Rouge Pills
Supports YOU to self-manage your abortion with pills
How To Use
Mifepristone +
Misoprostol for Abortion
There is no way to “reverse” the effects of mifepristone. However, mifepristone does not always end a pregnancy on its own. For the best chances of having a complete medication abortion, misoprostol should be taken as well.
Misoprostol is the medication that causes the uterus to cramp and pass the tissue.
Misoprostol works by causing the strong uterine contractions necessary to expel the contents of your uterus.
You take misoprostol 24-48 hours after mifepristone.
​Misoprostol is most effective when absorbed by a mucus membrane, like the tissue between the gums and our cheeks, the area beneath the tongue.
1 dose of misoprostol = 4 pills of 200 mcg pills if you are under 12 weeks.
Day 1: Take Mifepristone
STEP 1:
Swallow 1 pill of mifepristone (200mg) with water.
Most people do not feel symptoms after taking mifepristone.
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Normally, you can continue with your life as normal.
Some people DO report bleeding or nausea after taking mifepristone.
Taking Misoprostol:
Misoprostol works by causing the strong uterine contractions necessary to expel the contents of your uterus.
You take misoprostol 24-48 hours after mifepristone. ​Misoprostol is most effective when absorbed in a mucus membrane, like the tissue between the gums and cheeks or the vaginal walls. One dose for misoprostol = 4 pills of 200 mcg each
There are three ways to take Misoprostol:
Sublingual
(under the tongue)
Buccal
(Between the cheeks and teeth)
Vaginal
(place pills on walls of vaginal canal)
It is important these medicines dissolve for at least 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, swallow the remnants.
Sublingual, buccal, and vaginal administration of misoprostol have comparable rates of effectiveness.
It is important these medicines stay in contact with the mucus membrane for at least 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, swallow the remnants.
If you vomit before 20 minutes, you may need to repeat your misoprostol dosage after your nausea goes away.
If your pills don’t start dissolving within the first 10 minutes, you may need to dip it for 3 seconds in a glass of water.
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The whole abortion process can take between a few days and 4-6 weeks from the time you take mifepristone until the time you stop bleeding or have your next period.
Bleeding may continue on and off for up to 4-6 weeks, but the average length of bleeding is 2 weeks. It is important to plan ahead for this, and make sure you have time to rest when you take the misoprostol.
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The pills mimic the process of a miscarriage. The secrets to gauging the level of pain you may experience during an abortion can be found in the intensity (or lack thereof) of your menstruation or previous births/abortions may give you an idea of what to expect.
However, every pregnancy, abortion, and miscarriage are different.
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Always trust your body to alert you to anything that doesn’t feel normal. Our team of Rouge Doulas is always here to support you if you have any questions.
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Day 2-3 :
Take Misoprostol
For Pregnancies 12 weeks and under:
1 dose of misoprostol = 4 pills (200mcg each)
For Pregnancies 12 weeks and above:
1 dose of misoprostol = 2 pills (200mg)
IMPORTANT:
Currently, there is no way to detect misoprostol in the bloodstream. However, chalky remnants of the pills can be seen in the vaginal canal for days after the pills have been inserted. If you live in a country where abortion is restricted, the buccal or sublingual routes are advised.
How Many Doses of Misoprostol Do I Need?
For early abortion (less than 12 weeks), 1 dose of misoprostol may be sufficient. Sometimes it is necessary to continue taking more doses every 4 three hours. Try to have at least 12 misoprostol pills on hand for early abortion.
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Many people start bleeding within a few hours of taking misoprostol, but it can take up to 24 hours to begin.
Some people bleed quite a bit, and the embryo/ fetus passes easily. Others don’t bleed at all right away, or the process can take even a few more days for the body to pass it. If you have any questions during your process, contact a Rouge Doula for support.
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It is crucial to pay close attention to your body. Monitor your bleeding, and pay close attention to when the embryo/fetus passes. Some people feel pressure and then release as the pregnancy passes. Once this has occurred, the majority of the abortion is complete. Before 9 weeks of pregnancy, it can be more difficult to pinpoint when the embryo passes. Having bleeding and passing clots, even if they’re small, and feeling a decrease in pregnancy symptoms are very good signs of success.
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If you feel like you have NOT bled enough, you may need to take more misoprostol.
Second Trimester Abortion with Mifepristone and Misoprostol
Similarly to first trimester abortion, you take:
1 pill (200mg) of mifepristone swallowed with water.
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24-48 hours later you will take misoprostol.
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misoprostol is always taken sublingually, buccally or vaginally. It must dissolve in the mucus membrane in these parts of the body for at least 30 minutes.
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​In the second trimester, your body will be more sensitive to misoprostol.
The dose in the second trimester is:
2 pills of 200mcg each of misoprostol.
If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant, you will need to take doses of 2 misoprostol every 3 hours until the process is complete.
For example:
Dose 1: Take 2 pills of 200 mcg each of misoprostol. Wait 3 hours.
Dose 2: Take 2 pills of 200 mcg each of misoprostol. Wait 3 hours.
Dose 3: Take 2 pills of 200 mcg each of misoprostol.
Repeat doses, every 3 hours until you feel that the process is complete, and you have passed the fetus.
