What precautions should be taken after taking mifepristone tablets?

Many women, upon discovering an unintended pregnancy and being unable to carry the pregnancy to term, opt for medical abortion at a hospital. Medical abortion is relatively convenient and avoids the physical trauma associated with surgical procedures. However, patients must strictly follow their physician’s instructions, taking oral mifepristone followed by misoprostol. So, what precautions should be taken after taking mifepristone tablets?

What Precautions Should Be Taken After Taking Mifepristone Tablets?

1. Only women confirmed to have early pregnancy (gestational age ≤ 49 days since last menstrual period) are eligible; shorter gestational duration generally yields better outcomes.

2. Mifepristone tablets must only be administered in healthcare facilities equipped to provide emergency care, perform dilation and curettage (D&C), and administer intravenous fluids and blood transfusions.

3. Prior to administration, patients must be thoroughly informed about the expected efficacy of treatment and potential adverse reactions. Should heavy vaginal bleeding or other abnormal symptoms occur during treatment or follow-up, immediate medical attention is required.

4. Vaginal bleeding—often light—typically begins shortly after medication intake. Some women experience prolonged post-abortion bleeding. A small proportion of women with early pregnancy may spontaneously abort following mifepristone alone. Approximately 80% of pregnant women expel the chorionic villi and gestational sac within 6 hours after prostaglandin administration, while about 10% expel pregnancy tissue within one week of taking the medication.

5. Patients should return to the original treatment facility for follow-up evaluation 8–15 days after medication intake to confirm abortion completion. If necessary, transvaginal ultrasound or serum β-hCG testing may be performed. In cases of incomplete abortion or ongoing pregnancy, prompt clinical intervention is essential.

6. Women in whom medical abortion fails must undergo surgical termination of pregnancy (i.e., vacuum aspiration or D&C).

7. This medication is strictly contraindicated for all individuals except those undergoing early pregnancy termination.

If a woman chooses medical abortion, she must take mifepristone under strict physician supervision. Following mifepristone administration, cervical softening occurs, thereby facilitating subsequent expulsion of the gestational sac upon misoprostol administration. Since some individuals experience nausea after taking mifepristone, patients are advised to avoid eating or drinking for a short period afterward. Additionally, they should closely monitor for signs of vaginal bleeding.

Beep! Wishing you a pleasant and healthy life.