There are some key differences between the abortion pill and Plan B, which is an emergency contraceptive.
The abortion pill ends a pregnancy up to 10 weeks of gestational age, while Plan B is meant to block an egg from fertilizing or an embryo from implanting in your uterus up to 72 hours after sex.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The abortion pill is a regimen of two different pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first medication, mifepristone, is an anti-progest in that blocks the pregnancy from receiving the hormone progesterone, which allows it to grow.
After the pregnancy has stopped developing due to the first medication, misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later to induce cramping so the body can expel the pregnancy tissue and other remnants.
Risks and Side Effects of the Abortion Pill
Many medical procedures will pose some risks. Here is a list of potential side effects listed by the Mayo Clinic specifically for a medical abortion produced by the abortion pill:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
How Plan B Works
For Plan B to work as intended, you should take the pill no more than 72 hours after sex. It works to prevent ovulation, block fertilization, or prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the womb.
Side Effects of the Plan B Pill:
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms typically last only a few days, but some of the potential side effects include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
What are My Next Steps?
We offer no-cost, confidential consultations at Onslow Pregnancy Center if you’re unsure what option to pursue.
In addition to these consultations, we offer other no-cost services, such as pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, which can help you determine your eligibility for specific procedures, like the abortion pill.
While the future may be unknown, you don’t have to walk this alone! Contact us today to schedule your appointment.