These two pills are easily confused. Here are some facts to help you understand the difference:
The Morning After Pill
The Morning After Pill, also known as Emergency Contraception, is taken up to 72 hours after engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, and is a hormonal contraceptive that could prevent a pregnancy. Depending on where you are in your monthly cycle, this pill will either delay ovulation so the egg won’t be released from your ovary, or it will affect the lining of the uterus so the fertilized egg will not implant. The side effects may include an irregular period, nausea/vomiting, or headaches.
The Abortion Pill
The Abortion Pill (AKA Medication Abortion, Chemical Abortion, At-Home Abortion), is used only after a positive pregnancy test. The Abortion Pill can be used until 9 weeks 6 days after the first day of your last period.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Medical abortion is not a safe option for those who are too far along in the pregnancy or have a pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy).” Therefore, before taking the Abortion Pill, please call or text us to schedule an ultrasound at no cost. Our trained Nurse Sonographers can determine how far along you are and be sure the pregnancy has implanted in the uterus.
What happens with the Abortion Pill? Medication abortion requires two different pills. The first pill (Mifeprex, RU486, or Mifepristone) blocks the production of progesterone to the pregnancy. This is the hormone that sustains the pregnancy. The second medication (Misoprostol or Cytotec) is taken within 48 hours after the first, causes the uterus to contract and expel the baby from the body. Side effects can include heavy bleeding, cramps, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The aboriton pill can only be prescribed by an abortion provider. Some people have reported ordering the medication online and receiving the pills through the mail. The FDA advises against this saying, “You should not buy Mifeprex or its approved generic over the Internet because you will bypass important safeguards designed to protect your health. Mifeprex and its approved generic have special safety restrictions on how it is distributed to the public. Also, drugs purchased from foreign Internet sources are not the FDA-approved versions of the drugs, and they are not subject to FDA-regulated manufacturing controls or FDA inspection of manufacturing facilities.”
Take a deep breath and remember you are not alone in making decisions. It is completely normal to have questions about the Morning After Pill and the Abortion Pill. This information is the short version of a complicated matter. Please text or Call Care Net Owensboro to allow our nurses to answer additional questions about the Morning After Pill or the Abortion Pill.
Resources:
Care Net Owensboro 270-685-5077
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion