Mifegymiso (Medical Abortion)
Mifegymiso is an oral medication available by prescription and covered through OHIP. This pill can be effective up to 63 days (or 9 weeks) of pregnancy. This medication is sold in 55 countries and has been used safely in France for over 25 years. If taken as prescribed, this medication is proven to be 95% effective.
The medical abortion process involves three appointments with our clinic:
During your first appointment, we will obtain your health history, organize any investigations you will require, review the medication (Mifegymiso), and answer any questions you may have. Any necessary bloodwork can be completed in our clinic. If you require an ultrasound, we will provide a requisition for you.
During your second appointment, you will be scheduled with the physician. They will review the results of your investigations and answer any questions you may have. If you decide that you would like to move forward with this option, they will provide you with a prescription and arrange your follow up.
During your third appointment, we will confirm that the abortion was successful and discuss any next steps or further follow up.
What to expect with Mifegymiso
The medication comes in two steps:
Step 1: You will take the first medication, mifepristone (green box), by mouth. Some people can experience bleeding between the first and second step of treatment, however this does not happen in every case.
Please be advised that once you have taken the first step of medication, you will need to complete the process by taking the second medication.
Step 2: 24 – 48 hours after taking mifepristone, you will take the second medication, misoprostol (orange box). This medication is taken by holding the four (4) tablets in your mouth between the cheek and gum, for 30 minutes. Any fragments left after can be swallowed with water. Within a few hours of taking this medication, you can expect some vaginal bleeding, cramps and passing of tissue, similar to a heavy period. You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, or fatigue. These symptoms typically last a short period of time and should stop on their own.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Dimenhydrinate (Gravol)
- Heating pad
- Hygiene pads
Approximately 7-10 days after you have taken Mifegymiso, we complete the third appointment. We can begin to discuss birth control options with you at this time.
In the rare case that your abortion is incomplete, we will discuss your options moving forward.
Please be advised that you can become pregnant as soon as 8 days after an abortion. We recommend using a barrier method of contraception (ie. condoms).
