Taking the abortion pill is a safe and effective option for ending a pregnancy. But what happens if you vomit afterward? It’s a common concern, and you’re not alone in wondering whether the pills still worked or if anything needs to be done.
In this article, we’ll help you understand what to expect if you vomit after taking mifepristone or misoprostol, how timing plays a role, and when (if ever) you might need to take another dose. The goal is to give you clear, reassuring information—so you can move forward feeling more confident and informed.
What Are Mifepristone and Misoprostol?
A medical abortion usually involves two pills taken at separate times:
- Mifepristone: This is the first pill, which blocks the hormone progesterone and helps the pregnancy stop growing.
- Misoprostol (with or without Mifepristone): Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. If you’re taking both mifepristone and misoprostol, mifepristone is taken first to block the pregnancy hormone, followed by 4 misoprostol pills (800 mcg total) 24 to 48 hours later. If you’re using misoprostol-only, you will need a total of 12 pills, taken in 3 doses of 4 pills (800 mcg) spaced 3 hours apart.
Both are essential parts of the process, and each one works best when absorbed fully into the body.
What If I Vomit After Taking Mifepristone?
If you vomit within 30 minutes of taking the mifepristone pill, there’s a chance it wasn’t fully absorbed. This could affect how well the medication works.
What you can do:
- Track the timing of when you vomited.
- If it was within 30 minutes, please make sure to repeat the dose by taking one 200 mg mifepristone pill.
- If it’s been more than 30 minutes, the medication has likely been absorbed enough, and you can proceed as planned.
No need to worry—this can happen, and a safe2choose counselor can guide you through what to do next.
What If You Vomit After Taking Misoprostol?
This depends on how you took it.
- If you took it sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (in the cheek) and vomited after the 30-minute dissolve time, you’re probably fine—your body has already absorbed the medication.
- If you vomited earlier, it might not have been fully absorbed.
- If you used it vaginally, vomiting doesn’t impact absorption at all. However, please note that misoprostol tablets inserted vaginally may leave traces that can be detected during a medical examination—in the rare cases you would need further medical attention.
Again, if you’re unsure, don’t panic—just reach out to our counselor for guidance.
What You Should Remember
While vomiting may occur during a medication abortion, it’s more often related to the pregnancy itself rather than the abortion pills—especially in early pregnancy. However, if you vomit after taking the pills, it’s important to consider the timing to know whether your body absorbed the medication properly. Experiencing it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.
What matters more is when the vomiting happens in relation to when you took the pill.
Timing Matters: Did the Medication Have Time to Absorb?
Each one works differently in your body—and each has its own absorption window.
Here’s the breakdown:
Mifepristone
- Absorbs within 30 minutes.
- If you vomit within 30 minutes of taking mifepristone, it may not have been fully absorbed. If you have an extra pill, you may take it.
Misoprostol
The effect of vomiting depends on how the pills are taken:
- Buccal (in the cheek) or Sublingual (under the tongue):
- These dissolve in about 30 minutes. After that, you swallow the remaining bits.
- If you vomit after swallowing the remnants: you’re fine.
- If you vomit during the 30-minute dissolve time: you may need another dose.
- Vaginal use:
- Misoprostol is not absorbed through the stomach, so vomiting does not affect its effectiveness. You’re still protected.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Vomiting doesn’t always mean there’s a problem. But there are times when you should get in touch with a healthcare provider or support line:
- You vomited within 15–30 minutes of taking the pill.
- You’re experiencing little to no bleeding or cramping after misoprostol.
- You still feel pregnancy symptoms for a week after the abortion.
These might be signs that the pills weren’t fully absorbed and could require follow-up care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is vomiting a common side effect of the abortion pill?
Vomiting is actually more commonly caused by the pregnancy itself—not the abortion pills. Some people experience nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy, while others don’t. If you’re feeling nauseous, it’s strongly recommended to take anti-vomiting medication, such as domperidone tablets, about 30 minutes before taking mifepristone or misoprostol to help prevent vomiting and ensure proper absorption.
What should I do if I vomit after taking the abortion pill?
Check how much time has passed. Vomiting after 30 minutes is usually fine. Vomiting before 30 minutes may require a repeat dose—especially with mifepristone.
What if I vomit during the 30-minute dissolve time for misoprostol?
If you vomit before the 30-minute mark (before swallowing the leftover bits), the medication may not be fully absorbed.
Can I still have a successful abortion if I vomit?
Yes. As long as the medication had enough time to absorb, vomiting won’t affect its success. Most people who vomit still have safe and complete abortions.
Is it safe to take another dose if I vomited too soon?
Yes. Taking another dose of mifepristone or misoprostol is safe if you vomited too soon and the pills likely weren’t absorbed. For mifepristone, if you vomited within 30 minutes and have an extra 200 mg pill, you can take it without risk. The same applies to misoprostol if vomiting occurred before full absorption. There’s no need to consult a healthcare provider if doing so would delay the process.
It’s completely understandable to worry about how your body is reacting. It usually doesn’t interfere with how the abortion pills work, especially when enough time has passed for absorption.
And if you’re ever unsure, the best thing to do is reach out to a trusted provider or abortion support service like safe2choose. They’re here to walk with you every step of the way—confidentially and without judgment.