy up to 9 weeks or 63 days since your last menstrual period.

The Abortion Pill has gained popularity in Canada as a less invasive abortion method that can feel more natural to some women, like having a miscarriage. The Abortion Pill does not involve the use of anesthesia or instruments, and allows women to have an abortion in the comfort and privacy of their own home.

The medical abortion is a two-day process with one tablet of Mifepristone taken on day 1 and the four tablets of Misoprostol to be taken 24-48 hours later. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone naturally needed by the body to maintain an early pregnancy. It causes an early pregnancy to stop growing and detach from the uterine wall. Misoprostol uses a hormone called prostaglandin that allows the pregnancy to be expelled.

95% of women choosing the medical abortion only require one appointment at our clinic. A follow-up blood test at your nearest lab will need to be done within one week of your appointment to confirm that the medication was successful. Once we receive your blood test results, they are assessed and we will follow-up with you over the phone.

You cannot buy the abortion pill online or through a pharmacy. Only specially trained doctors in abortion care can purchase and dispense Mifegymiso. Our clinic doctors and nurses are specially trained, have extensive knowledge, and many years of experience in delivering safe and compassionate abortion care.

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The Abortion Pill (Mifegymiso) is a three-step process

The Abortion Pill consist of 3 step processes that range from what will happen on the first day within taking the pill, the second day within taking the pill and finally knowing more about the follow-up appointment upon taking your blood tests

Day 1

On the first day, you will take one (1) tablet of Mifepristone. Mifepristone will stop the growth of your pregnancy. You cannot reverse the effects of the medication once taken.

Day 2

On the second day, the four (4) Misoprostol tablets are taken at home within 24-48 hours after taking the Mifepristone. The Misoprostol tablets will cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy naturally.

Day 2

A follow-up blood test done at your nearest lab is required within one week of your appointment to confirm that the medication was successful.

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The Abortion Pill (Mifegymiso) is up to 95-98% effective

If the Abortion Pill is unsuccessful, a surgical procedure will be necessary to complete the abortion process.

To schedule an appointment for a medical abortion, please fill out the following form:

Advantages & Side Effects Of The Medical Abortion

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Your significant other or family member can be with you during the entire process. Many women appreciate having a loved one around during this difficult time. It can be performed up to 9 weeks or 63 days from the first day of the last menstrual period.cIt does not require the use of instruments or anesthesia, which can feel more natural for some women.

Advantages of the Abortion Pill (Mifegymiso)

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Side effects may include: upset stomach; nausea; diarrhea; headache; and sometimes bleeding can occur after taking mifepristone.
Common side effects of Mifepristone

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Side effects may include: headache; breast tenderness; fainting; fatigue; hot flushes/chills; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; or dizziness. Side effects are usually short term and do not last more than 24 hours.

Bleeding and cramping usually starts within 4 hours of taking the misoprostol tablets. Bleeding can vary from light to heavy and is usually more than your regular menstrual period.

For most women, bleeding lasts for 11 days. Light bleeding can continue for 30 days or more but does not normally go beyond your next menstrual period.

Cramping can vary from mild to severe and is usually stronger than your regular menstrual period. Stronger cramps should decrease once the pregnancy is expelled.

Common side effects of Misoprostol

Learn very important information regarding the Medical Abortion Pills on how to take it, when and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs received by Brampton Women's Clinic

You may not quality for the medical abortion if any of the following apply to you:

Your pregnancy is assessed by ultrasound as being more than 9 weeks or 63 days.

You are anemic with a hemoglobin level of less than 95.

You are not fluent in English

You have an IUD in place. This must be removed before the medical abortion.

You have known or suspected bleeding problem or are taking blood thinners/anticoagulants (drugs that prevent or treat blood clots).

You suffer from a disease where it is necessary to take steriods (e.g. asthma uncontrolled by treatment).

You are taking corticosteriods (medicines such as prednisolone and cortisone).

You have adrenal failure.

Two medicines must be used for the medical abortion: one (1) mifepristone tablet and four (4) misoprostol tablets. 

The first step:

One tablet of Mifepristone will be taken by mouth and can be swallowed with a glass of water.

The second step:

24 to 48 hours after taking the mifepristone you will need to take the misoprostol tablets. 

You will take the four (4) misoprostol tablets at the same time. Misoprostol should be taken by holding the tablets in between your cheeks and gums for 30 minutes. During this time, they should dissolve and anything left over can be swallowed with a glass of water.

There is a 3-5% failure rate with the medical abortion.

If the medical abortion fails, a surgical procedure called dilation and curettage (D&C) may be needed to complete the abortion.

Bleeding usually lasts up to 11 days. Some women may have light bleeding and/or spotting up to 30 days, but this does not usually go beyond their next menstrual period. 

Stronger cramping usually does not last longer than 24 hours or until the pregnancy is expelled. Some women, may have some on-and-off cramping.

You may have bleeding that is heavier than your regular menstrual period. It is not uncommon for women to see some blood clots and tissues.

Cramping can be stronger than your regular menstrual period, but usually does not last longer than 24 hours.

It is important to be ready at home with Advil Extra Strength (400mg or 600mg), Tylenol Extra Strength (500mg or 1000mg) and a heating pad to be used on the abdomen or back.

It is important to contact the clinic if pain is unrelieved by pain medication taken as directed.

Complications are rare. It is important to call the clinic immediately if you have any of the following:

If you are soaking two (or more) large pads in 1 hour for 2 hours in a row.

You are passing fist-sized blood clots.

If cramping is unrelieved by pain medication taken as directed.

Feeling sick (including weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, cramps, fatigue, chills) 5-7 days after taking misoprostol.

Future fertility is unaffected by the medical abortion, barring no rare or serious complications occur.

Fertility returns one week after your medical abortion. You can get pregnant again at this time.

You may need to take 1 or 2 days off of work/school as bleeding and cramping can be stronger/heavier than your regular menstrual period.

Keep in mind, misoprostol can be taken within 24-48 hours after taking Mifepristone. This allows women to choose the most convenient time around their daily schedule to take the abortion pills. 

Unfortunately, we do not have translators at our clinic. You must be fluent in English to qualify for the medical abortion.

Get more information on the medical abortion
by reading our Medical Abortion Form

CONTACT US

Get in touch with us. Call our office to speak with one of our staff members about your options now.

We are located in Brampton, Ontario. Just north of Mississauga, west of York Region (Vaughan, Markham, etc.), east of Guelph, and south of Barrie.

@2022 Brampton Womens Clinic