Mifepristone — what it does and how to stay safe

Mifepristone is a medicine most often used together with misoprostol to end an early pregnancy. It also has other medical uses, like treating certain hormone conditions, but people usually ask about it for medical abortion. If you’re reading about this because you or someone you care for needs options, here’s the plain, practical information you need.

How does it work? Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone a pregnancy needs to continue. Once progesterone is reduced, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy can end. Misoprostol, taken after mifepristone, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

Typical treatment and what to expect

The usual approach for early medical abortion is one dose of mifepristone followed 24–48 hours later by misoprostol. You’ll usually feel cramping and heavy bleeding after the misoprostol; that’s the medicine doing its job. Bleeding can be heavier than a normal period and may include clots. Cramping and nausea are common, and some people get fever or chills for a day or two.

Plan for recovery time. Many people need a day of rest, and spotting can continue for a couple of weeks. Keep basic supplies on hand: pads (not tampons), pain relief like ibuprofen if your provider agrees, and a phone number for your clinic or doctor.

Safety, warnings, and when to call a doctor

Before taking mifepristone, confirm the pregnancy is inside the uterus; the medicines won’t treat an ectopic pregnancy. Tell your provider about allergies, long-term steroid use, or certain medical conditions. If you have an IUD, ask your clinician whether it should be removed first.

Get urgent help if you: soak more than two pads an hour for two hours, pass tissue and feel faint or very weak, have a fever over 38°C (100.4°F) lasting more than 24 hours, or have severe abdominal pain that isn’t helped by painkillers. These signs can mean complications that need immediate care.

One practical note about buying medicines: legal rules and availability vary a lot by country. Mifepristone is prescription-only in many places. If you consider ordering online, use a licensed pharmacy and check local laws. Illegal or fake products can be ineffective or dangerous.

Finally, follow up. A check-up or a pregnancy test a couple of weeks later confirms the treatment worked and rules out complications. If anything feels off, call your healthcare provider — faster action lowers risk and stress.

If you want more details about how mifepristone works with misoprostol, or about safe online pharmacies, check related articles on this site or talk to a trusted clinician. Practical, accurate advice matters when you’re making health decisions.