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Safe Abortion with Mifepristone and Misoprostol: A Complete Guide

A medication abortion, also known as an abortion with pills, can be performed with mifepristone and misoprostol pills, or with misoprostol pills alone. This page contains detailed information about the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for an abortion with pills. If you can only access misoprostol, please see this guide.

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MIFEPRISTONE AND MISOPROSTOL

How mifepristone and misoprostol work to end pregnancy

Using mifepristone and misoprostol together is a very effective method for ending a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks the hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue, and misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel pregnancy tissue. When used correctly in a pregnancy of up to 13 weeks, this method works 95% of the time, is safe, and can be self-managed at home.

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Frequently asked questions on abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol

During an abortion with pills, the most recommended medication for managing pain is ibuprofen, which helps reduce both cramping and the side effects of misoprostol, such as chills or fever. Ibuprofen is widely available in most countries without a prescription. Taking 800 mg of ibuprofen 30 minutes before using misoprostol can help manage pain. After that, you can take 400 mg every 3 hours as needed, but do not exceed 3200 mg in a 24-hour period.

Other medications similar to ibuprofen (still in the NSAIDs category) that can be used if ibuprofen is not available are:

- Naproxen. Take 550 mg before using misoprostol, then 550 mg every 8 hours (max 1650 mg in 24 hours).

- ketoprofen. Take 100 mg before using misoprostol, then 100 mg every 8 hours (max 300 mg in 24 hours).

- ketorolac. Take 20 mg before using misoprostol, then 10 mg every 6-8 hours (max 40 mg in 24 hours).

- diclofenac. Take 100 mg before using misoprostol, then 50 mg every 6-8 hours (max 150 mg in 24 hours).

⚠️ If you're allergic to ibuprofen or NSAIDs, paracetamol (acetaminophen) can also be used—two 325 mg tablets every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4000 mg in a 24-hour period.

⚠️ Aspirin is NOT recommended because it affects blood clotting and may increase the risk of heavy bleeding.

Other nonmedical methods, such as using a heating pad or massaging the lower abdomen, can also help alleviate pain.

BLOGS

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TESTIMONIALS

Real Stories from Our Community

Discover the heartfelt stories and experiences of individuals who have trusted safe2choose. These testimonials reflect the support and guidance we provide, showcasing the impact of our services.

Illustration of two women talking: one, a safe2choose counselor, with curly hair in teal floral dress, the other with long black hair in yellow floral dress sharing real stories from the community
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Even though I was still very apprehensive, I decided to trust them and share my despair. To my surprise, I was warmly welcomed by the counselors and received all the guidance I needed.

I reached out here because I was desperate and didn’t know who to turn to. I had been searching on Google and found this wonderful team. Even though I was still very apprehensive, I decided to trust them and share my despair. To my surprise, I was warmly welcomed by the counselors and received all the guidance I needed. I was quickly referred to the appropriate place, where I was also treated with great care, and I was able to have my abortion in about a week. It was a very positive experience, with kind support and without judgment.

Anonymous, Brazil

Age: 40, October 2025

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I don’t feel ready to have another baby. They inserted a copper IUD incorrectly, and I got pregnant.


I decided to have an abortion because I don’t feel ready to have another baby. They inserted a copper IUD incorrectly, and I got pregnant. My baby was born six months ago, I had postpartum depression, and it’s still hard to feel like I’m doing things right. I don’t think a new baby deserves all the stress from work, a small child, and a complicated relationship. The baby’s father didn’t want the pregnancy either.
After the abortion, I felt very guilty. I’m still sad about what happened because I tried to take care of myself and this still happened. I didn’t know what to do or where to go because abortion is illegal in my country. I found this page, and they helped me a lot and gave me contacts to make this a safe process, especially because I had the IUD and that complicated things.
If you’re in a similar situation, the best thing is to talk about it and cry as much as you need to let the grief out. I don’t think this is easy for anyone, especially if you’re a first-time mom.
Also, it’s better to be well informed about contraceptive methods and their side effects... I learned that you have to visit several doctors to get different opinions and inform yourself better. The copper IUD was inserted at my public health provider very soon after my C-section and didn’t protect me for even six months, and it caused this situation that I will never forget.

Anonymous, Bolivia

Age: 30, October 2025

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In a country where choice is denied, discovering support reaffirmed the belief in personal freedom.

It was amazing to know that even in a country where we are told we have no choice, there are people out there that still believe in a persons right to choose what to do with their life. Keep up the great work!

Anonymous, Costa Rica

Age: 29, May 2025

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I am very grateful to them. Be sure that they will take good care of you, no matter where you are. You are the one to decide, but you will never be alone.

Fear was the first feeling I had when I found out I was pregnant. But after I contacted safe2choose, they made me feel safe and confident that they would guide me through the process. The process was very private and easy, and the counselors truly gave me the attention I needed. I am very grateful to them. Be sure that they will take good care of you, no matter where you are. You are the one to decide, but you will never be alone.

Anonymous, Mexico

Age: 28, July 2024

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By the safe2choose team and supporting experts at carafem, based on the 2022 Abortion Care Guideline by the WHO, the 2023 Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health by Ipas, and the 2024 Clinical Policy Guidelines for Abortion Care by NAF.

safe2choose is supported by a Medical Advisory Board formed by leading experts in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

carafem provides convenient and professional abortion care and family planning so people can control the number and spacing of their children.

Ipas is an international organization focused on expanding access to safe abortion and contraceptive care.

WHO – the World Health Organization – is a specialized United Nations agency responsible for international public health.

NAF – the National Abortion Federation – is a professional association in the USA supporting safe, evidence-based abortion care and reproductive rights.

[1] "Abortion care guideline." World Health Organization, 2022, srhr.org/abortioncare/. Accessed November 2024.

[2] Jackson, E. "Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health." Ipas, 2023, www.ipas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ipas-Clinical-Updates-in-Reproductive-Health-CURHE23b.pdf Accessed November 2024.

[3]"Clinical Policy Guidelines." National Abortion Federation, 2024, prochoice.org/providers/quality-standards/. Accessed November 2024.