What are the side effects of the medicines?

The medical abortion normally causes side effects such as pain and cramping, as well as bleeding accompanied by the passage of blood clots and tissue. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, and hot flashes or fever may also occur.

A fever that starts soon after Misoprostol administration and lasts less than 24 hours and is less than 100.4 F/ 38,5 C is a common side effect. If the fever lasts longer than 24 hours or is higher than 100.4 F/38,5 C, you should seek medical attention.

An allergic reaction to the medication can cause hives (itchy welts or bumps on the skin.) Please refer to the question “What are the symptoms of allergic reaction?”

If your side effects are extreme, you may have a complication. Please refer to the question "How do you know if you have a complication and what should you do?" if you think you might be experiencing abnormal side effects.

More information:

Most women will experience pain and cramping during the medical abortion after using the Misoprostol. In the majority of the scientific studies on the topic, most women describe the pain as only a little bit worse than the pain they experience during a menstrual period.

Some women will experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but it is thought that this is an effect of early pregnancy as much as it is due to Mifepristone or Misoprostol. Usually these side effects go away by themselves and do not require medical attention. Headache, mild dizziness, fever and hot flashes are symptoms that also should go away by themselves.