Recent legal challenges have raised questions about access to mifepristone, one of the two medications used in the abortion pill regimen. As a result, some women have turned to misoprostol only abortions.
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be wondering whether you can take misoprostol without mifepristone. To make an informed decision, you need to understand how this method works and the risks involved.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about misoprostol only abortions. Keep reading to learn more.
How Does a Misoprostol Only Abortion Work?
Normally, the abortion pill regimen uses two medications:
- Mifepristone: The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue, and the embryo stops growing.
- Misoprostol: The second pill is taken 24-48 hours after mifepristone. It causes contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.
In a misoprostol only abortion, you take multiple doses of misoprostol. The dose depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy (also known as your gestational age).
How Late Can You Take Misoprostol?
Misoprostol is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.[1] The most accurate way to determine your gestational age is to receive an ultrasound.
Taking the medication beyond this timeframe increases the risk of complications. This may require further medical intervention, including emergency surgery to stop excessive bleeding or treat an incomplete abortion.[2]
Family Life Pregnancy Center provides free ultrasounds to women who receive positive pregnancy tests at our center. Schedule an appointment today to get started.
Can You Order Misoprostol Online?
Ordering misoprostol online from unregulated sources is risky. The FDA warns against it, as these pills may be expired, counterfeit, contaminated, or contain the wrong doseage.[3]
Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider to ensure you receive FDA-approved medications.
Is It Safe to Take Misoprostol Without Mifepristone?
Misoprostol alone can induce an abortion. However, this method is not as effective as using both drugs together.[4]
Misoprostol can cause serious side effects, including[5]:
- Low blood pressure
- Faster than normal heartrate
- Heart attack
- Cuts or tears to the cervix
- Uterine rupture
- Infection (caused by a uterine rupture or incomplete abortion)
You should not take misoprostol if you have[6]:
- Previous c-sections
- Previous uterine surgeries
- Kidney disease
- Stomach ulcers
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Heart or blood vessel problems
- Dehydration
Which Is Safer: D&C or Misoprostol?
If you cannot take the abortion pill, you might consider a dilation and curettage (D&C). However, D&Cs also carry serious risks.
Asherman’s Syndrome
Asherman’s Syndrome occurs when scar tissue builds up inside the uterus.[7] Women who have had multiple D&Cs face greater risk.
In the first trimester, up to 13% of women develop this condition after a D&C. For later procedures, the risk jumps to 30%.[8]
Cervical Damage
The cervix can tear during a D&C. Your provider may need to give you medicine or stitch the wound to stop bleeding.[9]
Uterine Perforation
Surgical tools used in a D&C may accidentally create a hole in the uterus. The wound may heal on its own. But if an organ is damaged, you may need surgery.[9]
Making Your Decision with Support and Care
If you’re considering a misoprostol only abortion, it’s crucial to get the facts first. At Family Life Pregnancy Center, we’re committed to helping you make safe, informed decisions about your pregnancy. We offer:
- Free pregnancy tests
- Free ultrasounds
- A safe, confidential space to ask questions and explore all your options
Give us a call at (661) 823-8255 or schedule your appointment online today.
Please be aware that Family Life Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can misoprostol work without mifepristone?
Yes, misoprostol can work without mifepristone. However, it is less effective than using both medications together. You’ll need to take multiple doses of misoprostol alone instead of the standard two-pill regimen.
How long does a misoprostol only abortion take?
The timeline varies by individual. You’ll take multiple doses of misoprostol over several hours or days. Cramping and bleeding typically begin within a few hours of the first dose.
Is it safe to order misoprostol online?
No. Never order misoprostol online without a prescription. You need medical supervision to ensure proper dosing and to monitor for complications. Always consult with a healthcare provider.
Sources
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- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
- Mayo Clinic. (2024, June 28). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2025, January 17). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
- Schreiber, C. A., Creinin, M. D., Atrio, J., Sonalkar, S., Ratcliffe, S. J., & Barnhart, K. (2018, June 7). Mifepristone Pretreatment for the Medical Management of Early Pregnancy Loss. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29874535/
- Krugh, M., & Maani, C. V. (2023, April 21). Misoprostol. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539873/
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, February 1). Misoprostol (Oral Route) Side Effects. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064805?p=1
- Asherman’s Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, January 8). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16561-ashermans-syndrome
- Smikle, C., Yarrarapu, S. N. S., & Khetarpal, S. (2023, July 24). Asherman Syndrome. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448088/
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, October 19). Dilation and Curettage (D&C). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910